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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30482 ***
+
+ The
+
+ International Spy
+
+ BEING THE SECRET HISTORY
+ OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR
+
+ BY
+
+ ALLEN UPWARD
+
+ ("_Monsieur A. V._")
+
+ AUTHOR OF "UNDERGROUND HISTORY," ETC.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+
+ CHICAGO  NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1904, 1905, BY
+
+ THE PEARSON PUBLISHING CO.
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY
+
+ G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY.
+
+ _Entered at Stationers' Hall._
+
+ The International Spy.
+
+ Made in U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                               PAGE
+
+         PROLOGUE--THE TWO EMPRESSES                     9
+
+      I. THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----             17
+
+     II. THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT                      24
+
+    III. THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE           36
+
+     IV. THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH                           45
+
+      V. A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY                        54
+
+     VI. DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED                          63
+
+    VII. THE RACE FOR SIBERIA                           71
+
+   VIII. THE CZAR'S MESSAGE                             76
+
+     IX. THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH                       87
+
+      X. THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO                       96
+
+     XI. WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND               107
+
+    XII. THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN                   113
+
+   XIII. HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS                         123
+
+    XIV. THE SUBMARINE MINE                            130
+
+     XV. THE ADVISOR OF NICHOLAS II                    139
+
+    XVI. A STRANGE CONFESSION                          145
+
+   XVII. A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT                       159
+
+  XVIII. THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN                        169
+
+    XIX. THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY                180
+
+     XX. THE DEVIL'S AUCTION                           192
+
+    XXI. THE FUNERAL                                   199
+
+   XXII. A PERILOUS MOMENT                             210
+
+  XXIII. A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST                    217
+
+   XXIV. A SECRET EXECUTION                            224
+
+    XXV. A CHANGE OF IDENTITY                          233
+
+   XXVI. TRAPPED                                       240
+
+  XXVII. THE BALTIC FLEET                              246
+
+ XXVIII. ON THE TRACK                                  256
+
+   XXIX. AN IMPERIAL FANATIC                           264
+
+    XXX. THE STOLEN SUBMARINE                          272
+
+   XXXI. THE KIEL CANAL                                279
+
+  XXXII. THE DOGGER BANK                               287
+
+ XXXIII. TRAFALGAR DAY                                 292
+
+  XXXIV. THE FAMILY STATUTE                            300
+
+         EPILOGUE                                      308
+
+
+
+
+The International Spy
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE[A]
+
+THE TWO EMPRESSES
+
+[Footnote A: The author desires to state that this history should be
+read as a work of imagination simply, and not as authentic.]
+
+
+"Look!"
+
+A fair, delicately-molded hand, on which glittered gems worth a
+raja's loyalty, was extended in the direction of the sea.
+
+Half a mile out, where the light ripples melted away into a blue and
+white haze upon the water, a small black smudge, like the back of a
+porpoise, seemed to be sliding along the surface.
+
+But it was not a porpoise, for out of it there rose a thin, black
+shaft, scarcely higher than a flag-staff, and from the top of this
+thin shaft there trickled a faint wreathing line of smoke, just
+visible against the background of sky and sea.
+
+"It is a submarine! What is it doing there?"
+
+The exclamation, followed by the question, came from the second,
+perhaps the fairer, of two women of gracious and beautiful presence,
+who were pacing, arm linked in arm, along a marble terrace
+overlooking a famous northern strait.
+
+The terrace on which they stood formed part of a stately palace,
+built by a king of the North who loved to retire in the summer time
+from his bustling capital, and gather his family around him in this
+romantic home.
+
+From here, as from a watch-tower, could be seen the fleets of
+empires, the crowded shipping of many a rich port and the humbler
+craft of the fisherman, passing and repassing all day long between
+the great inland sea of the North and the broad western ocean.
+
+Along this narrow channel had once swept the long ships of the
+Vikings, setting forth on those terrible raids which devastated half
+Europe and planted colonies in England and France and far-off Italy.
+But to-day the scene was a scene of peace. The martial glory of the
+Dane had departed. The royal castle that stood there as if to guard
+the strait had become a rendezvous of emperors and queens and
+princes, who took advantage of its quiet precincts to lay aside the
+pomp of rule, and perhaps to bind closer those alliances of
+sovereigns which serve to temper the fierce rivalries of their
+peoples.
+
+The pair who stood gazing, one with curiosity and wonder, the other
+with an interest of a more painful character, at the sinister object
+on the horizon, were imperial sisters. Born in the tiny sea kingdom,
+they had lived to wear the crowns of the greatest two realms the
+world has ever seen, two empires which between them covered half the
+surface of our planet, and included one-third of its inhabitants.
+
+But though sundered in interests they were not divided in affection.
+As they stood side by side, still linked together, it was evident
+that no common sympathy united them.
+
+The one who had been first to draw attention to the mysterious craft,
+and whose dress showed somber touches which spoke of widowhood,
+answered her sister's question:
+
+"I never see one of those vessels without a shudder. I have an
+instinct which warns me that they are destined to play a dangerous,
+perhaps a fatal, part in the future. What is that boat doing here, in
+Danish waters?--I do not know. But it can be here for no good. If a
+war ever broke out in which we were concerned, the Sound would be our
+first line of defense on the west. It would be mined, by us, perhaps;
+if not, by our enemy. Who can tell whether that submarine has not
+been sent out by some Power which is already plotting against peace,
+to explore the bed of the strait, with a view to laying down mines
+hereafter?"
+
+The other Empress listened with a grave countenance.
+
+"I hope your fears are not well founded. I can think of no Power that
+is ever likely to attack you. It is my nephew, or rather those who
+surround him, from whom the signal for war is likely to come, if it
+ever does come."
+
+The widowed Empress bowed her head.
+
+"You know what my hopes and wishes are," she answered. "If my son
+listened to me there would be no fear of his departing from the
+peaceful ways of my dear husband. But there are secret influences
+always at work, as stealthy in their nature as that very craft----"
+
+The speaker paused as she glanced 'round in search of the black
+streak and gray smoke-wreath which had attracted her notice a minute
+before. But she looked in vain.
+
+Like a phantom the submarine had disappeared, leaving no trace of its
+presence.
+
+The Empress uttered an ejaculation of dismay, which was echoed by her
+sister.
+
+"Where is it now? Where did it go? Has it sunk, or has it gone back
+to where it came from?"
+
+To these questions there could be no answer. The smooth waters
+glistened in the sunlight as merrily as if no threatening craft was
+gliding beneath the surface on some errand fraught with danger to the
+world.
+
+"Perhaps they saw they were observed, and dived under for
+concealment," suggested the second Empress.
+
+Her sister sighed gently.
+
+"I was telling you that that submarine was a type of the secret
+dangers which beset us. I know, beyond all doubt, that there are men
+in the innermost circle of the Court, men who have my son's ear, and
+can do almost what they like with him, who are at heart longing for a
+great war, and are always working underground to bring it about. And
+if they succeed, and we are taken unprepared by a stronger foe, there
+will be a revolution which may cost my son his throne, if not his
+life."
+
+There was a brief silence. Then the Empress who had listened to this
+declaration murmured in a low voice:
+
+"Heaven grant that the war is not one between you and us!"
+
+"Heaven grant it!" was the fervent reply. And then, after a moment's
+reflection, the widowed Empress added in an eager voice:
+
+"But we--cannot we do something to avert such a fearful calamity?"
+
+Her sister pressed her arm as though to assure her of sympathy.
+
+"Yes, yes," the other continued. "We can do much if we will. Though
+my son does not always take my advice, he has never yet refused to
+listen to me. And in moments of grave stress he sometimes consults
+me of his own accord. And I know that you, too, have influence. Your
+people worship you. Your husband----"
+
+The Western Empress interrupted gently:
+
+"I cannot play the part that you play. I do not claim the right to be
+consulted, or to give direct advice. Do not ask me to step outside my
+sphere. I can give information; I can be a channel sometimes between
+your Court and ours, a channel which you can trust as I fear you
+cannot always trust your ministers and diplomatic agents. More than
+that I should not like to promise."
+
+"But that is very much," was the grateful response. "That may be
+quite enough. Provided we can arrange a code by which I can always
+communicate with you safely and secretly, it may be possible to avert
+war at any time."
+
+"What do you propose?"
+
+"It is very simple. If any crisis comes about through no fault of my
+son's--if the party who are conspiring to make a war arrange some
+unexpected _coup_ which we could not foresee or prevent--and if I am
+sure that my son sincerely desires peace, I can send you a
+message--one word will be enough--which you can take as an assurance
+that we mean to put ourselves right with you, and to thwart the
+plotters."
+
+The Western Empress bowed her head.
+
+"I accept the mission. And the word--what shall it be?"
+
+The other glanced 'round the horizon once more, and then, bending her
+lips to her imperial sister's ear, whispered a single word.
+
+The two great women who had just exchanged a pledge for the peace of
+the world were moving slowly along the terrace again, when the
+Western sister said, thoughtfully,
+
+"I think I know another way to aid you."
+
+The Eastern Empress halted, and gazed at her with eagerness.
+
+"I know the difficulties that surround you," her sister pursued, "and
+that the greatest of them all is having no one in your service whom
+you can entirely and absolutely trust."
+
+"That is so," was the mournful admission.
+
+"Now I have heard of a man--I have never actually employed him
+myself, but I have heard of him from those who have, and they tell me
+he is incorruptible. In addition, he is a man who has never
+experienced the sensation of fear, and his abilities are so great
+that he has been called in to solve almost every problem of
+international politics that has arisen in recent years."
+
+"But this man--how can he be obtained?"
+
+"At present he is retained in our secret service. I must not conceal
+from you that he is partly a Pole by descent, and as such he has no
+love for your Empire. But if it were made clear to him that in
+serving you he was serving us, and defeating the designs of the
+anti-popular and despotic clique at your Court, I feel sure he would
+consent to place himself at your disposal."
+
+The Eastern Empress listened intently to her sister's words. At the
+close she said,
+
+"Thank you. I will try this man, if you can prevail on him to come to
+me. What is his name?"
+
+"I expect you must have heard of him already, It is----"
+
+"_Monsieur V----?_"
+
+The second Empress nodded.
+
+No more was said.
+
+The two imperial figures passed away along the terrace, silhouetted
+against the red and stormy sunset sky, like two ministering spirits
+of peace brooding over a battleground of blood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----
+
+
+The great monarch by whose gracious command I write this narrative
+has given me his permission to preface it with the following
+remarkable document:
+
+      _Minute_: It is considered that it cannot but promote the
+      cause of peace and good understanding between the British
+      and Russian Governments if Monsieur V---- be authorized to
+      relate in the columns of some publication enjoying a wide
+      circulation, the steps by which he was enabled to throw
+      light on the occurrences in the North Sea.
+
+                         _By the Cabinet._
+
+In addition, I desire to state for the benefit of those who profess
+to see some impropriety in the introduction of real names into a
+narrative of this kind, that objections precisely similar to theirs
+were long ago raised, and long ago disposed of, in the case of
+Parliamentary reports, newspaper articles, society papers, and comic
+publications of all kinds; and, further, that I have never received
+the slightest intimation that my literary methods were displeasing to
+the illustrious personages whom my narratives are intended to honor.
+
+With this apology I may be permitted to proceed.
+
+On a certain day in the winter which preceded the outbreak of war
+between Russia and Japan, I received a summons to Buckingham Palace,
+London, to interview the Marquis of Bedale.
+
+I am unable to fix the precise date, as I have forsworn the dangerous
+practice of keeping a diary ever since the head of the French police
+convinced me that he had deciphered a code telegram of mine to the
+Emperor of Morocco.
+
+The Marquis and I were old friends, and, anticipating that I should
+find myself required to start immediately on some mission which might
+involve a long absence from my headquarters in Paris, I took my
+confidential secretary with me as far as the British capital,
+utilizing the time taken by the journey in instructing him how to
+deal with the various affairs I had in hand.
+
+I had just finished explaining to him the delicate character of the
+negotiation then pending between the new King of Servia and Prince
+Ferdinand of Bulgaria, when the train rolled into Charing Cross.
+
+Not wishing any one, however high in my confidence, to know too much
+of my movements, I ordered him to remain seated in the railway
+carriage, while I slipped out of the station and into the closed
+brougham for which I had telegraphed from Dover.
+
+I had said in the wire that I wished to be driven to a hotel in
+Piccadilly. It was not till I found myself in Cockspur Street that I
+pulled the check-string, and ordered the coachman to take me to
+Buckingham Palace.
+
+I mention these details in order to show that my precautions to
+insure secrecy are always of the most thorough character, so that, in
+fact, it would be quite impossible for any one to unveil my
+proceedings unless I voluntarily opened my lips.
+
+The instructions which I received from Lord Bedale were brief and to
+the point:
+
+"You are aware, of course, Monsieur V----, that there is a
+possibility of war breaking out before long between Russia and
+Japan."
+
+"It is more than a possibility, I am afraid, my lord. Things have
+gone so far that I do not believe it is any longer possible to avert
+war."
+
+His lordship appeared gravely concerned.
+
+"Do you tell me that it is too late for you to interfere with
+effect?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Even for me," I replied with firmness.
+
+Lord Bedale threw at me a glance almost imploring in its entreaty.
+
+"If you were to receive the most ample powers, the most liberal
+funds; if you were to be placed in direct communication with one of
+the most exalted personages in the Court of St Petersburg--would it
+still be impossible?"
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"Your lordship should have sent for me a fortnight ago. We have lost
+twelve days, that is to say, twelve battles."
+
+The Marquis of Bedale looked more and more distressed.
+
+"At least you can try?" he suggested.
+
+"I can try. But I am not omnipotent, my lord," I reminded him.
+
+He breathed a sigh of relief before going on to say:
+
+"But that is only the preliminary. Great Britain is bound to come to
+the assistance of Japan in certain contingencies."
+
+"In the event of her being attacked by a second Power," I observed.
+
+"Precisely. I rely on you to prevent that contingency arising."
+
+"That is a much easier matter, I confess."
+
+"Then you undertake to keep the war from extending to us?"
+
+"I undertake to keep a second Power from attacking Japan," I answered
+cautiously.
+
+Lord Bedale was quick to perceive my reservation.
+
+"But in that case we cannot be involved, surely?" he objected.
+
+"I cannot undertake to keep you from attacking Russia," I explained
+grimly.
+
+"But we should not dream of attacking her--without provocation," he
+returned, bewildered.
+
+"I fancy you will have a good deal of provocation," I retorted.
+
+"Why? What makes you think that?" he demanded.
+
+I suspected that Lord Bedale was either sounding me, or else that he
+had not been taken into the full confidence of those for whom he was
+acting.
+
+I responded evasively:
+
+"There are two personages in Europe, neither of whom will leave one
+stone unturned in the effort to involve you in war with Russia."
+
+"And they are?"
+
+Even as he put the question, Lord Bedale, as though acting
+unconsciously, raised one hand to his mustache, and gave it a
+pronounced upward twirl.
+
+"I see your lordship knows one of them," I remarked. "The other----"
+
+He bent forward eagerly.
+
+"Yes? The other?"
+
+"The other is a woman."
+
+"A woman?"
+
+He fell back in his chair in sheer surprise.
+
+"The other," I repeated in my most serious tone, "is a woman, perhaps
+the most formidable woman now living, not even excepting the Dowager
+Empress of China."
+
+"And her name?"
+
+"Her name would tell you nothing."
+
+"Still----"
+
+"If you really wish to hear it----"
+
+"I more than wish. I urge you."
+
+"Her name is the Princess Y----."
+
+Scarcely had the name of this dangerous and desperate woman passed my
+lips than I regretted having uttered it.
+
+Had I foreseen the perils to which I exposed myself by that single
+slip I might have hesitated in going on with my enterprise.
+
+As it was I determined to tell the Marquis of Bedale nothing more.
+
+"This business is too urgent to admit of a moment's unnecessary
+delay," I declared, rising to my feet. "If your lordship has no
+further instructions to give me, I will leave you."
+
+"One instant!" cried Lord Bedale. "On arriving in Petersburg you will
+go straight to report yourself to her majesty the Empress Dagmar."
+
+I bowed my head to conceal the expression which might have told his
+lordship that I intended to do nothing of the kind.
+
+"Your credentials," he added with a touch of theatricality, "will
+consist of a single word."
+
+"And that word?" I inquired.
+
+He handed me a sealed envelope.
+
+"I do not myself know it. It is written on a piece of paper inside
+that envelope, and I have to ask you to open the envelope, read the
+word, and then destroy the paper in my presence."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I proceeded to break the seal. But no
+sooner did my eyes fall on the word within, and above all on the
+handwriting in which that word was written, than I experienced a
+sensation of admiring pleasure.
+
+"Tell the writer, if you please, my lord, that I am grateful for this
+mark of confidence, which I shall endeavor to deserve."
+
+I rolled up the paper into a tiny pellet, swallowed it, and left the
+room and the Palace without uttering another word.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT
+
+
+I never use the same stratagem more than once. It is to this rule
+that I attribute my success.
+
+On previous missions to Russia I assumed the disguises of a French
+banker, of the private secretary to Prince Napoleon, of an emissary
+from an Indian Maharaja, and of an Abyssinian Maduga.
+
+I now decided to go thither as an Englishman, or rather--for there is
+a distinction between the two--as a Little Englander.
+
+It appeared to me that no character could be more calculated to gain
+me the confidence of the Anglophobes of the Russian Court. I
+anticipated that they would smother me with attentions, and that from
+their hypocritical professions I should stand a good chance of
+learning what was actually in their minds.
+
+No sooner had I taken this decision, which was while the brougham was
+being driven along the Mall, than I gave the order "---- House."
+
+I was driven to the office of a well known review conducted by a
+journalist of boundless philanthropy and credulity. Mr. Place--as I
+will call him--was within, and I at once came to business.
+
+"I am a Peace Crusader," I announced. "I have devoted myself to the
+sacred cause of which you are the foremost champion. At present war
+is threatened in the Far East. I am going to Russia to persuade the
+war party to abandon their designs. I have come here to ask you for
+your aid and countenance in this pious enterprise."
+
+The editor gave me a doubtful glance.
+
+"If it is a question of financial aid," he said not very
+encouragingly, "I must refer you to the treasurer of the World's
+Peace League. I am afraid our friends----"
+
+"No, no," I interrupted him. "It is not a question of funds. I am a
+wealthy man, and if you need a subscription at any time you have only
+to apply to me. What I desire is your moral support, your valuable
+advice, and perhaps a few introductions to the friends of peace in
+the Russian capital."
+
+The editor's face brightened.
+
+"Of course!" he exclaimed in cordial tones. "I will support you with
+all my heart. I will write up your mission in the _Review_, and I
+will give you as many introductions as you need. What is your name,
+again?"
+
+"Sterling. Mr. Melchisadek Sterling."
+
+The philanthropist nodded and touched a bell on his table.
+
+"I will give you a letter," he said, as his secretary came in and
+seated herself at the typewriter, "to the noblest creature I have
+ever met, a woman of high birth and immense fortune who has devoted
+herself to the cause."
+
+And turning 'round in his chair he dictated to the attentive
+secretary:
+
+"_My dear Princess Y_----"
+
+It needed all that command over my features which it has taken me
+twenty years to acquire to conceal the emotion with which I heard
+this name. Less than half an hour had passed since I had warned Lord
+Bedale that the Princess would be the most formidable enemy in my
+path, and now, on the very threshold of my enterprise, her name
+confronted me like an omen.
+
+I need not repeat the highly colored phrases in which the
+unsuspecting philanthropist commended me to this artful and
+formidable woman as a fellow-worker in the holy cause of human
+brotherhood.
+
+Not content with this service, the editor wanted to arrange a meeting
+of his league or brotherhood, or whatever it was, to give me a public
+send-off. As I understood that the meeting would partake of a
+religious character I could not bring myself to accept the offer.
+
+In addition to the letter to the Princess Y----, he gave me another
+to a member of the staff of the Russian Embassy in London, a M.
+Gudonov. He also urged me to call upon a member of Parliament, a
+rising politician who is not unlikely to have a ministerial post in
+the next government, and who has made himself known as an apologist
+of the Czar's. But as I had good reason to know that this gentleman
+was by no means a disinterested dupe, like Mr. Place, I prudently
+left him alone.
+
+On going to the Russian Embassy to have my passport viséd I inquired
+for M. Gudonov.
+
+The moment he entered the room I recognized him as one of the most
+unscrupulous agents of the notorious Third Section, one of the gang
+who drugged and kidnapped poor Alexander of Bulgaria. My own
+disguise, it is hardly necessary to say, was impenetrable.
+
+This precious apostle of peace greeted me with unction, on the
+editor's introduction.
+
+"You are going to our country on a truly noble errand," he declared,
+with tears in his eyes. "We Russians have reason to feel grateful to
+worthy Englishmen like you, who can rise above national prejudices
+and do justice to the benevolent designs of the Czar and his
+advisers."
+
+"I hope that I may be instrumental in averting a great catastrophe,"
+I said piously.
+
+"Even if you fail in preventing war," the Russian replied, "you will
+be able to tell your countrymen when you return, that it was due to
+the insane ambition of the heathen Japanese. It is the 'Yellow
+Peril,' my friend, to which that good Emperor William has drawn
+attention, from which we are trying to save Europe."
+
+I nodded my head as if well satisfied.
+
+"Whatever you and your friends in Petersburg tell me, I shall
+believe," I assured him. "I am convinced of the good intention of
+your Government."
+
+The Russian fairly grinned at this simplicity.
+
+"You cannot find a more trustworthy informant than the Princess
+Y----," he said gravely. "And just now she is in a position to know a
+very great deal."
+
+"How so?" I asked naturally--not that I doubted the statement.
+
+"The Princess has just been appointed a lady-in-waiting to her
+imperial majesty the Dowager Empress Dagmar."
+
+This was a serious blow. Knowing what I did of the past of Princess
+Y----, I felt that no ordinary pressure must have been brought to
+bear to secure her admission into the household of the Czaritza. And
+with what motive? It was a question to which there could be only one
+answer. The War Party had guessed or suspected that the Czar's mother
+was opposed to them, and they had resolved to place a spy on her
+actions.
+
+Inwardly thankful to Mr. Place for having been the means of procuring
+me this important information in advance, I received my passport and
+quitted the Embassy with the heartfelt congratulations of the
+ex-kidnapper.
+
+Forty-eight hours later I had crossed the Russian frontier, and my
+life was in the hands of the Princess.
+
+My first step on arriving in the capital of the North was to put up
+at the favorite hotel of English visitors. The coupons of a
+celebrated tourist agency were credentials in themselves, and I had
+not forgotten to provide myself with the three articles indispensable
+to the outfit of every traveling Briton--a guide book, a prayer book,
+and a bath sponge.
+
+At the risk of incurring the suspicions of the police agent stationed
+in the hotel, I mingled some hot water in the bath which I took on
+the first morning after my arrival. Then, having made my toilet and
+eaten the heavy breakfast provided for English visitors, I set out,
+suffering sadly from indigestion, to present my letter of
+introduction to the Princess.
+
+As this woman, the most brilliant recruit ever received into the
+Russian secret service, and a foe of whom I am not ashamed to confess
+that I felt some fear, has never been heard of by the public of Great
+Britain, I shall say a word concerning her.
+
+The Princess, whose Christian name was Sophia, was the daughter of a
+boyar of Little Russia. Her extraordinary beauty, while she was still
+a very young girl, attracted the attention of the governor of the
+province, Prince Y----, who was one of the wealthiest nobles in the
+Empire, and a widower. He made proposals for her hand which were
+accepted by her father, without the girl herself being asked to
+express an opinion in the matter, and at the age when an English girl
+would be leaving home for a convent or "high-school," Sophia became
+the Governor's wife.
+
+Almost immediately the Prince resigned his government and went to
+live in his splendid palace on the Nevsky Prospect, in Petersburg.
+Before very long, society in the Russian capital was startled to hear
+of the sudden deaths in rapid succession of both the Prince's
+children by his former wife, a son and a daughter. Then, after a
+brief interval, followed the tragic death of the Prince himself, who
+was found in bed one morning by his valet, with his throat cut.
+
+The almost satanic beauty and fascination of the youthful Princess
+had made her from the very first one of the most conspicuous
+personages at the Imperial Court. These three deaths, following on
+the heels of one another, roused the most dreadful suspicions, and
+the Czar Alexander III. personally charged his minister of justice
+to see that the law was carried out.
+
+Accordingly the police took possession of the palace while the corpse
+of its late owner still lay where it had been found. The most
+searching investigations were made, the servants were questioned and
+threatened, and it was rumored that the widow herself was for a short
+time under arrest.
+
+Suddenly a great change took place. The police withdrew, professing
+themselves satisfied that no crime had been committed. The deaths of
+the son and daughter were put down to natural causes, and that of the
+Prince was pronounced a suicide, due to grief at the loss of his
+children. Some of the servants disappeared--it was said into
+Siberia--and in due course the Princess resumed her place in society
+and at Court, as though nothing were amiss.
+
+Nevertheless, from that hour, as I have every reason to know, her
+life was really that of a slave to the head of the secret police. She
+appeared to go about unfettered, and to revel in the enjoyment of
+every luxury; but her time, her actions, and the vast wealth
+bequeathed to her by her husband, were all at the disposal of her
+tyrant.
+
+Time after time, in half the capitals of Europe, but more especially,
+of course, in that of Russia, I had come on traces of this terrible
+woman, not less terrible if it were true that she was herself the
+most miserable victim of the system of which she formed part.
+
+But singularly enough, though I had heard so much of the Princess I
+had never actually found myself pitted against her. And, more
+singularly still, I had never met her.
+
+From this it will be gathered that I experienced a sensation of more
+than ordinary curiosity and even apprehension as I presented myself
+at the house in the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to be admitted to the
+presence of its mistress.
+
+"Her highness is on duty at the Palace to-day," I was told by the
+chamberlain who received me in the inner hall. "Her carriage is just
+ordered to take her there. However, I will take up your letter, and
+inquire when her highness can see you."
+
+I sat down in the hall, outwardly a calm, stolid Briton, but inwardly
+a wrestler, wound up to the highest pitch of excitement and impatient
+for the sight of his antagonist.
+
+To pass the time suitably, I took my guide-book out of my pocket and
+began to read. The book opened at Herr Baedaker's description of the
+gloomy fortress of the Schlüsselburg, the dreaded prison of the foes
+of the Czar.
+
+The description did not tend to soothe my nerves, conscious as I was
+that the woman I was about to meet could consign me to the most
+noisome dungeon in the fortress by merely lifting her little finger.
+
+I was just closing the book with an involuntary shudder when I heard
+a light, almost girlish, laugh from above. I looked hastily, and saw
+the woman I had come to measure myself against standing poised like a
+bird on the top of the grand staircase.
+
+As I rose hurriedly to my feet, taking in every detail of her superb
+yet delicate figure, her complexion like a blush-rose, her lustrous
+eyes--they were dark violet on a closer view--and the cloud of
+rippling gold that framed her brow, I was moved, yes, positively
+carried away for a moment, by a sentiment such as few women have been
+able to inspire in me.
+
+Perceiving, no doubt, that she had produced the desired impression,
+the Princess ran lightly down the stairs and came toward me holding
+out two tiny hands, the fingers of which were literally gloved in
+diamonds.
+
+"My friend! My noble Englishman!" she exclaimed in the purest French.
+"And since when have you known that dear Monsieur Place?"
+
+I checked myself on the point of replying, pretended to falter, and
+then muttered in the worst French I could devise on the spur of the
+moment:
+
+"_Parlez-vous Anglais, s'il vous plaît, Madame?_"
+
+The Princess shook her head reproachfully.
+
+"You speak French too well not to understand it, I suspect," she
+retorted in the same language. Then dropping it for English, marred
+only by a slight Slavonic accent, she repeated:
+
+"But tell me,--dear Mr. Place, he is a great friend of yours, I
+suppose?"
+
+"I can hardly claim the honor of his personal friendship," I replied,
+rather lamely. "But I have always known and admired him as a public
+man."
+
+"Ah! He is so good, is he not? So generous, so confiding, so great a
+friend of our dear Russia. You know Mr. ----?"
+
+The name she uttered was that of the politician referred to above.
+She slipped it out swiftly, with the action of a cat pouncing.
+
+I shook my head with an air of distress.
+
+"I am afraid I am not important enough to know such a great man as
+that," I said with affected humility.
+
+The Princess hastened to relieve my embarrassment.
+
+"What is that to us!" she exclaimed. "You are an Englishman, you are
+benevolent, upright, truthful, and you esteem our country. Such men
+are always welcome in Russia. The Czaritza is waiting for me; but you
+will come back and dine with me, if not to-night, then to-morrow, or
+the next day. I will send an invitation to your hotel. My friends
+shall call on you. You are staying at the----?"
+
+I mentioned the name of the hotel, murmuring my thanks.
+
+"That is nothing," the beautiful woman went on in the same eager
+strain. "I shall have good news for you when we meet again, believe
+me. Yes--" she lowered her voice almost to a whisper--"our dear Czar
+is going to take the negotiations into his own hands. So it is said.
+His majesty is determined to preserve peace. The odious intrigues of
+the War group will be defeated, I can assure you. You will not be
+disappointed, my dear Mr.----" she snatched the editor's letter from
+her muff and glanced at it--"Mr. Sterling, if I tell you that you are
+going to have your journey for nothing. You will have a good time in
+Petersburg, all the same. But believe me when I tell you so, your
+journey will fortunately be for nothing!"
+
+And with the repetition of these words, and another bright bow and
+look which dazzled my senses, the wonderful creature swept past me to
+where the chamberlain stood ready to hand her into her carriage.
+
+For nothing?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE
+
+
+No reader can have failed to notice one remarkable point in the
+interview between the Princess Y---- and myself. I refer of course to
+her invitation to me to dine with her in the course of a day or two.
+
+Unless the etiquette of the Russian Court differed greatly from that
+of most others in Europe, it would be most indecorous for a
+lady-in-waiting, during her turn of service, to give entertainments
+at her private house.
+
+I felt certain that this invitation concealed some trap, but I
+puzzled myself uselessly in trying to guess what it could be.
+
+In the meantime I did not neglect certain other friends of mine in
+the city on the Neva, from whom I had some hope of receiving
+assistance.
+
+Although I have never gone so far as to enroll myself as an active
+Nihilist, I am what is known as an Auxiliary. In other words, without
+being under the orders of the great secret committee which wages
+underground war with the Russian Government, I have sometimes
+rendered it voluntary services, and I have at all times the privilege
+of communicating with it, and exchanging information.
+
+While waiting for the next move on the part of the Princess,
+therefore, I decided to get in touch with the revolutionists.
+
+I made my way on foot to a certain tavern situated near the port, and
+chiefly patronized by German and Scandinavian sailors.
+
+The host of the Angel Gabriel, as the house was called, was a
+Nihilist of old standing, and one of their most useful agents for
+introducing forbidden literature into the empire.
+
+Printed mostly in London, in a suburb called Walworth, the
+revolutionary tracts are shipped to Bergen or Lubeck, and brought
+thence by these sailors concealed in their bedding. At night, after
+the customs officers have departed, a boat with a false keel puts off
+from a quay higher up the Neva, and passes down the river to where
+the newly arrived ship is lying; the packages are dropped overboard
+as it drifts past the side and hidden under the bottom boards; and
+then the boat returns up the river, where its cargo is transferred to
+the cellars of the tavern.
+
+The host, a namesake of the Viceroy of Manchuria, was serving in the
+bar when I came in. I called for a glass of vodka, and in doing so
+made the sign announcing myself as an Auxiliary.
+
+Alexieff said nothing in reply, but the sailors lounging in the bar
+began to finish off their drinks and saunter out one by one, till in
+a short time the place was empty.
+
+"Well?" said the tavern-keeper, as soon as we were alone.
+
+It was not my first visit to the Angel Gabriel, and I lost no time in
+convincing Alexieff of my identity. As soon as he recognized me, I
+said:--
+
+"You know the Princess Y----?"
+
+The expression of rage and fear which convulsed his features was a
+sufficient answer.
+
+"You know, moreover, that she is at present working her hardest to
+bring about a war between Russia and Japan, with the hope of
+ultimately involving Great Britain?"
+
+He nodded sullenly.
+
+"How does that affect your friends?" I asked cautiously. Something in
+the man's face warned me not to show my own hand just then.
+
+"We hate her, of course," he said grudgingly, "but just now we have
+received orders that she is not to be interfered with."
+
+I drew a deep breath.
+
+"Then you regard this war----?"
+
+"We regard it as the beginning of the revolution," he answered. "We
+know that the Empire is utterly unprepared. The Viceroy Alexieff is a
+vain boaster. Port Arthur is not provisioned. The Navy is rotten. The
+Army cannot be recruited except by force. The taxes are already
+excessive and cannot be increased. In short, we look forward to see
+the autocracy humiliated. The moment its prestige is gone, and the
+moujik feels the pinch of famine, our chance will come."
+
+I saw that I had come to the wrong quarter for assistance.
+
+"Then you will do nothing against this woman at present?" I remarked,
+anxious to leave the impression that she was the only object of my
+concern.
+
+"No. At least not until war is definitely declared. After that I
+cannot say."
+
+"And you think the war sure to come?"
+
+"We are certain of it. One of our most trusted members is on the
+board of the Manchurian Syndicate."
+
+"The Syndicate which has obtained the concessions in Korea?"
+
+"Against which Japan has protested, yes."
+
+I felt the full force of this announcement, having watched the
+proceedings of the Syndicate for some months for reasons of my own.
+
+Every student of modern history has remarked the fact that all recent
+wars have been promoted by great combinations of capitalists. The
+causes which formerly led to war between nation and nation have
+ceased to operate. Causes, or at least pretexts, for war continue to
+occur, but whether they are followed up depends mainly on commercial
+considerations. A distant Government is oppressing its subjects, it
+may be in Turkey, it may be in Cuba, it may be in Africa. No matter,
+some great Power suddenly discovers it is interested; the drums are
+beaten, the flag is unfurled, and armies are launched on their path.
+The next year, perhaps, the same Power sees its own subjects
+massacred wantonly off its own coasts by a foreign fleet. Nothing
+happens; a few speeches are made, and the whole incident is referred
+to arbitration, and forgotten.
+
+It is the consideration of money which decides between peace and war.
+
+Perceiving it was useless to ask any assistance of the Nihilists in
+my forlorn enterprise, I returned sadly to my hotel.
+
+Hardly had I finished the immense lunch on which I was compelled to
+gorge myself, when a waiter brought me a card, the name on which gave
+me an electric shock.
+
+"_M. Petrovitch._"
+
+Every one has heard of this man, the promoter of the Manchurian
+Syndicate, and, if report spoke truly, the possessor of an influence
+over the young Czar which could be attributed only to some occult
+art.
+
+I could not doubt that this powerful personage had been instigated to
+call on me by the Princess Y----.
+
+What then? Was it likely that she would have sent the most
+influential man in the imperial circle to wait upon a traveling
+fanatic, a visionary humanitarian from Exeter Hall?
+
+Impossible! Somehow something must have leaked out to rouse the
+suspicions of this astute plotter, and make her guess that I was not
+what I seemed.
+
+It was with the sensations of a man struggling in the meshes of an
+invisible net that I saw M. Petrovitch enter the room.
+
+The celebrated wire-puller, whose name was familiar to every
+statesman and stock-broker in Europe, had an appearance very unlike
+his reputation.
+
+He was the court dandy personified. Every detail of his dress was
+elaborated to the point of effeminacy. His hands were like a girl's,
+his long hair was curled and scented, he walked with a limp and spoke
+with a lisp, removing a gold-tipped cigarette from his well-displayed
+teeth.
+
+As the smoke of the cigarette drifted toward me, I was conscious of
+an acute, but imperfect, twinge of memory. The sense of smell, though
+the most neglected, is the most reliable sense with which we are
+furnished. I could not be mistaken in thinking I had smelt tobacco
+like that before.
+
+"I have come to see you without losing a moment, Mr. Sterling," he
+said in very good English. "My good friend Madame Y---- sent me a
+note from the Palace to beg me to show you every attention. It is too
+bad that an ambassador of peace--a friend of that great and good man,
+Place, should be staying in a hotel, while hundreds of Russians would
+be delighted to welcome him as their guest. My house is a poor one,
+it is true, and I am hardly of high enough rank, still----"
+
+The intriguer was asking me to transfer myself to his roof, to become
+his prisoner, in effect.
+
+"I cannot thank you enough," I responded, "but I am not going to
+stay. The Princess has convinced me that the war-cloud will blow
+over, and I think of going on to Constantinople to intercede with the
+Sultan on behalf of the Armenians."
+
+"A noble idea," M. Petrovitch responded warmly. "What would the world
+do without such men as you? But at all events you will dine with me
+before you go?"
+
+It was the second invitation to dinner I had received that day. But,
+after all, I could hardly suspect a trap in everything.
+
+"Do you share the hopes of the Princess?" I asked M. Petrovitch,
+after thanking him for his hospitality.
+
+The syndicate-monger nodded.
+
+"I have been working night and day for peace," he declared
+impudently, "and I think I may claim that I have done some good. The
+Japanese are seeking for an excuse to attack us, but they will not
+get it."
+
+"The Manchurian Syndicate?" I ventured to hint, rising to go to the
+bell.
+
+"The Syndicate is wholly in favor of peace," he assured me, watching
+my movement with evident curiosity. "We require it, in fact, to
+develop our mines, our timber concessions, our----"
+
+A waiter entered in response to my ring.
+
+"Bring me some cigarettes--your best," I ordered him.
+
+As the man retreated it was borne in on my guest that he had been
+guilty of smoking in my room without offering me his case.
+
+"A thousand pardons!" he exclaimed. "Won't you try one of mine?"
+
+I took a cigarette from the case he held out, turned it between my
+fingers, and lit it from the end farthest from the maker's imprint.
+
+"If I am satisfied that all danger is removed I should be inclined to
+apply for some shares in your undertaking," I said, giving the
+promoter a meaning look.
+
+From the expression in his eyes it was evident that this precious
+scoundrel was ready to sell Czar, Russia and fellow-promoters all
+together.
+
+While he was struggling between his natural greed and his suspicion
+the waiter reentered with some boxes of cigarettes.
+
+I smelt the tobacco of each and made my choice, at the same time
+pitching the half-smoked cigarette given to me by M. Petrovitch into
+the fireplace, among the ashes.
+
+"Your tobacco is a little too strong for me," I remarked by way of
+excuse.
+
+But the Russian was wrapped up in the thought of the bribe at which I
+had just hinted.
+
+"I shall bear in mind what you say," he declared, as he rose.
+
+"Depend upon it, if it is possible for me to meet your wishes, I
+shall be happy to do so."
+
+I saw him go off, like a fish with the bait in its mouth. Directly
+the door closed behind him I sprang to the fireplace, rescued the
+still burning cigarette and quenched it, and then, carefully brushing
+away the dust, read the maker's brand once more.
+
+An hour later simultaneous messages were speeding over the wires to
+my correspondents in London, Amsterdam and Hamburg:
+
+      Ascertain what becomes of all cigarettes made by
+      Gregorides; brand, Crown Aa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH
+
+
+The next morning at breakfast I found the two invitations already
+promised. That of the head of the Manchurian Syndicate was for the
+same night.
+
+Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason for
+this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the Marquis
+of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager Empress in
+person.
+
+Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty, I
+drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
+livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
+by an equerry.
+
+"I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give to
+her majesty in person," I told him. "Be good enough to let her know
+that the messenger from the Queen of England has arrived."
+
+He went out of the room, and at the end of ten minutes the door
+opened again and admitted--the Princess Y----!
+
+Overpowered by this unlucky accident, as I at first supposed it to
+be, I rose to my feet, muttering some vague phrase of courtesy.
+
+But the Princess soon showed me that the meeting did not take her by
+surprise.
+
+"So you have a message for my dear mistress?" she cried in an accent
+of gay reproach. "And you never breathed a word of it to me. Mr.
+Sterling, I shall begin to think you are a conspirator. _How_ long
+did you say you had known that good Mr. Place? But I am talking while
+her majesty is waiting. Have you any password by which the Czaritza
+will know whom you come from?"
+
+"I can tell that only to her majesty, I am afraid," I answered
+guardedly.
+
+"I am in her majesty's confidence."
+
+And bringing her exquisite face so near to mine that I was oppressed
+by the scent of the tuberoses in her bosom, she whispered three
+syllables in my ear.
+
+Dismayed by this proof of the fatal progress the dangerous police
+agent had already made, I could only admit by a silent bow that the
+password was correct.
+
+"Then come with me, Mr. Sterling," the Princess said with what
+sounded like a malicious accent on the name.
+
+The reception which I met from the Dowager Empress was gracious in
+the extreme. I need not recount all that passed. Her imperial majesty
+repeated with evident sincerity the assurances which had already
+been given me in a different spirit by the two arch-intriguers.
+
+"There will be no war. The Czar has personally intervened. He has
+taken the negotiations out of the hands of Count Lamsdorff, and
+written an autograph letter to the Mikado which will put an end to
+the crisis."
+
+I listened with a distrust which I could not wholly conceal.
+
+"I trust his majesty has not intervened too late," I said
+respectfully, my mind bent on framing some excuse to get rid of the
+listener. "According to the newspapers the patience of the Japanese
+is nearly exhausted."
+
+"No more time will be lost," the Czaritza responded. "The messenger
+leaves Petersburg to-night with the Czar's letter."
+
+I stole a cautious glance in the direction of the Princess Y----. She
+was breathing deeply, her eyes fixed on the Czaritza's lips, and her
+hands tightly clenched.
+
+I put on an air of great relief.
+
+"In that case, your majesty, I have no more to do in Petersburg. I
+will wire the good news to Lord Bedale, and return to England
+to-morrow or the next day. I beg your pardon, Princess!" I pretended
+to exclaim by a sudden afterthought, "_after_ the next day." And
+turning once more to the mother of the Czar, I explained:
+
+"The Princess has honored me with an invitation to dinner."
+
+The Dowager Empress glanced at her attendant in evident surprise.
+
+"I must implore your pardon, Madam," the Princess stammered, in real
+confusion. "I am aware I ought to have solicited your leave in the
+first place, but knowing that this gentleman came from----"
+
+She broke off, fairly unable to meet the questioning gaze of her
+imperial mistress.
+
+I pretended to come to her relief.
+
+"I have a private message," I said to the Empress.
+
+"You may leave us, Princess," the Empress said coldly.
+
+As soon as the door had closed on her, I gave a warning look at the
+Czaritza.
+
+"That woman, Madam, is the most dangerous agent in the secret service
+of your Empire."
+
+I trusted to the little scene I had just contrived to prepare the
+mind of the Czaritza for this intimation. But she received it as a
+matter of course.
+
+"Sophia Y---- has been all that you say, Monsieur V----. I am well
+acquainted with her history. The poor thing has been a victim of the
+most fiendish cruelty on the part of the Minister of Police, for
+years. At last, unable to bear her position any longer, she appealed
+to me. She told me her harrowing story, and implored me to receive
+her, and secure her admission to a convent. I investigated the case
+thoroughly."
+
+"Your majesty will pardon me, I am sure, if I say that as a man with
+some experience of intrigue, I thoroughly distrust that woman's
+sincerity. She is intimate with M. Petrovitch, to my knowledge."
+
+"But M. Petrovitch is also on the side of peace, so I am assured."
+
+I began to despair.
+
+"You will believe me, or disbelieve me as your majesty pleases. But I
+am accustomed to work for those who honor me with their entire
+confidence. If the Princess Y---- is to be taken into the secret of
+my work on your majesty's behalf, I must respectfully ask to be
+released."
+
+As I offered her majesty this alternative in a firm voice, I was
+inwardly trembling. On the reply hung, perhaps, the fate of two
+continents.
+
+But the Dowager Empress did not hesitate.
+
+"What you stipulate for shall be done, Monsieur V----. I am too well
+aware of the value of your services, and the claims you have on the
+confidence of your employers, to dispute your conditions."
+
+"The messenger who is starting to-night--does the Princess know who
+he is?"
+
+"I believe so. It is no secret. The messenger is Colonel Menken."
+
+"In that case he will never reach Tokio."
+
+Her majesty could not suppress a look of horror.
+
+"What do you advise?" she demanded tremulously.
+
+"His majesty the Czar must at once write a duplicate of the despatch,
+unknown to any living soul but your majesty, and that despatch must
+be placed by you in my hands."
+
+The Dowager Empress gazed at me for a moment in consternation.
+
+But the soundness of the plan I had proposed quickly made itself
+manifest to her.
+
+"You are right, Monsieur V----," her majesty said approvingly. "I
+will communicate with the Czar without delay. By what time do you
+want the despatch?"
+
+"In time to catch the Siberian express to-night, if your majesty
+pleases. I purpose to travel by the same train as Colonel Menken--it
+is possible I may be able to avert a tragedy.
+
+"And since your majesty has told me that the Princess Y---- is aware
+of the Colonel's errand, let me venture to urge you most strongly not
+to let her out of your sight on any pretense until he is safely on
+his way."
+
+I need not go into the details of the further arrangements made with
+a view to my receiving the duplicate despatch in secrecy.
+
+I came away from the Palace fully realizing the serious nature of my
+undertaking. I understood now all that had worried me in the
+proceedings of the Princess. It was clear to me that Lord Bedale, or
+the personage on whose behalf he instructed me, had wired to the
+Dowager Empress, notifying her majesty of my coming, and that she had
+shown the message to her lady-in-waiting.
+
+Blaming myself bitterly for not having impressed the necessity for
+caution on the Marquis, I at once set about providing myself with a
+more effectual disguise.
+
+It is a proverb on the lips of every moujik in Petersburg that all
+Russia obeys the Czar, and the Czar obeys the Tchin. Ever since the
+bureaucracy deliberately allowed Alexander II. to be assassinated by
+the Nihilists out of anger at his reforming tendencies, the Russian
+monarchs have felt more real dread of their own police than of the
+revolutionists. The _Tchin_, the universally-pervading body of
+officials, who run the autocracy to fill their pockets, and indulge
+their vile propensities at the expense of the governed, is as
+omnipotent as it is corrupt. Everywhere in that vast Empire the word
+of the Tchinovink is law--and there is no other law except his word.
+
+Taking the bull by the horns, I went straight to the Central Police
+Bureau of the capital, and asked to see a certain superintendent
+named Rostoy.
+
+To this man, with whom I had had some dealings on a previous
+occasion, and whose character was well understood by me, I explained
+that I had accepted a mission from a friendly Power to travel along
+the Siberian Railway and report on its capacity to keep the Army of
+Manchuria supplied with food and ammunition in the event of war.
+
+He expressed no surprise when I told him it was essential that I
+should leave Petersburg that night, and accordingly it did not take
+us long to come to terms.
+
+The service which I required of him was, of course, a fresh passport,
+with a complete disguise which would enable me to pass anywhere along
+the railway or in Manchuria without being detected or interfered with
+by the agents of the Government.
+
+After some discussion we decided that the safest plan would be for me
+to travel in the character of a Russian police officer charged with
+the detection of the train thieves and card-sharpers who abound on
+every great route of travel. I could think of no part which would
+serve better to enable me to watch over the safety of the Czar's
+envoy without exciting suspicion.
+
+I placed in Rostoy's hands the first instalment of a heavy bribe, and
+arranged to return an hour before the departure of the Moscow
+express to carry out my transformation.
+
+It was only as I left his office that I remembered my unlucky
+engagement to dine that very night with the head of the Manchurian
+Syndicate.
+
+I perceived that these hospitalities were well devised checks on my
+movements, and it was with something of a shock that I realized that
+when I went to dinner that evening with the most active promoter of
+the war I should be carrying the Czar's peace despatch in my pocket!
+
+If the enemies of peace had foreseen every step that I was to take in
+the discharge of my mission, their measures could not have been more
+skilfully arranged.
+
+And as this reflection occurred to me I turned my head nervously, and
+remarked a man dressed like a hotel porter lounging carelessly in my
+track.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY
+
+
+Readers of that prince of romancers, Poe, will recollect a celebrated
+story in which he describes the device employed by a man of uncommon
+shrewdness to conceal a stolen letter from the perquisitions of the
+police, and the elaborate argument by which the writer proves that
+the highest art of concealment is to thrust the object to be hidden
+under the very nose of the searcher.
+
+But that argument is one of the many mystifications in which the
+weird genius of Poe delighted. It is easy to see, in short, that the
+theory was invented to suit the story, and not the story to suit the
+theory. I now had before me the practical problem of concealing a
+document of surpassing importance, from enemies who were already on
+my scent, and keeping it concealed during a journey of some thousands
+of miles.
+
+The ordinary hiding-places of valuable papers, such as the lining of
+clothes, or a false bottom to a trunk, I dismissed without serious
+consideration. My luggage would probably be stolen, and I might be
+drugged long before I reached Dalny.
+
+The problem was all the more difficult for me because I have
+generally made it a rule to avoid charging myself with written
+instructions. I am sufficiently well known by reputation to most
+European sovereigns to be able to dispense with ordinary credentials.
+But in approaching the Mikado of Japan, a ruler to whom I was
+personally unknown, it was clearly necessary for me to have something
+in writing from the Russian Emperor.
+
+All at once an idea flashed on my mind, so simple, and yet so
+incapable of detection (as it seemed to me), that I almost smiled in
+the face of the man who was dogging my steps along the street, no
+doubt under instructions from the War Syndicate.
+
+That afternoon I was closeted with the Emperor of All the Russias in
+his private cabinet for nearly an hour.
+
+It is not my habit to repeat details of private conversations, when
+they are not required to illustrate the progress of public events,
+and therefore I will say merely that the Czar was evidently in
+earnest in his desire to avoid war, but greatly hampered and
+bewildered by the difficult representations made to him by, or on
+behalf of, those to whose interests war was essential.
+
+It was melancholy to see the destinies of half Europe and Asia, and
+the lives of scores of thousands of brave men, hanging on the will of
+an irresolute young man, depressed by the consciousness of his own
+infirmity, and desperately seeking for some stronger mind on which to
+lean. Had I not been placed by my Polish sentiment in a position of
+antagonism to the Czardom, perhaps--but it is useless to indulge in
+these reflections.
+
+One thing in the course of the interview struck me as having great
+significance for the future. I found that his majesty, who had
+entertained at one time a strong dislike of the German Emperor, a
+dislike not untinged with jealousy, had now completely altered his
+opinion. He spoke to me of Wilhelm II. in terms of highest praise,
+declared that he was under the greatest obligations to him for useful
+warnings and advice, said that he believed he had no truer or more
+zealous friend.
+
+When I drove to the house of M. Petrovitch that evening I carried,
+carefully sewn between the inner and outer folds of my well-starched
+shirt-front, where no sound of crackling would excite remark, a sheet
+of thin note-paper covered in a very small handwriting with the text
+of the Czar's letter to the ruler of Japan.
+
+M. Petrovitch was not alone. Around his hospitable board he had
+gathered some of the highest and proudest personages of the Russian
+Court, including the Grand Duke Staniolanus, generally believed to be
+the heart and soul of the War Party. His imperial highness was
+well-known to be a desperate gambler, up to the neck in debts
+contracted at the card-table, and bent on recouping himself out of
+the wealth of Korea and Manchuria.
+
+I was duly presented to this royal personage (whom I had met once
+before under widely different circumstances) in the character of a
+Peace Crusader, an emissary of the philanthropists of Great Britain.
+
+At the dinner-table, where I found myself placed on my host's left
+hand, while the Grand Duke was on his right, the conversation
+continued to be in the same strain. That Petrovitch believed me to be
+an English peace fanatic I did not believe any longer, but I could
+not tell if any, or how many, of the others were in his confidence.
+
+As soon as the solid part of the feast was disposed of, Petrovitch
+rose to his feet, and after a bow to the Grand Duke, launched out
+into a formal speech proposing my health.
+
+He commenced with the usual professions in favor of peace, spoke of
+the desire felt by all Russians to preserve the friendship of
+England, eulogized the work done by my friend the editor, and by
+other less disinterested friends of Russia in London, and wound up by
+asking all the company to give me a cordial welcome, and to send a
+message of congratulation and good-will to the British public.
+
+Knowing as I did, that the man was a consummate rogue, who had
+probably invited me to his house in order to keep me under
+observation, and possibly to prevent my getting scent of the
+intrigues pursued by his friend and ally, Princess Y----, I was still
+at a loss to understand the reason for this performance.
+
+I have learned since that an account of the proceedings, with
+abstracts from this hypocritical speech, was telegraphed to England,
+and actually found its way into some of the newspapers under the
+heading, "Peace Demonstration in St. Petersburg: No Russian Wants
+War."
+
+There was one of the guests, however, who made no pretense of
+listening with pleasure to the smooth speech of M. Petrovitch. This
+was a dark young man of about thirty, in a naval uniform. He sat
+scowling while his host spoke, and barely lifted his glass from the
+table at the conclusion.
+
+A minute or two later I took an opportunity to ask the promoter the
+name of this ungracious officer.
+
+"That?" my host exclaimed, looking 'round the table, "Oh, that is
+Captain Vassileffsky, one of our most distinguished sailors. He is a
+naval aide-de-camp to the Czar."
+
+I made a note of his name and face, being warned by a presentiment
+which I could not resist that I should come across him again.
+
+The champagne now began to flow freely, and as it flowed the tongues
+of many of the company were unloosed by degrees. From the subject of
+peace the conversation passed rapidly to the possibilities of war,
+and the Japanese were spoken of in a way that plainly showed me how
+little those present understood the resolution and resources of the
+Island Empire.
+
+"The Japanese dare not fire the first shot and, since we will not,
+there will be no war," declared my left-hand neighbor.
+
+"The war will be fought in Japan, not in Manchuria," affirmed the
+Grand Duke with a condescending air. "It will be a case of the Boers
+over again. They may give us some trouble, but we shall annex their
+country."
+
+M. Petrovitch gave me a glance of alarm.
+
+"Russia does not wish to add to her territory," he put in; "but we
+may find it necessary to leave a few troops in Tokio to maintain
+order, while we pursue our civilizing mission."
+
+I need not recount the other remarks, equally arrogant.
+
+Abstemious by habit, I had a particular reason for refraining from
+taking much wine on this night. It was already past nine o'clock, the
+train for Moscow, which connected there with the Siberian express,
+started at midnight, and I had to be at the police bureau by eleven
+at the latest to make the changes necessary for my disguise.
+
+I therefore allowed my glass to remain full, merely touching it with
+my lips occasionally when my host pressed me to drink. M. Petrovitch
+did not openly notice my abstinence, but presently I heard him give
+an order to the butler who waited behind his chair.
+
+The butler turned to the sideboard for a moment, and then came
+forward bearing a silver tray on which stood a flagon of cut-glass
+and silver with a number of exquisite little silver cups like
+egg-shells.
+
+"You will not refuse to taste our Russian national beverage, Mr.
+Sterling," the head of the War Syndicate said persuasively, as the
+butler began filling the tiny cups.
+
+It was a challenge which I could not refuse without rudeness, though
+it struck me as rather out of place that the vodka should be offered
+to me before to the imperial guest on my host's right.
+
+The butler filled two cups, M. Petrovitch taking the second from the
+tray as I lifted the first to my lips.
+
+"You know our custom," the financier exclaimed smilingly. "No
+heeltaps!"
+
+He lifted his own cup with a brave air, and I tossed off the contents
+of my own without stopping.
+
+As the fiery liquor ran down my throat I was conscious of something
+in its taste which was unlike the flavor of any vodka I had ever
+drunk before. But this circumstance aroused no suspicion in my mind.
+I confess that it never occurred to me that any one could be daring
+enough to employ so crude and dangerous a device as a drugged draft
+at a quasi-public banquet, given to an English peace emissary, with a
+member of the imperial family sitting at the board.
+
+I was undeceived the next moment. Petrovitch, as soon as he saw that
+my cup had been emptied, sat down his own untasted, and, with a
+well-acted movement of surprise and regret, turned to the Grand Duke.
+
+"I implore your pardon, sir. I did not ask if you would not honor me
+by taking the first cup!"
+
+The Grand Duke, whom I readily acquitted of any share in the other's
+design, shrugged his shoulders with an indifferent air.
+
+"If you wish your friends to drink vodka, you should not put
+champagne like this before us," he said laughing.
+
+Petrovitch said something in reply; he turned and scolded the butler
+as well, I fancy. But my brain was becoming confused. I had just
+sufficient command of my faculties left to feign ignorance of the
+true situation.
+
+"I am feeling a little faint. That _pâté_"--I contrived to murmur.
+
+And then I heard Captain Vassileffsky cry out in an alarm that was
+unmistakably genuine--"Look out for the Englishman! He is
+swooning"--and I knew no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED
+
+
+My first thought, as my senses began to come back to me, was of the
+train which was due to leave Petersburg for Moscow at midnight.
+
+I clutched at my watch, and drew it forth. The hands marked the time
+as 9.25. Apparently I had not been unconscious for more than a few
+seconds.
+
+My second glance assured me that my clothes were not disarranged. My
+shirt-front, concealing the Czar's autograph letter, was exactly as
+when I sat down to the table.
+
+Only after satisfying myself on these two points did I begin to take
+in the rest of my surroundings.
+
+I was resting on a couch against the wall in the room where we had
+dined. My host, the head of the Manchuria Syndicate, was standing
+beside me, watching my recovery with a friendly and relieved
+expression, as though honestly glad to see me myself again. A
+servant, holding in his hand a bottle which appeared to contain sal
+volatile, was looking on from the foot of the bed, in an attitude of
+sympathetic attention. The other guests had left the room, and the
+state of the table, covered with half-filled glasses and hastily
+thrown down napkins, made it evident that they had cleared out of the
+way to give me a chance to come to.
+
+The cold air blowing over my forehead told me that a window had been
+opened. A Russian January is not favorable to much ventilation. As a
+rule the houses of the well-to-do are provided with double windows,
+which are kept hermetically sealed while the rooms are in use. The
+fact that the dining-room was still warm was sufficient proof that
+the window could not have been opened for more than the briefest
+time.
+
+It was a singular thing that, in spite of these assurances that my
+swoon had been an affair of moments only, I was seized by an
+overmastering desire to get away from the house immediately.
+
+I heard M. Petrovitch exclaim--
+
+"Thank Heaven--you are better! I began to be afraid that your seizure
+was going to last. I must go and reassure my guests. The Grand Duke
+will be delighted to hear your are recovering. He was most distressed
+at the attack."
+
+I sat upright with an effort, and staggered to my feet.
+
+"I am ashamed to have given you so much trouble," I said. "I can't
+remember ever fainting like this before. Please make my excuses to
+his imperial highness and the rest of the company."
+
+"But what are you doing?" cried M. Petrovitch in dismay. "You must
+not attempt to move yet."
+
+"I shall be better in bed," I answered in a voice which I purposely
+strove to render as faint as possible. "If you will excuse me, I will
+go straight to my hotel."
+
+The promoter's brow wrinkled. I saw that he was trying to devise some
+pretext to detain me, and my anxiety to find myself clear of his
+house redoubled.
+
+"If you will do me a favor, I should be glad if you would let one of
+your servants come with me as far as the hotel," I said. "I am
+feeling rather giddy and weak."
+
+The secret chief of the War Party caught eagerly at the suggestion.
+It was no doubt exactly what he desired.
+
+"Mishka," he said, turning to the servant, and speaking in Russian,
+"this gentleman asks you to accompany him to his hotel, as he has not
+yet recovered. Take great care of him, and do not leave him until he
+is safe in his own bed."
+
+The man nodded, giving his master a look which said--I understand
+what you want me to do.
+
+Thanks to this request on my part, M. Petrovitch raised no further
+objection to my departure. I stumbled out of the room, pretending to
+cling to the servant's arm for support, and let him help me on with
+my furs, while the porter was summoning a sleigh.
+
+There was a hurried consultation in low tones between my host and the
+porter. Rather to my surprise the carriage, when it appeared, was a
+closed one, being a species of brougham on runners instead of wheels.
+I allowed myself to be carried down the steps like a child, and
+placed inside; the door was closed, with the windows carefully drawn
+up, and the jailer--for such he was to all intents and purposes--got
+on the box.
+
+The sleigh swept out of the courtyard and across the city. Directly
+it was in the street, I very softly lowered one of the windows and
+peered out. The streets seemed to me more deserted than usual at such
+an hour. I was idly wondering whether the imminence of war could
+account for this when I heard a church clock beginning to strike.
+
+Once--twice--the chimes rang out. And then, as I was preparing to
+close the window, they went on a third time--a fourth!
+
+I held my breath, and listened with straining ears, as the great
+notes boomed forth from the distant town across the silent streets
+and houses.
+
+One--two--three--four--five--six--seven--eight--nine--ten--ELEVEN!
+
+I understood at last. That drugged sleep had lasted an hour and a
+half, and before I came to myself my watch had been deliberately set
+back to the minute at which I lost consciousness, in order to prevent
+me from suspecting that I had been searched, or that there was
+anything wrong about the affair.
+
+Had I taken time for reflection I should probably have made up my
+mind to lose the Moscow express. In order to lull the suspicions of
+the conspirators, by making them believe I was their dupe, I should
+have let myself be taken to the hotel and put to bed in accordance
+with the kind instructions of my late host. In that case, no doubt,
+my watch would have been secretly put right again while I was asleep.
+
+But I could not bear the idea of all my carefully planned
+arrangements being upset. Above all things, I desired to keep up my
+prestige with the superintendent of police, Rostoy, who regarded me
+as an invincible being possessed of almost magical powers. At the
+moment when the clock was striking I ought to have been walking into
+his room in the bureau of the Third Section.
+
+Grinding my teeth with vexation, I very gently opened the door of
+the carriage, which was traveling noiselessly over the snow, and
+slipped out.
+
+I had taken care to ascertain that no onlooker was near. As soon as
+the sleigh was 'round the corner of the street I hailed a public
+conveyance and directed the driver to take me to the police office.
+
+I was only five minutes late in keeping my appointment. Detecting a
+look of slight surprise on the face of the superintendent, I
+apologized for keeping him waiting.
+
+"It is my habit to be punctual, even in trifling matters like this,"
+I remarked carelessly. "But the fact is I have been drugged and
+kidnapped since I saw you, and it took me five minutes to dispose of
+the rascals."
+
+Rostoy stared at me with stupid incredulity.
+
+"You are joking, Monsieur V----, I suppose," he muttered. "But,
+however, since you have arrived, there is your disguise. You will
+find everything in the pockets complete, including a handkerchief
+marked with the initials of the name you have chosen."
+
+"Monsieur Rostoy, you are an able man, with whom it is pleasure to do
+business," I responded heartily.
+
+The Russian swelled with pride at this compliment. I hastily changed
+clothes, shifting nothing from my discarded costume except a
+cigarette case which I had filled with the hotel cigarettes. My
+inquiry as to the Gregorides brand smoked by M. Petrovitch had not
+yet been answered.
+
+"Surely you are not going to wear that linen shirt of yours right
+across Siberia!" exclaimed Rostoy, who never took his eyes off me.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders.
+
+"It is a whim of mine always to wear linen," I responded. "I am not a
+rheumatic subject. And, besides, I have no time to lose."
+
+The superintendent threw a regretful look at the flannel shirt he had
+provided for me.
+
+As soon as I had finished my preparations I handed a thick bundle of
+ruble notes to the superintendent.
+
+"As much more when I come back safe," was all I said.
+
+Rostoy snatched at his pay, his eyes sparkling with greed.
+
+"Good-by and a good journey!" he cried as I strode out.
+
+Once in the street, I had no difficulty in finding a sleigh, this
+time an open one, to convey me to the railway station. I glanced at
+my watch, which I had set by the church clock, and calculated that I
+should have a few minutes to spare.
+
+But I had not allowed for Russian ideas as to time. As the sleigh
+drew up at the great terminus, and I came in view of the station
+clock, I saw that it was on the stroke of midnight.
+
+Flinging the driver his fare I rushed toward the barrier.
+
+"Moscow!" I shouted to the railway official in charge.
+
+"The train has just left," was the crushing reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE RACE FOR SIBERIA
+
+
+The unnatural strain I had put on my strength, undermined as it had
+been by the drugged vodka, gave way under this depressing failure,
+and for an instant I seriously thought of abandoning my effort to
+catch the Czar's messenger.
+
+I could leave Colonel Menken to pursue his journey, taking care of
+himself as best he could, while I followed by a later train. But I
+had little thought of that, as to adopt such a course would be to
+abandon the gallant officer to his fate. Whatever the War Syndicate
+might or might not know or suspect about myself, there could be no
+doubt that they knew all there was to know about Menken, and that the
+Colonel would never be allowed to reach Dalny with his despatch,
+alive.
+
+"Show me the passenger list," I demanded sternly, determined to use
+to the full the advantages conferred on me by my uniform.
+
+The station inspector hastened to obey. He took me into the booking
+office, opened a volume, and there I read the name and destination of
+every passenger who had left for Moscow that night. It is by such
+precautions that the Russian police are enabled to control the
+Russian nation as the warders control the convicts in an English
+prison.
+
+At the very head of the list I read the name of Colonel Menken,
+passenger to Dalny, on his imperial majesty's service.
+
+It was incredible folly thus publicly to proclaim himself as an
+object of suspicion to the powerful clique engaged in thwarting the
+policy of their nominal ruler.
+
+I glanced my eye down the list in search of some name likely to be
+that of an emissary of the Syndicate. It was with something like a
+shock that I came upon the conspicuous entry--
+
+"The Princess Y----, lady-in-waiting to H. I. M. the Dowager Empress,
+passenger to Port Arthur, on a visit to her uncle, commanding one of
+the forts."
+
+Stamping my foot angrily, in order to impress the railway official, I
+said--
+
+"Order a pilot engine immediately to take me to Moscow. Tell the
+driver he is to overtake the express, and enter the Moscow station
+behind it."
+
+There was some demur, of course, and some delay. But I wore the
+livery of the dreaded Third Section, and my words were more powerful
+than if I had been the young man who wears the Russian crown.
+
+By dint of curses, threats, blows and an occasional ruble note, I got
+my way. Indeed, I managed things so well that the railway officials
+did not even ask me for my name. I showed them my official badge; but
+when they made their report in the morning they would only be able to
+say that an inspector of the Secret Police had ordered a pilot engine
+to take him to Moscow in pursuit of the midnight express.
+
+The impression which I was careful to convey, without putting it into
+words, was that I was on the track of an absconding Nihilist.
+
+Within half an hour of my arrival at the terminus a light but
+powerful locomotive drew up on the main line of rails, with
+everything in readiness for an immediate start.
+
+I leaped into the driver's cab, where I found the driver himself and
+two stokers hard at work increasing the head of steam, and gave the
+order to go.
+
+The driver touched the tap, the whistle rang out once, and the wheels
+began to revolve. Ten seconds later we were beyond the station lights
+and facing the four hundred miles of frozen plain that lay between us
+and Moscow.
+
+Every one has heard the story of this famous piece of road. The
+engineers of the line, accustomed to map out their routes in other
+countries with reference to the natural obstacles and the convenience
+of commerce, waited upon the great autocrat, Nicholas I., a very
+different man from his descendant, and asked him for instructions as
+to laying out the first railway in the Russian Empire.
+
+The Czar called for a map of his dominions, and then, taking a ruler
+in his hand, drew a straight line between the old and new capitals.
+
+And so the line has been made, a symbol to all who travel on it of
+the irresponsible might of the Russian Czardom.
+
+It was not till we were fairly on our way, and the speed had risen to
+something like fifty miles an hour, that I realized what I had done
+in entering on this furious race.
+
+I had never traveled on a detached engine before, and the sensation
+at first was quite unnerving.
+
+Unlike a motor car, in which the hand of the driver has to be
+perpetually on the steering-gear, and his eye perpetually on the
+alert, the pilot engine seemed to be flung forward like a missile,
+guided by its own velocity, and clinging to the endless rails with
+its wheels as with iron claws. With the rush as of wind, with the
+roar as of a cataract, with the rocking as of an earthquake, the
+throbbing thing of iron sprang and fled through the night.
+
+Hour after hour we rushed across the blinding desert of snow, in
+which nothing showed except the flying disk of light cast by the
+engine lamps, and the red and white balls of fire that seemed to
+start, alight, and go out again as we frantically dashed past some
+wayside station.
+
+As the speed increased the light pilot engine, not steadied by a
+long train of coaches, almost rose from the rails as it raced along.
+Over and over again I thanked my stars that there were no curves to
+be taken, and I blessed the memory of that famous ruler wielded by
+the hand of Nicholas I. Here and there, at some slight rise in the
+ground, the engine literally did leave the rails and skim through the
+air for a few yards, alighting with a jar that brought my teeth
+together like castanets, and rushing forward again.
+
+I clung to a small brass hand-rail, and strained my eyes through the
+darkness. I could not have sat down, even had there been a seat
+provided for me--the pace was too tremendous. I was tired and unwell,
+and a slight feeling of headache and sickness began to gain on me,
+engendered by the vibration of the engine, the smell of oil, and the
+fearful heat of the furnace.
+
+It was some hours since we had started, but it was still pitch dark,
+with the wintry blackness of a northern night. I leaned and gazed
+forward with dull eyes, when I was aware of two red sparks that did
+not grow and rush toward us as I expected.
+
+Were we slackening speed by any chance? I turned to the engine
+driver, and pointed with my hand.
+
+The grimy toiler nodded. Then making a trumpet of his hands he
+shouted above the rattle of the wheels--
+
+"The rear-lights of the express!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE CZAR'S MESSENGER
+
+
+I drew out my watch and glanced at it by the light of the flaring
+stoke-hole. It was just half-past eight.
+
+The time taken up on the journey between Petersburg and Moscow varies
+greatly according to the state of the weather and the amount of snow
+on the line. But even in the summer the best trains are allowed
+twelve hours, while the slow ones take nearly twenty-four. The
+special Siberian express was timed to reach the ancient capital of
+the czars at ten o'clock in the morning, and we had overtaken it with
+rather more than an hour to spare.
+
+I ordered the driver to creep up gradually, but not to approach too
+near the hindmost coach of the train in front until Moscow was in
+sight.
+
+Obedient to my instructions, he slackened speed by degrees, till we
+were rolling along at the same rate as the express, with a space of
+three or four hundred yards between us.
+
+Presently a red flag was thrust out from a side window at the rear
+of the last coach and waved furiously. The driver of my engine
+responded with first a green and then a white signal, indication that
+there was no danger though caution was desirable.
+
+The express perceptibly quickened its speed, but of course without
+our allowing it to get farther ahead. At last the spires of the
+Kremlin, and the green copper domes gleamed out across the waste, and
+I nodded to the driver to close up.
+
+He managed the maneuver with the skill of an artist. Inch by inch we
+neared the guard's van in front, and our buffers were actually
+touching as the engine in front blew off steam and we slowed
+alongside the Moscow station.
+
+Before the wheels of the express had ceased to move I was out on the
+platform, and running up to the guard of the express.
+
+"I have come on the pilot engine from Petersburg," I told him
+hurriedly. "Tell no one of my arrival. Do not report the chase. If
+you are questioned, say that you have orders to say nothing. And now
+tell me which is the train for Dalny and Port Arthur, and when does
+it leave?"
+
+The guard, thoroughly cowed, promised implicit obedience. He showed
+me a long corridor train with handsome sleeping cars and dining
+saloons, which was drawn up ready at another platform.
+
+"That is the train which goes to Baikal," he told me. "If the ice on
+the lake will bear, rails may be laid right across it; if not, there
+will be sleighs to transport the passengers to a train on the other
+side. The train leaves at noon."
+
+I thanked him and strolled off down the platform, glancing into the
+carriages of the newly-arrived train as I passed in search of the
+Czar's messenger.
+
+I did not anticipate that any harm could have happened to him so soon
+after leaving Petersburg. The object of the conspirators would be
+defeated if Nicholas II. learned of any accident to his messenger in
+time to send another despatch. It was more likely, at least so I
+argued, that the Princess Y---- would accompany her victim across
+Siberia, gradually worming her way into his confidence, and that only
+at the last moment would she show her hand.
+
+It was with a slight start that I encountered the face of the fair
+emissary of M. Petrovitch, as she came to the door of her sleeping
+compartment and looked out.
+
+I was delighted to observe that this time she did not suspect me. In
+fact, she evidently mistook me for one of the ordinary station
+officials, for she gave me a haughty command:
+
+"Go and see if there is a telegram for the Princess Y----."
+
+Making a respectful salute I hastened off in the direction of the
+telegraph office. On the way I interrupted a man in uniform carrying
+an envelope in his hand.
+
+"For the Princess Y----?" I demanded.
+
+The man scowled at me and made as if to conceal the telegram. I saw
+that it was a case for a tip and handed him a ruble note, on which he
+promptly parted with his trust.
+
+I turned around, and as soon as the messenger had moved off, I tore
+open the envelope and read the message. Fortunately, it was not in
+cipher, the rules against any such use of the wires, except by the
+Government, being too strict.
+
+This is what I read:
+
+     "Our friend, who is now an inspector, will join you at
+     Moscow. Look out for him. He has left his luggage with us,
+     but does not know it."
+
+Accident, which had hitherto opposed my designs, was favoring them at
+last. It was clear that Rostoy had betrayed me, and that Petrovitch
+had sent this wire to the Princess to put her on her guard. But what
+was the "luggage" which I was described as having left in the hands
+of M. Petrovitch?
+
+I thought I knew.
+
+Crumpling up the tell-tale message in my pocket, I darted into the
+telegraph office, and beckoned to the clerk in charge.
+
+"On his majesty's secret service," I breathed in his ear, drawing him
+on one side. I showed him my police badge, and added, "An envelope
+and telegram form, quick!"
+
+Overwhelmed by my imperative manner, he handed me the required
+articles. I hastily scribbled:
+
+     "Our friend has parted with his luggage, though he does not
+     know it. He has been unwell, but may follow you next week.
+     To save trouble do not wire to us till you return."
+
+Slipping this into the envelope, I addressed it to the Princess, and
+hastened back to the carriage where I had left her.
+
+I found her fuming with impatience and scolding her maid, who looked
+on half awake. I handed her the bogus telegram with a cringing
+gesture. She snatched at it, tore off the cover and read, while I
+watched her furtively from under my lowered eyelashes.
+
+The first part of the message evidently gave her the greatest
+pleasure. The second part, it was equally evident, puzzled and
+annoyed her.
+
+"Fool! What is he afraid of now?" she muttered beneath her breath.
+
+She stood gnawing her rose-red lips for a moment--even a night passed
+in the train could not make her look less charming--and then turned
+to me.
+
+"That will do. No answer. Here, Marie, give this man a couple of
+rubles."
+
+I received the gratuity with a look of satisfaction which must have
+surprised the tired waiting maid. In reality I had scored a most
+important point. Thanks to my suppression of the first message and my
+addition to the second, I had completely cut off communication
+between the agent of the Syndicate and its head in Petersburg, for a
+time; while I had lulled the beautiful plotter into a false security,
+by which I was likely to benefit.
+
+My anxieties considerably lightened for the time being, I now renewed
+my search for Colonel Menken.
+
+The train from Petersburg had emptied by this time, so I moved across
+the station to where the luxurious Manchurian express was being
+boarded by its passengers.
+
+I got in at one end, and made my way slowly along the corridors,
+stepping over innumerable bags and other light articles. In a corner
+of the smoking car I came at last upon the man I sought.
+
+Colonel Menken was a young man for his rank, not over thirty, with a
+fine, soldierly figure, handsome face and rather dandified air. He
+wore a brilliant uniform, which looked like that of some crack
+regiment of Guards. A cigar was in his mouth, and he was making a
+little nest for himself with rugs and books and papers, and a box of
+choice Havanas. A superb despatch box, with silver mounts, was
+plainly marked with his initials, also in silver.
+
+I did not dare to choose a seat for myself in the same part of the
+train as the man whom I was anxious to guard. The oppressive powers
+wielded by the police of Russia are tolerated only on one condition,
+namely, that they are never abused to the disparagement of the social
+importance of the aristocracy.
+
+Bearing this in mind, I proceeded to the coach set aside for the
+servants of the rich passengers, and contrived to secure a place
+close to that occupied in the day-time by the maid of the Princess.
+
+Having more than an hour to spare, I now laid in a large stock of
+Turkish tobacco and cigarette papers, so as to have some means of
+beguiling the time on the long, wearisome run across Asia. I also
+bought a second-hand valise, and stocked it modestly with clothes.
+Finally I made a hearty breakfast in the station restaurant, and
+boarded the train a few minutes before it rolled out of Moscow.
+
+Needless to say, I had introduced myself to the superintendent of the
+train, an official of great dignity and importance. As a police
+agent, of course I traveled free on the Government lines. The
+superintendent was good enough to offer me a spare bed in his private
+cabin at the end of the train, and during the run we became the best
+of friends.
+
+But I must be excused from dwelling on the details of the journey,
+not the first I had taken on the great transasiatic line. My whole
+energies were absorbed in two tasks. In the first place, I had to
+gain the confidence of the maid, Marie, and in the second to prevent
+her mistress gaining the confidence of the messenger of the Czar.
+
+"I hope that message I brought to the Princess did not contain any
+bad news?" I said to Marie as soon as I got a chance of addressing
+her.
+
+This was when we were fairly on the way.
+
+After first attending to her mistress, and seeing that she was
+comfortably settled, the maid was at liberty to look after herself,
+and I had seized the opportunity to render her a few trifling
+services with her luggage.
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure," was the answer to my question. "The
+Princess tells me nothing of her secrets."
+
+"Perhaps the Princess Y----"
+
+"Oh, let's call her Sophy," the maid interrupted crossly.
+
+Needless to say I welcomed these symptoms that Marie was no great
+friend of her employer.
+
+"Perhaps she has no secrets," I continued. "Have you been with her
+long?"
+
+"Only six months," was the answer. "And I don't think I shall stay
+much longer. But you're quite mistaken if you think Sophy is one of
+the innocent ones. She's always up to some mischief or other, though
+what it is, I don't know."
+
+"If you stay with her a little longer, you may find out. And then,
+if it is anything political, you may make a good deal of money out of
+her."
+
+The girl's eyes brightened.
+
+"Keep your eyes open," I said. "Look out for any scraps of paper you
+see lying about. Keep a diary of the places Sophy goes to, and the
+people she sees. And when you have anything to tell, let me know. I
+will give you my address in Petersburg. And you may trust me to see
+that you come off well."
+
+Marie readily agreed to all I asked of her. The understanding thus
+arrived at was destined to be of the greatest assistance to me.
+Indeed, it is not too much to say that to this young Russian girl it
+is due that the two greatest Powers in the Old World are not at this
+moment battling on the Afghan frontier.
+
+We had hardly been an hour under way before I saw the two objects of
+my watchfulness seated side by side in the drawing-room car,
+apparently on the friendliest terms.
+
+Dismayed by this rapid progress, as it seemed, on the part of the
+Princess, I reproached myself for not having warned Colonel Menken
+before we started.
+
+I resolved to put him on his guard at the earliest possible moment,
+and with that view I hung about the smoking-car, waiting till I saw
+him return to his corner.
+
+This was not for some hours. Fortunately, owing to the universal
+expectation of war, there were not many passengers proceeding to the
+Far East. The train was practically empty, and so when Colonel Menken
+had seated himself once more in the snug corner he had prepared for
+himself, I was able to approach him without fear of being overheard.
+
+He was just lighting a cigar as I came up, and took no notice of my
+respectful salute till he had inhaled the tobacco smoke two or three
+times and expelled it through his nostrils to test the flavor.
+
+At last he turned to me.
+
+"Well?" he said with some sharpness. "What is the matter?"
+
+"I have seen in the passenger list that you are traveling on the
+service of the Czar," I answered, "and I venture to place myself at
+your orders."
+
+Colonel Menken scowled at me haughtily.
+
+"Does that mean that you want a tip?" he sneered. "Or has some fool
+ordered you to shadow me?"
+
+"Neither, Colonel," I replied. "I am a servant of the Czar, like
+yourself, as you may see from my uniform, and as I have reason to
+fear that there is an enemy of his majesty on the train, I wish to
+put you on your guard."
+
+Menken gave a self-confident smile.
+
+"I am pretty well able to take care of myself, I believe," he said
+boastfully. "As for the Nihilists, I no longer believe in their
+existence. You may point out the man you suspect, if you like, of
+course."
+
+"It is not a man, Colonel, it is a woman."
+
+"In that case the adventure promises to be interesting. I do not know
+any of the women on board except the Princess Y----."
+
+"You know her!" I allowed a note of surprise to appear in my voice.
+
+"The Princess is related to me," the Czar's messenger declared, with
+a rebuking frown. "I presume she is not the object of your
+suspicions?"
+
+"And if she were?"
+
+"If she were, I should tell you that you had made a very absurd
+mistake, my good fellow. The Princess is in the confidence of the
+Dowager Empress; she is perfectly aware of the object of my mission,
+and she has just promised me that if I carry it out successfully she
+will become my wife."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH
+
+
+Colonel Menken regarded me with ironical contempt as I tried to
+apologize for my hinted distrust of his betrothed.
+
+"That will do, my man. I shall tell the Princess of your blunder, and
+I can assure you she will be heartily amused by it."
+
+"At least you will remember that I wear his imperial majesty's
+uniform," I ventured. "And, however much I have been misled as to the
+intentions of her highness, I submit that I am entitled to secrecy on
+your part."
+
+"Am I to understand that some one has given you orders referring to
+the Princess? I thought this was simply some idle suspicion of your
+own?"
+
+"My instructions were to watch over your safety, without letting you
+perceive it, and to take particular note of any one who seemed to be
+trying to form your acquaintance on the journey. If you now denounce
+me to her highness, she will be annoyed, and in any case I shall be
+of no further use to you."
+
+"So much the better," the Colonel said rudely. "I consider your
+being here at all as an act of impertinence. If I engage to say
+nothing to the Princess--who, as you say, might be annoyed--will you
+undertake to leave me alone for the future?"
+
+"I will undertake to leave the train at Tomsk," I replied.
+
+Colonel Menken closed with this offer, which was meant as a delusive
+one. I had selected the first important stopping-place at which the
+train waited sufficiently long for me to procure the materials of a
+fresh disguise.
+
+I took the train superintendent into my confidence, as far as to say
+that I wished to assume a false character for the remainder of the
+journey in order to be better able to play the spy on the object of
+my suspicion. We agreed that one of the train attendants should be
+put off at Tomsk, and that I should take his place.
+
+After my scene with the Colonel, I could not venture to do much in
+the way of overlooking them. But I made the best use of my friendship
+with Marie, and she reported to me regularly what she observed of the
+doings of her mistress.
+
+"It is my belief that Sophy is going to marry that stupid Colonel,"
+she informed me, not long after I had heard of the engagement. "Why?
+I can't think. He has no brains, not much money, and I am certain she
+is not in love with him."
+
+"There has been a quarrel of some kind between those two," she
+reported later on. "Colonel Menken has been questioning Sophy about
+her reason for going to Port Arthur just now, when it may be attacked
+by the Japanese."
+
+All this time the Princess had made no move to possess herself of the
+despatch which Menken was carrying--the real object of her presence
+on board the train.
+
+When Tomsk was reached, I went off into the town and procured
+different hair and beard so as to effect a complete change in my
+appearance. The disguise was clumsy enough, but, after all, neither
+the Colonel nor his companion had had many opportunities of studying
+my personal appearance.
+
+In the little cabin of my friend the superintendent I carried out the
+transformation, and finished by donning the livery of the railway
+restaurant service.
+
+Thus equipped, I proceeded to lay the table at which the betrothed
+pair usually took their meals together.
+
+As soon as the next meal, which happened to be dinner, was ready, I
+proceeded to wait upon them. They noticed the change of waiters, and
+asked me what had become of my predecessor.
+
+"He got off at Tomsk," I told them. This was true--the getting rid of
+the waiter whose place I wished to take had been a simple matter. It
+must be remembered that I found myself everywhere received as an
+inspector attached to the secret police, the dreaded Third Section,
+and, in consequence, my word was law to those I had to deal with.
+
+I added with an assumed air of mysterious consequence, "The Inspector
+of Police also left the train at Tomsk. It is asserted that he is
+going to make an important arrest."
+
+Colonel Menken laughed. Then turning to the beautiful woman who sat
+facing him across the small table, he said smilingly,
+
+"It is lucky the inspector did not arrest you, my dear."
+
+"Why, what do you mean?" she demanded.
+
+"Simply that this officer, according to his own account, was charged
+to watch over and protect your devoted servant, and in the exercise
+of his functions he was good enough to hint to me that you were a
+suspicious character, of whom I should do well to be on my guard."
+
+"Infamous! The wretch! Why didn't you tell me this before?"
+
+"I promised the fellow not to. He was afraid of getting into trouble,
+and as he had only blundered out of zeal, I let him off."
+
+"And he has left the train. Why, I wonder?"
+
+"I ordered him to."
+
+The Princess Y---- looked less and less pleased. A minute later, I
+caught her stealthily glancing in my direction, and realized that her
+keen wits were already at work, connecting my appearance on the scene
+with the disappearance of the inspector.
+
+The next day, Colonel Menken and his betrothed took their seats at a
+different table in the restaurant of the train.
+
+I saw the meaning of this maneuver. It was of course a test by which
+the Princess Y---- sought to learn if I was a spy, appointed to
+replace the inspector. I took care not to assist her by following
+them to the new table; on the contrary, I refused the offer of my
+brother waiter, who was honest enough not to wish to take my tips
+from me.
+
+When we reached Irkutsk, I had another proof that the Princess was
+beginning to feel uneasy. Marie informed me that her mistress had
+ordered her to go into the town and send off a telegram, as she would
+not trust the railway officials.
+
+The message, which my ally faithfully reported to me, was addressed
+to Petrovitch himself and ran as follows:
+
+      Received wire from you at Moscow reporting our friend ill,
+      and telling me not to wire you again till my return. I now
+      fear some mistake. All going well otherwise.
+
+We were carried across the frozen Baikal amid a furious snowstorm.
+Huddled up in thick furs, and fighting to keep our blood circulating
+under the leaden pressure of the cruel frost, there was no time to
+think of conspiracies.
+
+But on resuming the journey on the other side of the lake, I saw that
+the cunning agent of the War Party was maturing some decisive attempt
+on the messenger of peace. The talks of the lovers became closer and
+more confidential, the manner of Colonel Menken grew daily more
+devoted and absorbed, and Marie described her mistress as laboring
+under an extraordinary excitement.
+
+At last, on the very day the train crossed the Chinese frontier on
+the way to Mukden, Marie came to me with a decisive report.
+
+"Sophy has won!" she declared. "I overheard them talking again last
+night. Ever since they left Tomsk they have been having a dispute,
+Sophy declaring that the Colonel did not love her, because he
+suspected her, and he, the stupid creature, swearing that he trusted
+her entirely. It appears she had got out of him that he was carrying
+a paper of some kind, and so she said that unless he gave her this
+paper to keep till they reached Dalny or Port Arthur, she would not
+believe in him, nor have anything more to say to him.
+
+"In the end, she was too many for him. Last night he gave her the
+paper in a sealed envelope, and I saw her take it from her breast
+before she undressed last night."
+
+"Where is it? What has she done with it?" I demanded anxiously.
+
+"I can't tell you that. She had it in her hand when she dismissed me
+for the night. It looked to me as though she meant to break the seal
+and read it."
+
+Full of the gravest forebodings, I hurried to the rear of the train,
+got out my inspector's uniform, though without effecting any change
+in my facial appearance, and made my way to the smoking-car.
+
+Colonel Menken, who had just finished breakfast, was settling himself
+down to a cigar and an illustrated magazine.
+
+He gazed up at me in astonishment, as he perceived the change in my
+costume.
+
+"So the Princess was right!" he exclaimed angrily. "You are another
+policeman."
+
+I bowed.
+
+"And charged, like the last, to protect me from my cousin and future
+wife!"
+
+"From the person who has robbed you of the Czar's autograph letter to
+the Emperor of Japan, yes!"
+
+Menken recoiled, thunderstruck.
+
+"You knew what I was carrying?"
+
+"As well as I know the contents of the telegram which the Princess
+sent from Irkutsk to the head of the Manchurian Syndicate--the man
+who has sworn that the Czar's letter shall never be delivered."
+
+Colonel Menken staggered to his feet, bewildered, angry, half induced
+to threaten, and half to yield.
+
+"You must be lying! Sophy never left my sight while we were at
+Irkutsk!"
+
+"We can discuss that later. Will you, or will you not, reclaim his
+majesty's letter--the letter entrusted to your honor?"
+
+Menken turned white.
+
+"I--I will approach the Princess," he stammered, obviously divided
+between fear of losing her, and dread of myself and any action I
+might take.
+
+"That will not do for me," I said sternly. "I can only make you this
+offer: Come with me at once to this lady's sleeping berth and regain
+the despatch, and I will agree to say no more about it; refuse, and I
+shall report the whole affair to his majesty personally."
+
+"Who are you?" inquired the dismayed man.
+
+"That is of no consequence. You see my uniform--let that be enough
+for you."
+
+He staggered down the car. I followed, and we reached the car where
+the Princess was at the moment engaged, with Marie's aid, in putting
+the last touches to her toilet.
+
+She looked up at our appearance, gave an interrogative glance first
+at Menken and then, at me, and evidently made up her mind.
+
+"What is it, gentlemen?"
+
+"The--the paper I gave--that you offered to--that--in short, I want
+it immediately," faltered my companion.
+
+"I have no paper of yours, and I do not know what you are talking
+about, my friend," said the Princess Y---- with the calmest air in
+the world.
+
+Menken uttered a cry of despair.
+
+"The letter, the letter I gave you last night--it was a letter from
+the Czar," he exclaimed feebly.
+
+"I think you must have dreamed it," said the Princess with extreme
+composure. "Marie, have you seen any letter about?"
+
+"No, your highness," returned the servant submissively.
+
+"If you think there is anything here, you are welcome to look," her
+mistress added with a pleasant smile. "As for me, I never keep
+letters, my own or anybody else's. _I always tear them up._"
+
+And with these words, and another smile and a nod, she stepped
+gracefully past us, and went to take her seat in the part of the
+train reserved for ladies.
+
+Somewhere, doubtless, on the white Manchurian plain we had crossed in
+the night, the fragments of the imperial peacemaker's letter were
+being scattered by the wind.
+
+Menken's face had changed utterly in the last minute. He resembled an
+elderly man.
+
+"Tell the Czar that I alone am to blame," were his last words.
+
+Before I could prevent him, he had drawn a revolver from his pocket,
+and put two bullets through his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO
+
+
+A week later, that is to say, on the 8th of February, 1904, I was in
+Tokio.
+
+The behavior of the Princess Y---- on hearing of the death of her
+victim had been a strange mixture of heartlessness and hysterical
+remorse.
+
+At the first sound of the fatal shots, she came rushing to the scene
+of the tragedy, and cast herself on the floor of the corridor beside
+the dead man, seizing his hands, crying his name aloud, and weeping
+frantically.
+
+When I tried to raise her, so that the body might be removed, she
+turned on me fiercely.
+
+"This is your fault!" she cried. "Who are you, and how dared you
+interfere with me?"
+
+"As you see by my uniform, I am an inspector of police attached to
+the Third Section."
+
+She gazed at me searchingly for a moment, and then, lowering her
+voice, and bringing her lips to my ear, she said with intense energy:
+
+"It is a lie. I am here by the orders of the Minister himself, as you
+must know well. You are acting against us, whoever you are."
+
+"I am acting by order of the Czar," I responded.
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"I expect that is another lie. You could not have got so far as you
+have unless you had some one else behind you. Poor Nicholas!--Every
+one knows what he is, and that he has less power than any other man
+in Russia. Are you Witte's man, I wonder?"
+
+"You are a bold woman to question me," I said. "How do you know that
+I am not going to arrest you for stealing and destroying the Czar's
+letter?"
+
+"I should not remain long under arrest," was the significant answer.
+She gave me another searching look, and muttered to herself, "If I
+did not know that he was safe in the hands of my friends in
+Petersburg I should think you must be a certain Monsieur ----"
+
+She broke off without pronouncing my name, and turned away.
+
+At Mukden, the next stopping place, the Princess Y---- left the
+train, no doubt intending to travel back to Russia and report her
+success.
+
+In the meantime, I had reason to think she had notified her friends
+in Manchuria to keep an eye on me.
+
+All the way to Dalny I felt by that instinct which becomes second
+nature to a man of my profession that I was under surveillance.
+I detected a change in the manner of my friend the train
+superintendent. My trifling luggage was carefully searched. In the
+night when I was asleep some one went through my pockets. I was able
+to see that even the contents of my cigarette case, which I had not
+opened since leaving Petersburg, had been turned out and put back
+again.
+
+As the train neared Dalny I began to feel a little nervous. I had a
+dread of being stopped on my way to embark on board the steampacket
+which was still running to Tokio.
+
+The train drew up at last, at the end of its five-thousand-mile-run,
+and I stepped off it to the platform, carrying my valise in my hand.
+
+The platform was literally swarming with spies, as it was easy for a
+man of my experience to detect. I walked calmly through them to the
+cab-stand, and hailed a droshky.
+
+The driver, before starting off, exchanged a signal almost openly
+with a stout man in plain clothes, who dogged me from the railway
+carriage.
+
+Presently I sighted the steamer, alongside the principal wharf, with
+the smoke pouring out of its funnel, all ready to start.
+
+The cabman whipped his horse and drove straight past the steamer.
+
+"Where are you going?" I shouted.
+
+"To the Custom House first; it is the regulation," was the answer.
+
+Taking out my long neglected case, I placed a cigarette between my
+lips, and asked the driver for some matches.
+
+He passed me a wooden box. I struck several, but each went out in the
+high wind before igniting the tobacco.
+
+I was making another attempt as the droshky drew up outside the steps
+of the Custom House. I dismounted negligently, while one of the
+officials came and clutched my luggage. Then I walked slowly up the
+steps, pausing in the porch to strike a fresh match.
+
+A porter snatched the box from my hand. "Smoking is forbidden," he
+said roughly. "Wait till you are out again."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders, pinched the burning end of the cigarette,
+which I retained in my mouth, and sauntered with an air of supreme
+indifference after the man who was carrying my bag.
+
+He led me into a room in which a severe-looking official was seated
+at a desk.
+
+"Your papers," he demanded.
+
+I produced the papers with which I had been furnished by Rostoy.
+
+The customs official scrutinized them, evidently in the hope of
+discovering some flaw.
+
+"On what business are you going to Tokio?" he demanded.
+
+I smiled.
+
+"Since when have the police of the Third Section been obliged to
+render an account of themselves to the officers of the customs?" I
+asked defiantly.
+
+"How do I know that you are not a Japanese spy?"
+
+I laughed heartily.
+
+"You must be mad. How do I know that you are not a Nihilist?" I
+retorted.
+
+The customs officer turned pale. I saw that my chance shot had gone
+home. The Russian imperial services are honeycombed by revolutionary
+intrigues.
+
+"Well, I shall detain your luggage for examination," he declared.
+
+This time I pretended the greatest agitation. Of course, the more I
+resisted the more he insisted. In the end he allowed me to depart
+without my person being searched. The fact is I had convinced him
+that he held an important prize in my worthless valise.
+
+I was just in time to catch the steamer. As I crossed the gangway, a
+man dressed like a coal-trimmer turned on me a last careful scrutiny,
+and remarked,
+
+"Your cigarette has gone out, Mister."
+
+"Can you give me a light? Thank you!" I struck a match, drew a puff
+of smoke, and handed him back the box. Then I walked on board, the
+gangway was drawn in, and the Japanese steamer headed out to the open
+sea.
+
+On reaching Tokio I experienced some difficulty in obtaining an
+audience of the Japanese ruler.
+
+I was obliged to announce my name. It will hardly be believed, but
+the chamberlain whom I had entrusted with the important secret,
+brought back the answer that the Mikado had never heard of me!
+
+"Tell his imperial majesty that there is no monarch of Europe, and
+only two of Asia, who could say the same. I am here as the
+confidential plenipotentiary of the Czar, with an autograph letter
+addressed to the Mikado, and I respectfully ask leave to present it
+in person."
+
+Such a demand of course could not be refused. But even now the
+haughty Japanese did not receive me in the privacy of his own
+cabinet. On the contrary, I found myself introduced into the State
+Council-Room, in which his majesty was seated at a table surrounded
+by his chief advisers.
+
+In particular I remarked the venerable Yamagata, conqueror of China,
+and the round bullet-head of Oyama, the future overthrower of
+Kuropatkin.
+
+On the table was spread out a large map, or rather plan, of the
+entire theater of war, including Manchuria, Korea, Japan and the seas
+between. A man in naval uniform was standing beside the imperial
+chair, with an expectant look on his face.
+
+All eyes were turned upon me at my entrance. The Mikado beckoned to
+me to approach him.
+
+"Is it true that you bring me a letter from the Russian Emperor?" he
+asked abruptly. "We have received information that such a letter was
+on its way, but that the bearer was murdered on the Manchurian
+railway four days ago."
+
+"Your majesty's information is substantially correct," I answered.
+"The messenger, a Colonel Menken, was seduced into parting with his
+despatch, and committed suicide in consequence."
+
+"Well, and what about yourself?"
+
+"Foreseeing that the unscrupulous men who have been trying to force
+on a war between his Russian majesty and your majesty would leave no
+stone unturned to intercept this despatch, the Czar wrote a duplicate
+with his own hand, which he entrusted to me, in the hope that I might
+baffle the conspirators."
+
+"Where is it?"
+
+"I endeavored to conceal it by unstitching the front of the shirt I
+am wearing, and sewing it up between the folds.
+
+"Unfortunately I was drugged at a dinner party in Petersburg just
+before starting. I was unconscious for an hour and a half, and I fear
+that the opponents of peace have taken advantage of the opportunity
+to find and rob me of the letter. But I will see, with your majesty's
+permission."
+
+The Mikado made no answer. Amid a breathless silence, with all the
+room watching my movements, I tore open my shirt-front and extracted
+a paper.
+
+It was blank.
+
+"So," commented the Japanese Emperor, sternly, "you have no such
+credentials as you boasted of having."
+
+"Pardon me, sire. Anticipating that the War Party would suspect the
+object of my mission, and would resort to some such step to defeat
+it, I purposely provided them with a document to steal, believing
+that when they had robbed me of it they would allow me to proceed
+unmolested. My real credentials are here."
+
+I drew out my cigarette case, found the partially smoked cigarette I
+had had in my mouth when I ran the gauntlet of the spies at Dalny,
+and proceeded to cut off the paper. On the inner surface these words
+were written in the hand of the Czar:
+
+      The bearer of this, M. V----, has my full confidence, and
+      is authorized to settle conditions of peace.
+                         NICHOLAS.
+
+As I respectfully placed the scrap of paper, with its charred edges,
+in the Mikado's hand, I was conscious of a profound sensation in the
+room. Aged statesmen and brilliant commanders bent eagerly across
+the table to learn the character of the message thus strangely
+brought to its destination.
+
+His majesty read the brief note aloud. It was received with a murmur,
+not entirely of satisfaction I was surprised to note.
+
+Seeing that the Mikado made no remark, I ventured to say:
+
+"I hope that the extreme character of the measures adopted by the
+Czar to assure your majesty of his peaceful sentiments will have the
+effect of convincing you that they are genuine."
+
+The Emperor of Japan glanced around his council board as if to
+satisfy himself that he and his advisers were of one mind before
+replying:
+
+"I appreciate the zeal and the extraordinary skill with which you
+have carried out your mission. I regret that I cannot give you a
+favorable answer to take back to your nation."
+
+I was thunderstruck at this exordium. Slightly raising his voice, the
+Mikado went on:
+
+"Tell the Emperor of Russia that I do not distrust his sincerity, but
+I distrust his power. The monarch who cannot send a letter through
+his dominions in safety; who has to resort to stratagems and
+precautions like these to overcome the opposition of his own
+subjects, is not the ruler of his empire.
+
+"Why, sir, do you suppose that if I had a message to send to my
+brother in St. Petersburg I should have to stoop to arts like these?
+That any subject of mine would dare to plot against me, to seduce my
+messengers, to drug and rob them? Incredible! The tale you have told
+me completely confirms everything I and my advisers have already
+heard with regard to the Russian Government. It is a ship without a
+captain, on which the helm is fought for and seized by different
+hands in turn. To-day the real rulers of Russia are the men who are
+bent on war--and who, while we are talking, have actually begun the
+war!"
+
+I gazed around the Council-Room, unable to believe my ears.
+
+"Yes," the stern sovereign continued, "while you, sir, were entering
+the Inland Sea, charged with this offer of peace"--his majesty tossed
+the precious piece of paper on the table with a look of disdain--"a
+Russian gunboat, the _Korietz_, was firing the first shot of the war
+at one of my squadrons off Chemulpo."
+
+The glances directed by those present at the naval officer behind the
+imperial chair convinced me that he had just brought the fatal news
+to the Council.
+
+"And now," added the Mikado, "I will give my reply to the real
+masters of Russia--to the directors of the _Korietz_."
+
+He nodded to the naval officer, who walked across the floor to a box
+on the wall like a telephone receiver, and pressed a button.
+
+"That," his majesty explained, "is the signal for a flotilla of
+torpedo boats to enter the harbor of Port Arthur and blow up the
+Russian fleet."
+
+I think a faint cry of remonstrance or misgiving must have escaped
+me. The Japanese monarch frowned, and his voice took a still sterner
+ring.
+
+"Go back to your unfortunate master, and tell him that when he can
+send me a public envoy, in the light of day, to ask for peace, and to
+undertake the fulfilment of the pledges which his Ministers have
+broken, I will grant his request."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND
+
+
+I left the presence of the Japanese Emperor deeply disheartened.
+
+It is true I had myself foretold this failure, and that his Japanese
+majesty and his advisers had been good enough to compliment me in
+almost extravagant terms on the energy and resourcefulness I had
+shown in baffling the enemies of peace.
+
+But I am unaccustomed to defeat, no matter what are the odds against
+me, and I felt that the first point in the game had been scored
+against by the formidable woman whose beauty and strangely composite
+character had fascinated me, even while I was countermining her.
+
+For my work was not yet over. Indeed, it had but just begun.
+
+I had not succeeded in averting war between the two great Powers of
+Asia. But I hoped to thwart the efforts which I feared would be made
+to extend the conflagration to Europe.
+
+As soon as I had found myself once more on civilized ground, I had
+despatched a cable to my Paris office, announcing my whereabouts and
+asking for information.
+
+The reader may be excused if he has forgotten a little episode which
+marked my stay in Petersburg. I had noticed something peculiar and at
+the same time familiar in the scent of the tobacco smoked by
+Petrovitch, the financial adventurer whose scheme to enrich himself
+and a corrupt clique of courtiers out of the spoils of Korea and
+China was the true cause of the war.
+
+By a ruse I had secured one of the cigarettes, smoked by this
+dangerous plotter, and having ascertained that it bore the mark
+_Gregorides, Crown Aa_, had instructed my staff to ascertain the
+history of this particular make of cigarettes.
+
+While I was resting in my hotel in Tokio, waiting for the reply to my
+cable, I was honored by a visit from no less a personage than Privy
+Councillor Katahashi, President of the Imperial Bank of Japan.
+
+"I have come," the Privy Councillor explained as soon as the door was
+closed, "to express the high sense of your ability and devotion which
+we all possess, and to ask if it is possible for Japan to secure your
+services."
+
+Deeply gratified by this proposal, I was obliged to explain that I
+was already retained in the interest of Russia.
+
+"But what interest?" Mr. Katahashi persisted. "It is clear that you
+are not acting on behalf of that group which has just succeeded in
+its purpose of forcing a war."
+
+"That is so," I admitted. "It is no breach of confidence--in fact, I
+serve my employers by assuring you that my efforts are directed
+toward peace."
+
+"In that case there can be no antagonism between us, surely. Is it
+not possible for you and me--I say nothing about our respective
+Governments--to co-operate for certain purposes?
+
+"I know enough of the conditions which prevail in the Russian Court
+to feel pretty sure that it was not Nicholas II. who originally
+sought you out, and entrusted you with this mission," the Japanese
+statesman added.
+
+"At the close of the last war in this part of the world," the Privy
+Councillor went on, "Japan was robbed of the fruit of her victories
+by an alliance of three Powers, Russia, Germany, and France. This
+time we know that England will support us against any such
+combination. Thanks to King Edward VII. we have nothing to fear. His
+diplomacy, moreover, has secured the powerful influence of France on
+the side of peace. Although nominally allied with the Czar, we know
+that the French Government is determined to limit the area of the
+war, and to take no part against us, except in one event."
+
+"You mean," I put in, "in the event of an attack by England on
+Russia."
+
+"Exactly. And therefore we know that King Edward is making it his
+particular care that no cause of conflict shall arise."
+
+He paused, and glanced at me as though he considered that he had
+sufficiently indicated the source from which my instructions were
+received.
+
+I contented myself with bowing.
+
+"We know, also, that the most restless and ambitious of living
+monarchs has been bending his whole thoughts and schemes, ever since
+he ascended the throne, to one supreme end--the overthrow of the
+British Empire by a grand combination of all the other Powers of the
+world. If that monarch can force on a general strife in which England
+will be involved on the side of Japan, while practically every other
+European Power is leagued against her, M. Petrovitch and his timber
+concessions will have done their work."
+
+I drew a deep breath as I looked at the Japanese statesman with a
+questioning gaze.
+
+As if in answer to my unspoken query, a waiter of the hotel knocked
+at the door in the same moment, and brought me the long-expected
+cable from my agent in Europe.
+
+I tore it open and read:
+
+      Cigarettes Gregorides Crown Aa special brand manufactured
+      to order of Marx, Berlin, tobacconist to German Emperor.
+
+I looked up from reading the telegram to see the eyes of the Japanese
+Privy Councillor fixed upon me with the inscrutable, penetrating gaze
+of the Oriental.
+
+"The message you have just received bears on the subject of our
+conversation, does it not?" he inquired, but in the tone of one who
+does not doubt what the answer will be.
+
+With the caution which has become a habit with me, I read the cable
+through carefully for the second time, and then placed it on the
+fire, where it was instantly consumed.
+
+The Japanese statesman smiled.
+
+"You forget, I think, M. V----, that you have come here as the
+emissary of a sovereign with whom we are at war, and that,
+consequently, we cannot afford to respect your privacy.
+
+"I have a copy in my pocket," he went on urbanely. "You have felt
+some curiosity about a particular brand of cigarettes, and your
+friends have just informed you that they are those supplied to the
+German Emperor."
+
+I looked at Mr. Katahashi with new respect.
+
+"Your secret service is well managed, sir," I observed.
+
+"Such a compliment from such a quarter is an ample reward for what
+little pains I may have taken."
+
+"Then it is you who are----?"
+
+"The organizer of our secret service during the war?--I am."
+
+"But you are a banker?" I turned my eyes to the card by which Mr.
+Katahashi had announced his visit.
+
+The Japanese gave another of his subtle smiles--those peculiar smiles
+of the Oriental which make the keenest-witted man of the West feel
+that he is little better than a blunderer.
+
+"I came here prepared to take you into my confidence," he said
+gravely. "I am well aware that it is the only safe course in dealing
+with the Bismarck of underground diplomacy.
+
+"I am equally well aware," the Privy Councillor added, "that a secret
+confided to Monsieur V---- is as safe as if it had been told in
+confidence to a priest of Buddha, for whom the penalty of betrayal is
+to be flayed alive."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN
+
+
+"Three years ago," Mr. Katahashi proceeded, "when we first recognized
+that Japan would be obliged to fight Russia for her existence as a
+free and independent country, his imperial majesty the Mikado
+appointed me head of the intelligence department.
+
+"I perceived that it would be necessary for me to establish centers
+in the chief European capitals, and to have at my command a corps of
+agents whose comings and goings would not attract the attention that
+is usually given to the movements of persons connected with the staff
+of an embassy.
+
+"In our case precautions were necessary which would not have been
+recognized in the case of another country.
+
+"On the one hand, our Government has laid to heart the profound
+advice of Herbert Spencer, that whatever is done for Japan should be
+done by Japanese.
+
+"On the other hand, our people have characteristic racial features
+which make it practically impossible for a Japanese to disguise
+himself as a Western European, so as to deceive European eyes.
+
+"It was therefore necessary to provide an excuse for distributing
+Japanese agents over the West without the true reason of their
+presence being known.
+
+"I solved this problem by founding the Imperial Bank of Japan."
+
+"But, surely!" I exclaimed, "the Imperial Bank of Japan is a _bona
+fide_ concern? Its shares are regularly quoted on the stock
+exchanges. It negotiates loans, and carries on the ordinary business
+of a bank?"
+
+"Certainly. Why not? You forget that Japan is not a rich country.
+What we lack in gold, we are obliged to make up in ingenuity and
+devotion. Thanks to this idea of mine, the secret service of Japan
+pays for itself, and even earns a small profit."
+
+It gave me something like a cold shock to comprehend the character of
+this people whom the Russians had so recklessly provoked to draw the
+sword.
+
+I thought of the intelligence departments of some Western Powers, of
+the rank corruption that reigned on the Neva, where every secret had
+its price; of the insane conceit of Berlin, which had forgotten
+nothing and learned nothing since the days of Moltke; of the
+luxurious laziness of Pall Mall, where superannuated soldiers dozed
+in front of their dusty pigeon-holes after apoplectic lunches, and
+exercised their wits chiefly in framing evasive answers suited to the
+intelligence of the House of Commons.
+
+And beside these pictures I placed this of the prosperous commercial
+house, founded by the man before me, a man whose salary would
+probably be sniffed at by a deputy-assistant controller in the
+British War Office.
+
+A bank, paying its way, and adding to the revenues of Japan, and yet
+every member of its staff a tireless spy, ready to go anywhere and
+risk everything on behalf of his native country!
+
+Mr. Katahashi seemed to ignore the effect produced on my mind by his
+modest explanation.
+
+"I have told you this," he resumed, "because if I can succeed in
+satisfying you that we are both working for the same ends, or at
+least against the same enemy, I hope it will be agreeable to you to
+co-operate with me."
+
+I drew my brows together in anxious thought. In spite of the flattery
+and deference of the Privy Councillor I could not but feel that I
+should be the junior partner in any such combination as he proposed,
+or, rather, I should find myself an instrument in the hands of one
+whose methods were strange to me.
+
+"Although his imperial majesty was not familiar with your name, you
+must not suppose that your reputation is not known in the right
+quarters. I have a very full report on your work in my office. I had
+intended from the first to engage your services if we required any
+Western aid; and, as a matter of fact, I was on the eve of sending
+you a retainer, when I heard I had been anticipated by----"
+
+"By Lord Bedale," I put in swiftly.
+
+"By Lord Bedale, certainly," the Japanese acquiesced with a polite
+bow and smile.
+
+"After your interview with him, I lost sight of you," my
+extraordinary companion went on. "Your wonderful transformation into
+a Little Englander of the Peace-at-any-Price school threw my agents
+off the scent. But I heard of your interview with Nicholas II."
+
+"You did!"
+
+Mr. Katahashi nodded.
+
+"I recognized you in that transaction. I even guessed that you might
+make an attempt to carry through a message from the Czar. But,
+knowing the influences arrayed against you, I never expected you to
+succeed. Your appearance in our Council-Room was a triumph on which I
+congratulate you warmly.
+
+"And now," the Mikado's Privy Councillor continued, "there remain two
+questions:
+
+"Supposing you are satisfied that the real author of this war is not
+any one in Russia, but a certain monarch who smokes cigarettes made
+by the house of Gregorides--
+
+"And that the same ambitious ruler is now weaving his snares to
+entangle Great Britain, in short your own employer, the----"
+
+"Marquis of Bedale," I again slipped in.
+
+Again the same polite but incredulous bow and smile from the Japanese
+statesman.
+
+"Would you be willing to accept a retainer from us?"
+
+I sat upright, frowning.
+
+The somewhat haughty attitude of the Emperor of Japan still rankled
+within me.
+
+"I will accept a retainer from his majesty the Mikado," I announced
+stiffly. "From no one else."
+
+Mr. Katahashi looked thoughtful.
+
+"I will see what can be done," he murmured. "The second question----"
+
+There was a momentary hesitation in his manner.
+
+"I have just spoken to you of the precept of the great English
+philosopher."
+
+"It was, if I remember rightly, that you should employ only Japanese
+in the service of Japan?"
+
+The Privy Councillor bowed.
+
+"Therefore, you will see, we are obliged to make a proposal which may
+seem to you unusual--perhaps unreasonable."
+
+"And this proposal is?" I asked, with undisguised curiosity.
+
+"That you should become a Japanese."
+
+I threw myself back in my chair, amazed.
+
+"Your Excellency, I am an American citizen."
+
+"So I have understood."
+
+"An American citizen is on a level with royalty."
+
+"That is admitted."
+
+"Even the Dowager Empress of China, when engaging me in her service,
+though she raised my ancestors to the rank of marquises, did not ask
+me to forego my citizenship of the United States."
+
+"That is not necessary," the Privy Councillor protested.
+
+"Explain yourself, if you will be so good."
+
+"A man may be an American citizen, although by birth he is a
+Frenchman, a German, or even a negro. You yourself are a Pole, I
+believe."
+
+I could only bow.
+
+"Now I do not propose that you should relinquish your political
+allegiance, but only that you should exchange your Polish nationality
+for a Japanese one."
+
+"But how, sir?"
+
+"It is very simple. By being adopted into a Japanese family."
+
+I sat and stared at the Japanese statesman, with his mask-like face
+and impenetrable eyes. I seemed to be in some strange dream.
+
+Who shall judge the ways of the Asiatic! This daring organizer, a
+match for the most astute minds of the West, believed that he could
+only make sure of fidelity by persuading me to go through what
+seemed the comedy of a mock adoption, a ceremony like the blood
+brotherhood of an African tribe.
+
+"And suppose I consent, into what family do you purpose to introduce
+me?"
+
+The Privy Councillor's look became positively affectionate as he
+responded:
+
+"If you would honor me by becoming my kinsman?"
+
+I rose to my feet, shaking my head slowly.
+
+"I appreciate the compliment your Excellency pays me. But, as we have
+just now agreed, an American citizen has no equals except royalty.
+Let us return to the German Emperor and his designs. If I cannot
+serve you directly I may be able to do so indirectly."
+
+The Japanese made no attempt to press his proposal.
+
+Instead he plunged into a discussion of the intrigues which radiated
+from Berlin.
+
+"In nearly all the international difficulties and disagreements of
+the last twenty years," he said, "it is possible to trace the evil
+influence of Germany.
+
+"To German sympathy, a secret encouragement, was due the wanton
+invasion of Cape Colony by the Boers. To the Kaiser, and his promises
+of support, was due the hopeless defiance of the United States by
+Spain. The same Power tried to drag Great Britain into collision
+with your Republic over the miserable concerns of Venezuela. For
+years, Germany has been secretly egging on the French to raise
+troubles against the English in Egypt. In the same spirit, the Sultan
+has been abetted, first against England and next against Russia.
+
+"All these schemes have been spoiled by the action of King Edward
+VII. in establishing cordial relations with France, and even to a
+certain extent with Russia.
+
+"Now Wilhelm II. has taken advantage of the attraction of France to
+England, to draw nearer to Russia. He has secured in his interest
+some of the most influential personages at the Russian Court. The
+Anglophobe grand dukes, the fire-eaters of the Admiralty, are all his
+sworn allies.
+
+"But that is not the worst.
+
+"By some means which I have not yet been able to trace, the Kaiser
+seems to have acquired a peculiar hold over Nicholas II.
+
+"The whole policy of Russia seems to be tinged by this influence.
+Even where the instigation of Germany is not directly apparent, yet
+in a hundred ways it is clear that the Russian Government is playing
+the German game. The cause of all this is a riddle, a riddle which it
+is for you to solve."
+
+"For me?"
+
+The words escaped me involuntarily. I had listened with growing
+uneasiness to the Privy Councillor's revelations.
+
+"Undoubtedly. You have facilities which no one else possesses. You
+enjoy the confidence of the Czar. You cannot be suspected of any
+selfish designs, still less of any hostile feeling against Wilhelm
+II., who is understood to be almost your personal friend."
+
+"I never allow personal friendships to influence me in the discharge
+of my duty."
+
+"It is because I believe that, that I am talking to you like this,"
+Mr. Katahashi responded quickly.
+
+"Well!" he added after a short silence, "what do you say?"
+
+"I must have the night to decide."
+
+The Japanese Privy Councillor rose to say good-by.
+
+After he had gone I sat up late into the night considering how far I
+could serve my employer in England by entering into the projects of
+the secret service of Japan.
+
+In the morning, I was still undecided, but on the whole it seemed to
+me that it would be better to act independently.
+
+I was considering how to convey this decision to the Mikado's
+minister, when he again presented himself before me.
+
+His manner was deeply agitated. It was evident that he came to make a
+communication of the highest importance.
+
+Instead of taking the chair I offered him, he stood regarding me with
+an expression that seemed one of awe.
+
+"Monsieur V----," he said at length, "your conditions are accepted by
+his imperial majesty."
+
+"What conditions?" I asked, bewildered for the moment.
+
+"Last night you informed me that an American citizen occupied the
+same rank as royalty."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"The Mikado offers to make you a member of the imperial family by
+adoption, and one of his majesty's cousins has consented to make you
+his son!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS
+
+
+In these days, when princes resign their rank to marry commoners, and
+queens elope with tutors, it is probable that most Western minds will
+see nothing out of the way in the condescension of the Japanese ruler
+in admitting a diplomatic agent to the honor of the imperial
+cousinship.
+
+But the dynasty of Japan is the most illustrious in the world,
+excepting only that of Great Britain. Like Edward VII., the Mikado
+traces his lineage back to pagan gods. From the days of the famous
+Empress Jimmu, an unbroken line of sacred sovereigns has filled the
+throne of the Realm of the Rising Sun during more than two thousand
+years.
+
+Mr. Katahashi was evidently pleased to see that I appreciated to the
+full the tremendous honor accorded to me.
+
+"An imperial carriage is waiting to convey you to the Palace," he
+said. "But it will not be becoming for you to wear that uniform. I
+have brought you a Japanese dress."
+
+An attendant came into the room bearing a gorgeous robe of green silk
+embroidered with golden chrysanthemums.
+
+I put it on like one in a dream. The Privy Councillor with his own
+hands girt around my waist the two weapons, sacred from time
+immemorial to the use of the Japanese noble, the sword with which to
+behead his friend, and the dagger with which to disembowel himself.
+
+Needless to say, I had no expectation that I should ever have
+occasion to regard these magnificently embellished weapons in any
+other light than as ornamental badges of rank.
+
+As we rode to the Palace, I could not forbear contrasting this
+splendid treatment with that which I had been accustomed to receive
+from some of the European sovereigns to whom I had rendered important
+services.
+
+Even the German Kaiser, who trusted me more than the head of his own
+police, who talked to me almost on the footing of an intimate friend,
+had never offered me so much as the coveted "von" before my name--had
+not given me even the pretty Red Eagle which is lavished on
+second-rate generals and lords-in-waiting.
+
+I became well-nigh appalled as I contrasted the sluggish
+conversation, the hide-bound officialism, the stereotyped and sleepy
+methods of the Western Powers with the sleepless energy, the daring
+initiative, the desperate industry and courage of this rejuvenated
+Eastern race.
+
+What could any of these obsolete European Governments effect against
+a nation which was really a vast secret society of forty-five
+millions, directed by a sacred chief, and wielding all the mechanical
+resources of the West with the almost inhuman subtlety and
+ruthlessness of the Orient?
+
+"Anything can be done for money." This maxim, which is forever on the
+lips of Russian statesmen, no longer sounded true in the meridian of
+Tokio.
+
+The ruler of Japan had not offered me so much as a yen. Nay, it
+was clearly expected and intended that I should devote myself
+to the service of my new country without pay, and with the same
+single-hearted devotion as Mr. Katahashi himself. The Mikado was
+going to enroll in his services as an unpaid volunteer the most
+highly-paid, in other words, the most trusted and feared, secret
+service agent of two hemispheres.
+
+And it was to cost him? An embroidered garment and two sentences
+spoken in a private audience!
+
+Such are the methods of Japan!
+
+On our arrival at the Palace we were received by a chamberlain, who
+conducted us by the private staircase to the Hall of the Imperial
+Family.
+
+The Hall is an imposing room, hung with portraits of deceased
+mikados. A single chair, decorated with the emblem of the Rising Sun,
+stood at the upper end.
+
+Almost as soon as we had taken our places, a door behind the chair
+was thrown up, and a number of the officers of the household, all
+wearing the ancient national costume, filed in, and grouped
+themselves around the imperial chair.
+
+Then a silver bell sounded, and his imperial and sacred majesty,
+Mutsuhito CXXI., Mikado, walked slowly forward into the Hall,
+accompanied by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Yoshihito, and an
+elderly man, attired with great richness, who was, as my guide
+whispered to me, his imperial highness Prince Yorimo, second cousin
+to the Emperor, and the man who had consented to be my titular
+father.
+
+The ceremony was brief but impressive. I could not but be struck by
+the contrast between the two Mikados--the one whom I had seen
+yesterday, an alert statesman, wearing Western clothes, and speaking
+French with hardly a trace of accent, and the one before me now, a
+solemn, pontifical figure, in his immemorial robes, moving, speaking
+with the etiquette of a bygone age.
+
+Everything passed in the Japanese language, of which I did not then
+know a single word.
+
+Mr. Katahashi did his best to provide a running translation,
+whispering in my ear, and prompting me with the Japanese words which
+it was necessary for me to pronounce.
+
+As far as I could understand, Prince Yorimo asked permission of the
+Emperor to adopt a son, as he was childless and desired to have some
+one who would sacrifice to his own spirit and those of his father and
+grandfather after he was dead.
+
+The Mikado graciously consenting, I was brought forward, and made to
+renounce my own family and ancestors, and promise to sacrifice
+exclusively to those of my new father.
+
+Prince Yorimo next brought forward a robe embroidered with the
+imperial emblems, the most prominent of which was the Rising Sun. I
+was divested of the dress lent me by Katahashi, and my adoptive
+father flung the imperial garment over my shoulders.
+
+The girding on of the samurai weapon followed, and my father
+addressed me a short exhortation, bidding me hold myself ready at all
+times to obey the will of the Divine Emperor, even to the point of
+committing _seppuku_ at his command.
+
+_Seppuku_ is the correct name of the rite known in the West by the
+vulgar name of _hara-kiri_, or the "happy despatch." It is a form of
+voluntary execution permitted by the ancient laws of Japan to men of
+noble rank, much as European nobles were allowed to be beheaded
+instead of being hanged.
+
+I was then permitted to kiss the hand of Prince Yorimo, who formally
+presented me to the Mikado, whose hand also I had to kiss, kneeling.
+
+That was the whole of the ceremony, at the close of which Mr.
+Katahashi bade me a temporary farewell, and my princely father
+carried me off to a banquet in his own mansion.
+
+Tedious and uninteresting as I fear these details must seem to the
+reader, I have thought it right to record them as an illustration of
+the spirit of Japan, of that country of which I am proud to be an
+adopted son.
+
+The moment we had quitted the Hall of the Imperial Family, Prince
+Yorimo began to talk to me in French.
+
+He proved to be a most fascinating companion. Old enough to remember
+the feudal age, which was still in full vigor in Japan forty years
+ago, he had since mastered most of the knowledge of the West.
+
+I soon found that the Prince was by no means disposed to treat the
+adoption as a mere form. It was evident that the old gentleman had
+taken a strong fancy to me. He gave me a most affectionate welcome on
+the threshold of his house, and immediately calling his servants
+around him, introduced me to them as their future master, and bade
+them obey me as himself.
+
+I was more touched than I care to say by this kind treatment. My own
+parents have long been dead; I know nothing of any other relations,
+if I have any; I have long been a wanderer and an adventurer on the
+face of the earth, and now, at last, I felt as though I had found a
+home.
+
+Something of this I tried to convey to his imperial highness.
+
+"My son," he replied with deep tenderness, "I feel that to me you
+will be a son indeed. You shall learn the language of our beautiful
+country, you shall grow used to our national ways. Before long you
+will let me provide you with a daughter of the Chrysanthemum to be
+your wife, and my grandchildren shall be Japanese indeed."
+
+A sound of bells was heard outside.
+
+"My friends are coming to pay the customary congratulation," the aged
+prince explained. "As it is necessary that you should have a name
+suited to your new rank, I ask you to take that of my father,
+Matsukata."
+
+A few words of direction were spoken to the steward of the chambers,
+who went out. Immediately afterward he returned, throwing open the
+doors widely, and announced:
+
+"The Marquis Yamagata to congratulate his imperial highness Prince
+Matsukata!"
+
+And the Prime Minister of Japan came toward me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SUBMARINE MINE
+
+
+Having told the reader as much as was necessary to enable him to
+understand my subsequent proceedings, and the real forces at work in
+the underground struggle which produced the tragedy of the Dogger
+Bank, I will suppress the remainder of my adventures in Tokio.
+
+When I left the capital of my new country I wore around my neck,
+under the light shirt of chain mail without which I have never
+traveled for the last twenty years, a golden locket containing the
+miniature portrait of the loveliest maiden in the East or in the
+West.
+
+It was a pledge. When little, tender fingers had fastened it in its
+place, little moving lips had whispered in my ear, "Till peace is
+signed!"
+
+I had decided to return to the capital of what was now the country of
+my enemies, by much the same route as I had left it.
+
+To do so, it was necessary to run the blockade of Port Arthur, or
+rather to feign to do so, for the Japanese Minister of Marine had
+been asked by my friend Katahashi to give secret instructions to
+Admiral Togo on my behalf.
+
+In order to ensure a welcome from the Russian commander, and to
+dispel any suspicions, I planned to take in a cargo of Welsh steam
+coal.
+
+Through an agent at Yokohama I chartered a British collier lying at
+Chi-fu, with a cargo for disposal. Leaving the Japanese port on a
+steamer bound for Shanghai, I met the collier in mid-ocean, and
+transferred myself on board her.
+
+As soon as I had taken command, I ordered the skipper to head for
+Port Arthur.
+
+This was the first intimation to him that he was expected to run the
+blockade, and at first he refused.
+
+"I'm not afraid--myself," the sturdy Briton declared, "but I've got a
+mixed crew on board, Germans and Norwegians and Lascars, and all
+sorts, and I can't rely on them if we get in a tight place."
+
+I glanced around at the collection of foreign faces and drew the
+captain aside. He, at least, was an Englishman, and I therefore
+trusted him.
+
+"There is no danger, really," I said. "Admiral Togo has had secret
+orders to let me through. This cargo is merely a pretext."
+
+The rough sailor scratched his head.
+
+"Well, maybe you're telling the truth," he grunted. "But, dang me, if
+I can get the hang of it. You might belong to any country almost by
+the cut of your jib; you say you've fixed things up with the blessed
+Japs, and you're running a cargo of coal for the blessed Rooshians.
+It's queer, mortal queer, that's all I can say. Howsomdever----"
+
+I took out a flask of three-star brandy, and passed it to the
+doubting mariner.
+
+He put it first to his nose, then to his lips.
+
+"Ah! Nothing wrong about that, Mister," he pronounced, as he handed
+back the flask.
+
+"It's a fifty-pound job for yourself, no matter what becomes of the
+cargo," I insinuated.
+
+The worthy seaman's manner underwent a magic change.
+
+"Port your helm!" he yelled out suddenly and sharply to the man at
+the wheel. "Keep her steady nor'-east by nor', and a point nor'. Full
+steam ahead! All lights out! And if one of you lubbers so much as
+winks an eyelid, by George, I'll heave him overboard!"
+
+The crew, who had shown a good many signs of uneasiness since my
+coming over the side, seemed to think this last hint worth attending
+to. They slunk forward to their duties, leaving the captain and
+myself to pace the quarter-deck alone.
+
+We steamed swiftly through the darkness till we began to see the
+search-lights of the Japanese fleet like small white feathers
+fluttering on the horizon.
+
+"Come up on the bridge," the skipper advised. "Got a revolver handy?"
+
+I showed him my loaded weapon.
+
+"Right! I ain't much afraid of the Japs, but we may have trouble with
+some of that all-sorts crew I've got below."
+
+By and by the white plumes became bigger. All at once a ship lying
+dark on the water, scarcely a mile away on the weather-bow, spat out
+a long ribbon of light like an ant-eater's tongue, and we found
+ourselves standing in a glare of light as if we were actors in the
+middle of a stage.
+
+There was a howl from below, and a mixed body of Lascars, headed by
+one of the Germans, rushed toward the helm.
+
+"Back, you milk-drinking swabs!" the skipper roared. "As I'm a living
+man, the first one of you that lays a hand on the wheel, I'll fire
+into the crowd.
+
+"Hark ye here!" their commander said with rough eloquence. "In the
+first place, it don't follow that because you can see a flashlight
+the chap at t'other end can see you. Second place, no ship that does
+see us is going to sink us without giving us a round of blank first,
+by way of notice to heave to. Third place, if we do get a notice, I'm
+going to stop this ship. And, fourth place, you've got five seconds
+to decide whether you'd rather be taken into Yokohama by a prize crew
+of Japs, or be shot where you stand by me and this gentleman."
+
+The crew turned tail. Before five seconds had elapsed, not a head was
+to be seen above decks, except that of the man at the helm, who
+happened to be a Dane, to be first mate, and to be more than
+three-parts drunk.
+
+Needless to say the warning shot was not fired.
+
+We steamed steadily on through the fleet, every vessel of which was
+probably by this time aware of our presence. The search-lights
+flashed and fell all around us, but not once did we have to face
+again that blinking glare which tells the blockade runner that the
+game is up.
+
+But there was another peril in store on which we had not reckoned.
+The sea all around Port Arthur had been strewn with Russian mines!
+
+Unconscious of what was coming, we steamed gaily past the last
+outlying torpedo-boat of Admiral Togo's squadron.
+
+"Through!" cried my friend the skipper, pointing with a grin of
+delight at the Port Arthur lights as they came into view around the
+edge of a dark cliff.
+
+And even as he looked and pointed, there was a terrific wave, a rush,
+a flare and a report, and I felt myself lifted off my feet into
+mid-air.
+
+I fancy I must have been unconscious for a second or two while in the
+air, for the splash of the sea as I struck it in falling seemed to
+wake me up like a cold douche.
+
+My first movement, on coming to the surface again, was to put my hand
+to my neck to make sure of the safety of the precious locket which
+had been placed there by my dear little countrywoman.
+
+My second was to strike out for a big spar which I saw floating amid
+a mass of tangled cordage and splinters a few yards in front of me.
+
+Strange as it may seem, only when my arms were resting safely on the
+spar, and I had time to look about me and take stock of the
+situation, did I realize the extreme peril I had been in.
+
+Most dangers and disasters are worse to read about than to go
+through. Had any one warned me beforehand that I was going to be
+blown up by a mine, I should probably have felt the keenest dread,
+and conjured up all sorts of horrors. As it was, the whole adventure
+was over in a twinkling, and by the greatest good luck I had escaped
+without a scratch.
+
+By this time the forts at the entrance to Port Arthur, attracted, no
+doubt, by the noise of the explosion, were busily searching the spot
+with their lights.
+
+The effect was truly magnificent.
+
+From the blackness of the heights surrounding the famous basin, fiery
+sword after fiery sword seemed to leap forth and stab the sea. The
+wondrous blades of light met and crossed one another as if some
+great archangels were doing battle for the key of Asia.
+
+The whole sea was lit up with a brightness greater than that of the
+sun. Every floating piece of wreckage, every rope, every nail stood
+out with unnatural clearness. I was obliged to close my eyes, and
+protect them with my dripping hand.
+
+Presently I heard a hail from behind me. I turned my head, and to my
+delight saw the brave skipper of the lost ship swimming toward me.
+
+In another dozen strokes he was alongside and clinging with me to the
+same piece of wood, which he said was the main gaff.
+
+He was rather badly gashed about the head, but not enough to threaten
+serious consequences. So far as we could ascertain, the whole of the
+crew had perished.
+
+I confess that their fate did not cost me any very great pang, after
+the first natural shock of horror had passed. They owed their death
+to their own lack of courage, which had caused them to take refuge in
+the lowest part of the ship, where the full force of the explosion
+came. The captain and I, thanks to our position on the bridge, had
+escaped with a comparatively mild shaking.
+
+The steersman would have escaped also, in all probability, had he
+been sober.
+
+In a very short time after the captain had joined me, our eyes were
+gladdened by the sight of a launch issuing from the fort to our
+assistance.
+
+The officer in charge had thoughtfully provided blankets and a flask
+of wine. Thus comforted, I was not long in fully recovering my
+strength, and by the time the launch had set us on shore my comrade
+in misfortune was also able to walk without difficulty.
+
+The lieutenant who had picked us up showed the greatest consideration
+on learning that we had been blown up in an attempt to run a cargo of
+coal for the benefit of the Russian fleet. On landing we were taken
+before Admiral Makharoff, the brave man whom fate had marked out to
+perish two months later by a closely similar catastrophe.
+
+The story which I told to the Admiral was very nearly true, though of
+course I suppressed the incidents which had taken place in Tokio.
+
+I said that I had been charged to deliver a private communication
+from the Czar to the Mikado, sent in the hope of averting war, that I
+had arrived too late, and that, having to make my way back to
+Petersburg, I had meant to do a stroke of business on the way on
+behalf of his excellency.
+
+My inspector's uniform, which I had resumed on leaving Yokohama,
+confirmed my words, and Admiral Makharoff, after thanking me on
+behalf of the navy for my zeal, dismissed me with a present of a
+thousand rubles, and a permit to travel inland from Port Arthur.
+
+Needless to say I did not forget to say good-by to my brave
+Englishman, to whom I handed over the Russian Admiral's reward, thus
+doubling the amount I had promised him for his plucky stand against
+the mutineers.
+
+I have hurried over these transactions, interesting as they were, in
+order to come to the great struggle which lay before me in the
+capital of Russia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE ADVISER OF NICHOLAS II
+
+
+By the second week in March I was back in Petersburg.
+
+On the long journey across Asia, I had had time to mature my plans,
+with the advantage of knowing that the real enemy I had to fight was
+neither M. Petrovitch nor the witching Princess Y----, but the Power
+which was using them both as its tools.
+
+It was a frightful thing to know that two mighty peoples, the
+Japanese and Russians, neither of which really wished to fight each
+other, had been locked in strife in order to promote the sinister and
+tortuous policy of Germany.
+
+So far, the German Kaiser had accomplished one-half of his program.
+The second, and more important, step would be to bring about a
+collision between the Russians and the English.
+
+Thus the situation resolved itself into an underground duel between
+Wilhelm II. and myself, a duel in which the whole future history of
+the world, and possibly the very existence of the British Empire,
+hung in the balance.
+
+And the arbiter was the melancholy young man who wandered through the
+vast apartments of his palace at Tsarskoe-Selo like some distracted
+ghost, wishing that any lot in life had been bestowed on him rather
+than that of autocrat of half Europe and Asia.
+
+It was to Nicholas that I first repaired, on my return, to report the
+result of my mission.
+
+I obtained a private audience without difficulty, and found his
+majesty busily engaged in going through some papers relating to the
+affairs of the Navy.
+
+"So they have not killed you, like poor Menken," he said with a
+mixture of sympathy and sadness.
+
+"Colonel Menken killed!" I could not forbear exclaiming.
+
+"Yes. Did you not hear of it? A Japanese spy succeeded in
+assassinating him, and stealing the despatch, just before Mukden. A
+lady-in-waiting attached to the Dowager Czaritza happened to be on
+the train, and brought me the whole story."
+
+I shook my head gravely.
+
+"I fear your majesty has been misinformed. Colonel Menken committed
+suicide. I saw him put the pistol to his head and shoot himself. His
+last words were a message to your majesty."
+
+The Czar raised his hand to his head with a despairing gesture.
+
+"Will these contradictions never end!" he exclaimed. "Really, sir, I
+hope you have made a mistake. Whom _can_ I trust!"
+
+I drew myself up.
+
+"I have no desire to press my version on you, sire," I said coldly.
+"It is sufficient that the Colonel was robbed, and that he is dead.
+Perhaps Princess Y---- has also given you an account of my own
+adventures?"
+
+Nicholas II. looked at me distrustfully.
+
+"Let us leave the name of the Princess on one side," he said in a
+tone of rebuke. "I have every reason to feel satisfied with her
+loyalty and zeal."
+
+I bowed, and remained silent.
+
+"You failed to get through, I suppose," the Czar continued, after
+waiting in vain for me to speak.
+
+"I beg pardon, sire, I safely delivered to the Emperor of Japan your
+majesty's autograph on the cigarette paper. I was robbed of the more
+formal letter in the house of M. Petrovitch, before starting."
+
+Nicholas frowned.
+
+"Petrovitch again! Another of the few men whom I know to be my real
+friends." He fidgeted impatiently.
+
+"Well, what did the Mikado say?"
+
+I had intended to soften the reply of the Japanese Emperor, but now,
+being irritated, I gave it bluntly:
+
+"His majesty professed to disbelieve in your power to control your
+people. He declared that he could not treat a letter from you
+seriously unless you were able to send it openly, without your
+messengers being robbed or murdered on the way across your own
+dominions."
+
+The young Emperor flushed darkly.
+
+"Insolent barbarian!" he cried hotly. "The next letter I send him
+shall be delivered by the commander of my army on the soil of Japan."
+
+I was secretly pleased by this flash of spirit, which raised my
+respect for the Russian monarch.
+
+A recollection seemed to strike him.
+
+"I hear that you were blown up in attempting to bring some coal into
+Port Arthur," he said in a more friendly tone. "I thank you, Monsieur
+V----."
+
+I bowed low.
+
+"Some of my admirals seem to have been caught napping," Nicholas II.
+added. "I have here a very serious report about Admiral Stark at
+Vladivostok."
+
+"You surprise me, sire," I observed incautiously. "Out in Manchuria I
+heard the Admiral praised on all hands for his carefulness and good
+conduct."
+
+"Carefulness! It is possible to be too careful," the Czar complained.
+"Admiral Stark is too much afraid of responsibility. We have
+information that the English are taking all kinds of contraband into
+the Japanese ports, and he does nothing to stop them, for fear of
+committing some breach of international law."
+
+I began to see what was coming. The Emperor, who seemed anxious to
+justify himself, proceeded:
+
+"The rights of neutrals have never been regarded by the British navy,
+when they were at war. However, I have not been satisfied with taking
+the opinion of our own jurists. I have here an opinion from Professor
+Heldenberg of Berlin, who of course represents a neutral Power, and
+he says distinctly that we are entitled to declare anything we
+please contraband, and to seize English ships--I mean, ships of
+neutrals--anywhere, even in the English Channel itself, and sink them
+if it is inconvenient to bring them into a Russian port."
+
+The insidious character of this advice was so glaring that I wondered
+how the unfortunate young monarch could be deceived by it.
+
+But I saw that comment would be useless just then. I must seek some
+other means of opening his eyes to the pitfalls which were being
+prepared for him.
+
+I came from the Palace with a heavy heart. The next day, Petersburg
+was startled by the publication of a ukase recalling Vice-Admiral
+Stark and Rear-Admiral Molas, his second in command, from the
+Pacific.
+
+Immediately on hearing this news I sent a telegram in cipher to Lord
+Bedale. For obvious reasons I never take copies of my secret
+correspondence, but to the best of my recollection the wire ran as
+follows:
+
+      Germany instigating Russian Navy to raid your shipping on
+      the pretext of contraband. Object to provoke reprisals
+      leading to war.
+
+As the reader is aware, this warning succeeded in defeating the
+Kaiser's main design, the British Government steadily refusing to be
+provoked.
+
+Unfortunately this attitude of theirs played into German hands in
+another way, as English shippers were practically obliged to refuse
+goods for the Far East, and this important and lucrative trade passed
+to Hamburg, to the serious injury of the British ports.
+
+But before this development had been reached, I found myself on the
+track of a far more deadly and dangerous intrigue, one which is
+destined to live in history as the most audacious plot ever devised
+by one great Power against another with which it proposed to be on
+terms of perfect friendship.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+A STRANGE CONFESSION
+
+
+I had last seen the strange, beautiful, wicked woman known as the
+Princess Y---- bending in a passion of hysterical remorse over the
+body of the man she had driven to death, on the snow-clad train
+outside Mukden.
+
+I have had some experience of women, and especially of the class
+which mixes in the secret politics of the European Courts. But Sophia
+Y---- was an enigma to me. There was nothing about her which
+suggested the adventuress. And there was much which tended to support
+the story which had won the belief of her august mistress--that she
+was an involuntary agent, who had been victimized by an unscrupulous
+minister of police, by means of a false charge, and who genuinely
+loathed the tasks she was too feeble to refuse.
+
+I had not been back in Petersburg very long when one afternoon the
+hotel waiter came to tell me that a lady desired to see me privately.
+The lady, he added, declined to give her name, but declared that she
+was well known to me.
+
+I had come back to the hotel, I should mention, in the character of
+Mr. Sterling, the self-appointed agent of the fraternity of British
+peace-makers. It was necessary for me to have some excuse for
+residing in Petersburg during the war, and under this convenient
+shelter I could from time to time prepare more effectual disguises.
+
+I was not altogether surprised when my mysterious visitor raised her
+veil and disclosed the features of the Princess herself.
+
+But I was both surprised and shocked by the frightened,
+grief-stricken look on the face of this woman whom I had come to
+dread as my most formidable opponent in the Russian Court.
+
+"Mr. Sterling!--Monsieur V----?" she cried in an agitated voice that
+seemed ready to break down into a sob. "Can you forgive me for
+intruding on you? I dare not speak to you freely in my own house. I
+am beset by spies."
+
+"Sit down, Princess," I said soothingly, as I rolled forward a
+comfortable chair. "Of course I am both charmed and flattered by your
+visit, whatever be its cause."
+
+With feminine intuition she marked the reserve in my response to her
+appeal.
+
+"Ah! You distrust me, and you are quite right!" she exclaimed,
+casting herself into the chair.
+
+She fixed her luminous eyes on me in a deep look, half-imploring,
+half-reproachful.
+
+"It is true, then, what they have been telling me? You were the man,
+dressed as an inspector of the Third Section who traveled on the
+train with me? And you saw the death"--her words were interrupted by
+a shudder--"of that unhappy man?"
+
+It was not very easy to preserve my composure in the face of her
+emotion. Nevertheless, at the risk of appearing callous, I replied:
+
+"I cannot pretend to understand your question. However, even if I did
+it would make no difference.
+
+"Since you know my name is A. V----, you must know also that I never
+allow myself to talk about my work."
+
+The Princess winced under these cold words almost as though she had
+been physically rebuffed. She clasped her delicately-gloved hands
+together, and murmured as though to herself:
+
+"He will not believe in me! He will not be convinced!"
+
+I felt myself in a very difficult position. Either this woman was
+thoroughly repentant, and sincerely anxious to make some genuine
+communication to me, or else she was an actress whose powers might
+have excited envy in the Bernhardt herself.
+
+I concluded that I could lose nothing by encouraging her to speak.
+
+"You must pardon me if I seem distrustful," I said with a wholly
+sympathetic expression. "I have my principles, and cannot depart from
+them. But I have every wish to convince you of my personal
+friendship."
+
+She interrupted me with a terrible glance.
+
+"Personal friendship! Monsieur, do you know what I have come here to
+tell you?"
+
+And rising wildly to her feet, she spread out her hands in a gesture
+of utter despair:
+
+"They have ordered me to take your life!"
+
+I am not a man who is easily surprised.
+
+The adventures I have passed through, some of them far more
+extraordinary than anything I have recorded in my public revelations,
+have accustomed me to meet almost any situation with diplomatic
+presence of mind.
+
+But on this occasion I am obliged to admit that I was fairly taken
+aback.
+
+As the lovely but dangerous woman whom I had cause to regard as the
+most formidable instrument in the hands of the conspirators, avowed
+to my face that she had been charged with the mission to assassinate
+me, I sprang from my chair and confronted her.
+
+She stood, swaying slightly, as though the intensity of her emotion
+was about to overpower her.
+
+"Do you mean what you say? Do you know what you have said?" I
+demanded.
+
+The Princess Y---- made no answer, but she lifted her violet eyes to
+mine, and I saw the big tears welling up and beginning to overflow.
+
+I was dismayed. My strength of mind seemed to desert me. I have
+looked on without a tear when men have fallen dead at my feet, but I
+have never been able to remain calm before a woman in tears.
+
+"Madame! Princess!" I was on the point of addressing her by a yet
+more familiar name. "At least, sit down and recover yourself."
+
+Like one dazed, I led her to a chair. Like one dazed, she sank into
+it in obedience to my authoritative pressure.
+
+"Come," I said in a tone which I strove to render at once firm and
+soothing, "it is clear that we must understand each other. You have
+come here to tell me this, I suppose?"
+
+"At the risk of my life," she breathed. "What must you think of me!"
+
+I recalled the fate of poor Menken, whom the woman before me had led
+to his doom, though she had not struck the blow.
+
+In spite of myself, a momentary shudder went through me.
+
+The sensitive woman saw or felt it, and shook in her turn.
+
+"Believe me or not, as you will," she exclaimed desperately. "I
+swear to you that I have never knowingly been guilty of taking life.
+
+"Never for one moment did I anticipate that that poor man would do
+what he did," the Princess went on with passionate earnestness. "I
+tempted him to give me the Czar's letter, and I destroyed it--I
+confess that. Are not such things done every day in secret politics?
+Have you never intercepted a despatch?"
+
+It was a suggestive question. I thought of more than one incident in
+my own career which might be harshly received by a strict moralist.
+It is true that I have always been engaged on what I believed was a
+lawful task; but the due execution of that task had sometimes
+involved actions which I should have shrunk from in private life.
+
+"I will not excuse myself, Madame," I answered slowly. "Neither have
+I accused you."
+
+"Your tone is an accusation," she returned with a touch of
+bitterness. "Oh, I know well that men are ready to pardon many things
+in one another which they will not pardon in us."
+
+"I am sorry if I have wounded you," I said with real compunction.
+"Let us say no more about the tragedy that is past. Am I right in
+thinking that you have come to me for aid?"
+
+"I do not know. I do not know why I am here. Perhaps it is because I
+am mad."
+
+I gazed at her flushed face and trembling hands, unable to resist the
+feeling of compassion which was creeping over me.
+
+What was I to think? What was this woman's real purpose in coming to
+me?
+
+Had her employers, had the unscrupulous Petrovitch, or the ruthless
+Minister of Police, indeed charged her to remove me from their path;
+and had her courage broken down under the hideous burden?
+
+Or was this merely a ruse to win my confidence; or, perhaps, to
+frighten me into resigning my task and leaving the Russian capital?
+
+Did she wish to save my life, or her own?
+
+I sat regarding her, bewildered by these conjectures.
+
+I saw that I must get her to say more.
+
+"At least you have come to aid me," I protested. "You have given me a
+warning for which I cannot be sufficiently grateful."
+
+"If you believe it is a genuine one," she retorted. Already she had
+divined my difficulties and doubts.
+
+"I do not doubt that you mean it genuinely," I hastened to respond.
+"There is, of course, the possibility that you yourself have been
+deceived."
+
+"Ah!"
+
+She looked up at me in what I could not think was other than real
+surprise.
+
+"You think so?" she cried eagerly. The next moment her head drooped
+again. "No, no. I have known them too long. They have never trifled
+with me before. Believe me, Monsieur, when they told me that you were
+to be murdered they were not joking with me."
+
+"But they might have meant to use you for the purpose of terrifying
+me."
+
+She stared at me in unaffected astonishment.
+
+"Terrify--_you_!" She pronounced the words with an emphasis not
+altogether unflattering. "You are better known in Russia than you
+imagine, M. V----."
+
+I passed over the remark.
+
+"Still they must have foreseen the possibility that you would shrink
+from such a task; that your womanly instincts would prove too much
+for you. At least they have never required such work of you before?"
+
+Against my will the last words became a question. I was anxious to be
+assured that the hands of the Princess were free from the stain of
+blood.
+
+"Never! They dared not! They _could_ not!" she cried indignantly.
+"You do not know my history. Perhaps you do not care to know it?"
+
+Whatever I knew or suspected, I could make only one answer to such an
+appeal. Indeed, I was desirous to understand the meaning of one word
+which the Princess Y---- had just used.
+
+"Listen," she said, speaking with an energy and dignity which I could
+not but respect, "while I tell you what I am. I am a condemned
+murderess!"
+
+"Impossible!"
+
+"Impossible in any other country, I grant you, but very possible in
+Russia. You have heard, I suppose, everybody has heard, of the deaths
+of my husband and his children. The first two deaths were natural, I
+swear it. I, at all events, had no more to do with them than if they
+had occurred in the planet Saturn. Prince Y---- committed suicide.
+And he did so because of me; I do not deny it. But it was not because
+he suspected me of any hand in the deaths of his children. It was
+because he knew I hated him!
+
+"The story is almost too terrible to be told. That old man had bought
+me. He bought me from my father, who was head over ears in debt, and
+on the brink of ruin. I was sold--the only portion of his property
+that remained to be sold. And from the first hour of the purchase I
+hated, oh, how I loathed and hated that old man!"
+
+There was a wild note in her voice that hinted at unutterable things.
+
+"And he," she continued with a shiver, "he loved me, loved me with a
+passion that was like madness. He could hardly bear me out of his
+sight.
+
+"I killed him, yes, morally, I have no doubt I killed him. He
+lavished everything on me, jewels, wealth, all the forms of luxury.
+He made a will leaving me the whole of his great fortune. But I could
+not endure him, and that killed him. I think," she hesitated and
+lowered her voice to a whisper, "I think he killed himself to please
+me."
+
+Hardened as I am, I felt a thrill of horror. The Princess was right;
+the story was too terrible to be told.
+
+"Then the police came on the scene. From the first they knew well
+enough that I was innocent. But they were determined to make me
+guilty. The head of the secret service at that time was Baron Kratz.
+He had had his eye on me for some time. The Czar, believing in my
+guilt, had ordered him not to spare me, and that fatal order gave him
+a free hand.
+
+"How he managed it all, I hardly know. The servants were bullied or
+bribed into giving false evidence against me. But one part of their
+evidence was true enough; even I could not deny that I had hated
+Prince Y----, and that his death came as a welcome relief.
+
+"There was a secret trial, and I was condemned. They read out my
+sentence. And then, when it was all over, Kratz came to me, and
+offered me life and liberty in return for my services as an agent of
+the Third Section."
+
+"And to save your life you consented. Well, I do not judge you," I
+said.
+
+The Princess glanced at me with a strange smile.
+
+"To save my life! I see you do not yet know our Holy Russia. Shall I
+tell you what my sentence was?"
+
+"Was it not death, then?"
+
+"Yes, death--by the knout!"
+
+"My God!"
+
+I gazed at her stupified. Her whole beauty seemed to be focussed in
+one passionate protest. Knouted to death! I saw the form before me
+stripped, and lashed to the triangles, while the knotted thong,
+wielded by the hangman's hands, buried itself in the soft flesh.
+
+I no longer disbelieved. I no longer even doubted. The very horror of
+the story had the strength of truth.
+
+For some time neither of us spoke.
+
+"But now, surely, you have made up your mind to break lose from this
+thraldom?" I demanded. "And, if so, and you will trust me, I will
+undertake to save you."
+
+"You forget, do you not, that you yourself are not free? You surely
+do not mean that you would lay aside your work for my sake?"
+
+It was a question which disconcerted me in more ways than one. In a
+secret service agent, suspicion becomes second nature. I caught
+myself asking whether all that had gone before was not merely
+intended to lead up to this one question, and I cursed myself for
+the doubt.
+
+"My duty to my present employer comes first, of course," I admitted.
+"But as soon as I am free again----"
+
+"If you are still alive," she put in significantly.
+
+"Ah! You mean?"
+
+"I mean that when they find out that I am not to be depended on, they
+will not have far to look for others."
+
+"It is strange that they should have chosen you in the first place,"
+I said thoughtfully. "You said they _could_ not ask you."
+
+"They did not offer me this mission. I volunteered."
+
+"You volunteered!"
+
+She shook herself impatiently.
+
+"Surely you understand? I heard them deciding on your death. And so I
+undertook the task."
+
+"Because?"
+
+"Because I wished to save you. I had great difficulty. At first they
+were inclined to refuse me--to suspect my motives. I had to convince
+them that I hated you for having outwitted me. And I persuaded them
+that none of their ordinary instruments were capable of dealing with
+you."
+
+"And you meant to give me this warning all along?"
+
+"I meant to save you from them. Do you not see, as long as we are
+together, as long as you are visiting me, and I am seen to be
+following you up, they will not interfere. If I manage the affair
+skilfully it may be weeks before they suspect that I am playing them
+false. I shall have my excuse ready. It is no disgrace to be foiled
+by A. V."
+
+Again there was an interval of silence. The Princess prepared to go.
+
+"Stay!" I protested. "I have not thanked you. Indeed, I do not seem
+to have heard all. You had some reason, surely, for wishing to
+preserve my life."
+
+"And what does my reason matter?"
+
+"It matters very much to me. Perhaps," I gave her a searching look,
+"perhaps the Dowager Czaritza has enlisted you on our side?"
+
+The beautiful woman rose to her feet, and turned her face from me.
+
+"Think so, if you will. I tell you it does not matter."
+
+"And I tell you it does matter. Princess!"
+
+"Don't! Don't speak to me, please! Let me go home. I am not well."
+
+Trembling violently in every limb, she was making her way toward the
+door, when it was suddenly flung open, and the voice of the hotel
+servant announced:
+
+"M. Petrovitch!"
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate walked in with a smile on his
+face, saw the Princess Y---- coming toward him, and stopped short,
+the smile changing to a dark frown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT
+
+
+Whether because he saw that I was watching him, or because he placed
+his own interpretation on the circumstances, the war plotter changed
+his frown into a smile.
+
+"I am glad to see, Princess," he said to the trembling woman, "that
+you have so soon found our good friend Mr. Sterling again."
+
+The Princess Y---- gave him a glance which seemed to enjoin silence,
+bowed with grace, and left the room in charge of the servant who had
+announced M. Petrovitch.
+
+The latter now advanced to greet me with every appearance of
+cordiality.
+
+The last time I had met this well-dressed, delicate scamp, he had
+drugged and robbed me. Now I had just been told that he was setting
+assassins on my track.
+
+But it is my rule always to cultivate friendly intercourse with my
+opponents. Few men can talk for long without exposing something of
+their inner thoughts. I wanted M. Petrovitch to talk.
+
+Therefore I returned his greeting with equal cordiality, and made him
+sit down in the chair from which the Princess Y---- had just risen.
+
+"You will be surprised to hear, no doubt, Mr. Sterling, that I have
+brought you an invitation from the Emperor."
+
+"From what Emperor?" was the retort on the tip of my tongue.
+Fortunately I suppressed it; there is no accomplishment so fatal to
+success in life as wit, except kindness.
+
+I simply answered,
+
+"I am not readily surprised, M. Petrovitch. Neither, I imagine, are
+you."
+
+The financier smiled.
+
+"May I call you M. V----?" he asked. "His majesty has told me who you
+are."
+
+"Were you surprised by that?" I returned with sarcasm.
+
+Petrovitch fairly laughed.
+
+"I hear you have been denouncing me to Nicholas," he said lightly.
+"Can't I persuade you to let our poor little Czar alone. I assure you
+it is a waste of breath on your part, and you will only worry a
+well-meaning young man who has no head for business."
+
+This was plain speaking. It argued no ordinary confidence on the part
+of the intriguer to speak in such a fashion of the Autocrat of All
+the Russias.
+
+Already the interview was telling me something. Petrovitch must have
+some strong, secret hold on Nicholas II.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I answered in my friendliest manner,
+
+"I have no personal feeling against you, my dear Petrovitch. But to
+use drugs--come, you must admit that that was a strong measure!"
+
+"I apologize!" laughed the Russian. "All the more as I find you were
+too many for us after all. I would give something to know how you
+managed to hide the letter you got through."
+
+It was my turn to laugh. I had reason to feel satisfied. Weak as the
+Russian Emperor might be, it was evident that he had not betrayed my
+secret.
+
+"Well, now," the promoter resumed, "all that being over, is there any
+reason why we should not be friends? Be frank with me. What end have
+you in view that is likely to bring us into collision?"
+
+"There is no reason why I should not be frank with you," I answered,
+racking my brain for some story which the man before me might be
+likely to believe, "especially as I do not suppose that either of us
+is likely to report this conversation quite faithfully to his
+imperial majesty. I am a Japanese spy."
+
+Petrovitch gave me a glance in which I thought I detected a mingling
+of incredulity and admiration.
+
+"Really, you are a cool hand, my dear V----!"
+
+"Why, is there anything in that to make us enemies? You are not going
+to pose as the zealous patriot, I hope. I thought we had agreed to be
+frank."
+
+The financier bit his lip.
+
+"Well, I do not deny that I am before all things a man of business,"
+he returned. "If your friends the Japanese can make me any better
+offer than the one I have had from another quarter, I do not say."
+
+"I will see what I can arrange for you," I answered, not wholly
+insincerely. "In the meantime, I think you said something about an
+invitation?"
+
+"Oh, yes, from Nicholas. He wants to see you. He has some scheme or
+other in which he thinks that you and I can work together, and he
+wants us to be friends, accordingly."
+
+"But we are friends, after to-day, I understand?"
+
+"It is as you please, my dear V----," replied the conspirator with a
+slightly baffled air. "You have made a good beginning, apparently,
+with the Princess Y----."
+
+I put on the self-satisfied air of the man who is a favorite with
+women.
+
+"The Princess has been extremely kind," I said. "She has pressed me
+to visit her frequently. Oh, yes, I think I may say we are good
+friends."
+
+Petrovitch nodded. I had purposely prepared his mind for the story
+which I anticipated he would hear from my beautiful protector.
+Evidently it would be necessary for her to tell the Syndicate that
+she was feigning affection for me in order to draw me into a trap.
+
+"Then, as my carriage is outside, may I take you to the Winter
+Palace?"
+
+"That seems the best plan," I acquiesced. "It will convince the Czar
+that we are on good terms."
+
+We drove off together, sitting side by side like two sworn friends. I
+do not know what thoughts passed through his mind; but I know that
+all the way I kept my right hand on the stock of my revolver, and
+once, when one of the horses stumbled, M. Petrovitch was within an
+instant of death.
+
+At the Palace he put me down and drove off. I was admitted to the
+Czar's presence without difficulty, and found him, as usual,
+surrounded by piles of state papers.
+
+Nicholas II. looked up at my entrance with evident pleasure.
+
+"Ah, that is right, M. V----. I hope that, since you have come so
+promptly in response to the message I gave that worthy M. Petrovitch,
+you and he are now good friends."
+
+I could only bow silently. I was a Japanese, related to the sovereign
+with whom he was at war, and I was acting in the service of Great
+Britain. Petrovitch had just forced on the war which Nicholas had
+wished to avert, and he was still acting secretly in the interests
+of Germany. And the Czar was congratulating himself that we were
+friends. It was useless to try to undeceive him.
+
+"Sit down, if you please, M. V----. I have something of the greatest
+importance to tell you. Stay--Perhaps you will be good enough to see
+first that the doors are all secured. I dislike interruptions."
+
+I went to the various entrances of the room, of which there were
+three, and turned the keys in the doors.
+
+"Even M. Petrovitch does not know what I am going to tell you,"
+Nicholas said impressively as I returned to my seat.
+
+"Your majesty does not trust him entirely, then?" I exclaimed, much
+pleased.
+
+"You mistake me. I do not distrust M. Petrovitch; but this is a
+matter of foreign politics, with which he is not familiar. He admits
+frankly that he knows nothing about diplomacy."
+
+I gazed at the benevolent young monarch in consternation. It was the
+spy of Wilhelm II., the agent of the most active diplomatist in the
+world, of whom he had just spoken!
+
+There was no more to be said.
+
+The Emperor proceeded to put a most unexpected question.
+
+"Are you a believer in spirits, M. V----?"
+
+"I am a Roman Catholic, sire. Whatever my Church teaches on this
+subject, I believe. I am rather neglectful of my religious duties,
+however, and do not know its attitude on this subject."
+
+"I honor your loyalty to your communion, M. V----. But as long as you
+do not know what is the attitude of your Church on this subject, you
+cannot feel it wrong to listen to me."
+
+I perceived that if his majesty was no politician, he was at least
+something of a theologian.
+
+The Czar proceeded:
+
+"There is in Petersburg one of the most marvelous mediums and
+clairvoyants who has ever lived. He is a Frenchman named Auguste. He
+came here nearly a year ago--just when the difficulty with Japan was
+beginning, in fact; and he has given me the most valuable information
+about the progress of events. Everything he has foretold has come
+true, so far. He warned me from the first that the Japanese would
+force me into war, just as they have done. In short, I feel I can
+rely on him absolutely."
+
+This was not the first time I had heard of the spiritualist who had
+established such an extraordinary hold on the Russian ruler's mind.
+The common impression was that he was a mystic, a sort of Madame
+Krüdener. At the worst he was regarded as a charlatan of the ordinary
+spirit-rapping type, cultivating the occult as a means of making
+money.
+
+But now, as I listened to the credulous monarch, it suddenly struck
+me what an invaluable tool such a man might prove in the hands of a
+political faction, or even of a foreign Power astute enough to
+corrupt him and inspire the oracles delivered by the spirits.
+
+I listened anxiously for more.
+
+The Emperor, evidently pleased with the serious expression on my
+face, went on to enlighten me.
+
+"Last night M. Auguste was here, in this room, and we held a private
+_séance_. He succeeded in getting his favorite spirit to respond."
+
+"Is it permissible to ask the spirit's name?" I ventured
+respectfully.
+
+"It is Madame Blavatsky," he answered. "You must have heard of her,
+of course. She was practically the founder of rational psychical
+knowledge, though she died a victim to persecution."
+
+I nodded. I had heard of this celebrated woman, who still numbers
+many followers in different parts of the world.
+
+"Last night, as soon as we found that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky
+was present, I asked Auguste to question it about the Baltic fleet.
+
+"I had been holding a preliminary review of the fleet in the morning,
+as you may have seen from the papers. The officers and men seemed
+thoroughly nervous, and very doubtful whether it would ever be in a
+condition to sail. Even the Admiral, Rojestvensky, did not seem
+quite happy, and he found great fault with the stores and equipments.
+
+"I had to authorize a delay of another month, and the Marine
+Department would not promise to have the fleet ready even then.
+
+"Naturally, I wished to know what would become of the fleet when it
+did sail. Auguste questioned the spirit."
+
+His majesty broke off to feel in his pocket for a small slip of
+paper.
+
+"I took down the answer myself, as the spirit rapped it out." And he
+read aloud:
+
+      Baltic Fleet threatened. Japanese and English plotting to
+      destroy it on the way to Port Arthur.
+
+I started indignantly.
+
+"And you believe that, sire! You believe that the British Government,
+which has been straining every nerve to maintain peace, is capable of
+planning some secret outrage against your Navy?"
+
+"It does not say the Government," he announced with satisfaction.
+"The spirit only warns me against the English. Private Englishmen are
+capable of anything. At this very moment, two Englishmen are
+arranging to run a torpedo boat secretly out of the Thames, disguised
+as a yacht, and to bring her to Libau for us."
+
+This piece of information silenced me. It was no doubt possible that
+there might be Englishmen daring enough to assist the Japanese in
+some secret enterprise against a Russian fleet. But I felt I should
+like to have some better authority for the fact than the word of
+Madame Blavatsky's spirit.
+
+"The warning is a very vague one, sire," I hinted.
+
+"True. But I hope to receive a more definite message to-morrow night.
+I was going to ask you if you would have any objection to be present.
+You might then be able to put pressure on the British Government to
+prevent this crime."
+
+Needless to say I accepted the imperial invitation with eagerness.
+
+And I retired to send the following despatch to Lord Bedale:
+
+      When Baltic Fleet starts prepare for trouble. Have all
+      ports watched. It is believed here that attack on it is
+      preparing in England.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN
+
+
+Who was M. Auguste?
+
+This was the question that kept my mind busy after my singular
+interview with the Russian Emperor.
+
+In accordance with my rule to avoid as much as possible mentioning
+the names of the humbler actors in the international drama, I have
+given the notorious medium a name which conceals his true one.
+
+He appeared to be a foreigner, and the Czar's weakness in this
+direction was too well known for his patronage of the quack to excite
+much attention; apparently it had occurred to no one but myself that
+such a man might be capable of meddling in politics.
+
+In his more public performances, so far as I could learn, the
+revelations of the spirits were confined to more harmless topics,
+such as the nature of the future state, or the prospect of an heir
+being born to the Russian crown.
+
+In my quest for further light on this remarkable personage, my
+thoughts naturally turned to the Princess Y----.
+
+I have not concealed that at our first meeting the charming
+collaborator of M. Petrovitch had made a very strong impression on
+me. Her subsequent conduct had made me set a guard on myself, and the
+memory of the Japanese maiden whose portrait had become my cherished
+"mascot," of course insured that my regard for the Princess could
+never pass the bounds of platonic friendship.
+
+But the strange scene of the day before had moved me profoundly.
+Vanity is not a failing of which I am ever likely to be accused by my
+worst detractor, yet it was impossible for me to shut my eyes or ears
+to the confession which had been made with equal eloquence by the
+looks, the blushes and even the words of the beautiful Russian.
+
+Was ever situation more stupid in all the elements of tragedy! This
+unhappy woman, spurred to all kinds of desperate deeds by the awful
+fear of the knout, had been overcome by that fatal power which has
+wrecked so many careers.
+
+In the full tide of success, in the very midst of a life and death
+combat with the man it was her business to outwit and defeat, she had
+succumbed to love for him.
+
+And now, to render her painful situation tenfold more painful, she
+was holding the dagger at his breast as the only means of keeping it
+out of the clutch of some more murderous hand.
+
+Had I the pen of a romancer I might enlarge on this sensational
+theme. But I am a man of action, whose business it is to record
+facts, not to comment on them.
+
+I sought the mansion on the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to see its
+mistress.
+
+Evidently the visit was expected. The groom of the chambers--if that
+was his proper description--led me up-stairs, and into a charming
+boudoir.
+
+A fire replenished by logs of sandalwood was burning in a malachite
+stove, and diffusing a dream-like fragrance through the chamber. The
+walls of the room were panelled in ivory, and the curtains that hung
+across the window frames were of embroidered silk and gold. Each
+separate chair and toy-like table was a work of art--ebony, cinnamon,
+and other rare and curious woods having been employed.
+
+But the rarest treasure there was the mistress of all this luxury.
+The inmate of the sumptuous prison, for such it truly was, lay back
+on a leopard-skin couch, set in the frame of a great silver
+sea-shell.
+
+She had dressed for my coming in the quaint but gorgeous costume of
+ancient Russia, the costume worn by imperial usage at high State
+functions like coronations, weddings and christenings.
+
+The high coif above her forehead flamed with jewels, and big, sleepy
+pearls slid and fell over her neck and bosom.
+
+At my entrance she gave a soft cry, and raised herself on one white
+arm. I stepped forward as though I were a courtier saluting a queen,
+and pressed my lips to her extended hand.
+
+"I expected you, Andreas."
+
+Only two women in my life have I ever allowed to call me by my
+Christian name. One was the ill-starred lady who perished in the
+Konak in Belgrade. The other--but of her I may not speak.
+
+But it was not for me to stand on ceremony with the woman who had
+interposed herself as a shield between me and the enemies who sought
+my death.
+
+"You knew that I should come to thank you," I said.
+
+"I do not wish for thanks," she answered, with a look that was more
+expressive than words. "I wish only that you should regard me as a
+friend."
+
+"And in what other light is it possible for me to regard you, dear
+Princess?" I returned. "Only this friendship must not be all on one
+side. You, too, must consent to think of me as something more than a
+stranger whose life you have saved."
+
+"Can you doubt that I have done so for a long time?"
+
+It needed the pressure of the locket against my neck to keep me from
+replying to this tenderly-spoken sentiment in a way which might have
+led to consequences, for the Russian Empire as well as for the
+Princess and myself, very different to those which have actually
+flowed from our conjunction.
+
+Conquering my impulses as I best could, I sought for a reply which
+would not wear the appearance of a repulse.
+
+"You misunderstand me," I said, putting on an expression of pride.
+"You little know the character of Andreas V---- if you think he can
+accept the humiliating position of the man who is under obligation to
+a woman--an obligation which he has done nothing to discharge. Not
+until I can tell myself that I have done something to place me on a
+higher level in your eyes, can my thoughts concerning you be happy
+ones."
+
+A shade of disappointment passed over Sophia's face. She made a
+pettish gesture.
+
+"Does not--friendship do away with all sense of obligation?" she
+complained.
+
+"Not with me," I answered firmly. "No, Sophia, if you really care for
+me--for my friendship­-you must let me do what I have sworn to do
+ever since I first saw you and heard some rumors of your tragic
+story."
+
+"You mean?"
+
+"You must let me break your odious bondage. I can deliver you, if you
+will only trust me, from the power of the Russian police, or any
+other power, and set you free to live the life of fascination and
+happiness which ought to be yours."
+
+The Princess seemed plunged in meditation. At length she looked
+up----
+
+"You would undertake a hopeless task, my dear Andreas. Not even you
+can fathom all the ramifications of the intrigues in which I find
+myself an indispensable puppet. Those who control my movements will
+never let go the strings by which they hold me, and least of all,
+just now."
+
+I was distressed to see that the Princess was disposed to evade my
+appeal for confidence. I answered with a slightly wounded air:
+
+"I may know more than you think, more even than you know yourself on
+certain points. But of course you are not willing to confide in me
+fully----"
+
+"There can be no perfect trust without perfect"--The Princess, who
+spoke this sentence in Russian, concluded it with a word which may
+mean either friendship or love according to circumstances. As she
+pronounced it, it seemed like love.
+
+"There can be no perfect love without perfect trust," I responded
+quickly, striving to assume the manner of an exacting lover.
+
+And then, a happy thought striking me, I added in an aggrieved voice,
+
+"Do you think it is nothing to me that you should be associated with
+other men in the most secret enterprises, holding private conferences
+with them, receiving them in your house, perhaps visiting them in
+theirs; that you should appear to be on intimate terms with the
+Grand Duke Staniolanus, with M. Petrovitch, with a man like this M.
+Auguste----"
+
+At the sound of this last name, to which I had artfully led up,
+Sophia sprang into a sitting posture and gave me a look of anger and
+fear.
+
+"Who told you anything about M. Auguste?" she demanded in hoarse
+tones. "What has he to do with me?"
+
+"Nay, it is not you who ought to ask me that," I returned. "You may
+be a believer in his conjuring tricks, for aught I know. He may be
+more to you than a comrade, or even a prophet--more to you than I."
+
+"Who told you that he was my comrade, as you call it?" the Princess
+insisted, refusing to be diverted from her point.
+
+"No one," I said quite truthfully. "I should be glad to know that he
+was only that. But it is natural for me to feel some jealousy of all
+your friends."
+
+The Princess appeared relieved by this admission. But this relief
+confirmed all my suspicions. I now felt certain that the medium was
+an important figure in the plot which I was trying to defeat. I saw,
+moreover, that however genuine my beautiful friend might be in her
+love for me and her desire to save my life, she had no intention of
+betraying the secrets of her fellow conspirators.
+
+Her character presented an enigma almost impossible to solve. Perhaps
+it is not the part of a wise man ever to try to understand a woman.
+Her motives must always be mysterious, even to herself. It is
+sufficient if one can learn to forecast her actions, and even that is
+seldom possible.
+
+"Then you refuse my help?" I asked reproachfully.
+
+"You cannot help me," was the answer. "At least, that is, unless you
+possess some power I have no idea of at present."
+
+It was an ingenious turning of the tables. Instead of my questioning
+the Princess, she was questioning me, in effect.
+
+I made what was perhaps a rash admission.
+
+"I am not wholly powerless, at all events. There are few sovereigns
+in Europe whom I have not obliged at some time or other. Even the
+German Emperor, though I have more than once crossed his path in
+public matters, is my personal friend. In spite of his occasional
+political errors, he is a stainless gentleman in private life, and I
+am sure he would hear with horror of your position and the means by
+which you had been forced into it."
+
+Sophia looked at me with an expression of innocent bewilderment which
+I could scarcely believe to be real.
+
+"The German Emperor! But what has he to do with me?"
+
+"He is said to have some influence with the Czar," I said drily.
+
+My companion bit her lip.
+
+"Oh, the Czar!" Her tone was scathing in its mixture of pity and
+indifference. "Every one has some influence with the Czar. But is
+there any one with whom Nicholas has influence?"
+
+It was the severest thing I had ever heard said of the man whom an
+ironical fate has made master of the Old World.
+
+Suddenly the manner of the Princess underwent a sudden change.
+
+She rose to her feet and gave me a penetrating glance, a glance which
+revealed for the first time something of that commanding personality
+which had made this slight, exquisite creature for years one of the
+most able and successful of secret negotiators, and a person to be
+reckoned with by every foreign minister.
+
+"You do not trust me, Andreas V----. It is natural. You do not love
+me. It is possible that it is my fault. But I have sworn to save your
+life, and I will do it in your own despite. In order that I may
+succeed, I will forget that I am a woman, and I will forget that you
+regard me as a criminal. Come here! I will show you into my oratory,
+into which not even my confidential maid is ever allowed to
+penetrate. Perhaps what you will see there may convince you that I
+am neither a traitor nor a Delilah."
+
+With the proud step of an empress, she led the way into the adjoining
+room, which was a bedroom sumptuously enriched with everything that
+could allure the senses. The very curtains of the bed seemed to
+breathe out languorous odors, the walls were hung with ravishing
+groups of figures that might have come from a Pompeiian temple, the
+dressing-table was rich with gold and gems.
+
+Without pausing for an instant the mistress of the chamber walked
+straight across it to a narrow door let into the farther wall, and
+secured by a tiny lock like that of a safe.
+
+Drawing a small key from her bosom, the Princess inserted it in the
+lock, leaving me to follow in a state of the most intense
+expectation.
+
+The apartment in which I found myself was a narrow, white-washed cell
+like a prison, lit only by the flames of two tall wax candles which
+stood on a table, or rather an altar, at the far end.
+
+Besides the altar, the sole object in the room was a wooden step in
+front of it. Over the altar, in accordance with the rule of the Greek
+Church, there hung a sacred picture. And below, between the two
+candlesticks, there rested two objects, the sight of which fairly
+took away my breath.
+
+One was a photograph frame containing a portrait of myself--how
+obtained I shall never know. The portrait was framed with
+immortelles, the emblems of death, and the artist had given my face
+the ghastly pallor and rigidity of the face of a corpse.
+
+The other object on the altar was a small whip of knotted leather
+thongs.
+
+Without uttering a word, without even turning her head to see if I
+had followed, the Princess Y---- knelt down on the step, stripped
+her shoulders with a singular determined gesture, and then, taking
+the knout in one hand, began to scourge the bare flesh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY
+
+
+At the hour appointed by the Czar I presented myself at the Winter
+Palace to assist at the spiritualist experiments of M. Auguste.
+
+I shall not attempt to describe the impression left by the weird
+scene in the Princess Y----'s oratory.
+
+To those who do not know the Slav temperament, with its strange
+mixture of sensuality and devotion, of barbarous cruelty and
+over-civilized cunning, seldom far removed from the brink of
+insanity, the incident I have recorded will appear incredible. I have
+narrated it, simply because I have undertaken to narrate everything
+bearing on the business in which I was engaged. I am well aware that
+truth is stranger than fiction, and I should have little difficulty,
+if I were so disposed, in framing a story, full of plausible,
+commonplace incidents, which no one could doubt or dispute.
+
+I have preferred to take a bolder course, knowing that although I may
+be discredited for a time, yet when historians in the future come to
+sift the secret records of the age, I shall be amply vindicated.
+
+I shall only add that I did not linger a moment after the unhappy
+woman had begun her penance, if such it was, but withdrew from her
+presence and from the house without speaking a word.
+
+The feelings with which I anticipated my encounter with the medium
+were very different. Whatever might be my doubts with regard to the
+unfortunate Sophia--and I honestly began to think that the suicide of
+Menken had affected her brain--I had no doubt whatever that M.
+Auguste was a thoroughly unscrupulous man.
+
+The imperial servant to whom I was handed over at the entrance to the
+Czar's private apartments conducted me to what I imagine to have been
+the boudoir of the Czaritza, or at all events the family sitting
+room.
+
+It was comfortably but plainly furnished in the English style, and
+was just such a room as one might find in the house of a London
+citizen, or a small country squire. I noticed that the wall-paper was
+faded, and the hearth-rug really worn out.
+
+The Emperor of All the Russias was not alone. Seated beside him in
+front of the English grate was the beautiful young Empress, in whose
+society he finds a refuge from his greedy courtiers and often
+unscrupulous ministers, and who, I may add, has skilfully and
+successfully kept out of any entanglement in politics.
+
+Rising at my entrance, Nicholas II. advanced and shook me by the
+hand.
+
+"In this room," he told me, "there are no emperors and no empresses,
+only Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas."
+
+He presented me to the Czaritza, who received me in the same style of
+simple friendliness, and then, pointing to a money-box which formed a
+conspicuous object on the mantel-shelf, he added:
+
+"For every time the word 'majesty' is used in this room there is a
+fine of one ruble, which goes to our sick and wounded. So be careful,
+M. V----."
+
+In spite of this warning I did not fail to make a good many
+contributions to the money-box in the course of the evening. In my
+intercourse with royalty I model myself on the British Premier
+Beaconsfield, and I regard my rubles as well spent.
+
+We all three spoke in English till the arrival of M. Auguste, who
+knew only French and a few words of Russian. I remarked afterward
+that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky, a Russian by birth, who had
+spent half her life in England, appeared to have lost the use of both
+languages in the other world, and communicated with us exclusively in
+French.
+
+The appearance of M. Auguste did not help to overcome my prejudice
+against him. He had too evidently made up for the part of the mystic.
+
+The hair of M. Auguste was black and long, his eyes rolled much in
+their sockets, and his costume was a compromise between the frock
+coat and the cassock.
+
+But it was above all his manner that impressed me disagreeably. He
+affected to be continually falling into fits of abstraction, as if
+his communings with the spirits were diverting his attention from the
+affairs of earth. Even on his entrance he went through the forms of
+greeting his host and hostess as though scarcely conscious of their
+presence. I caught a sly look turned on myself, however, and when I
+was presented to him as "Mr. Sterling" his reception of the name made
+me think that he had expected something else.
+
+The Czar having explained that I was a friend interested in
+spiritualism, in whose presence he wished to hear again from Madame
+Blavatsky, M. Auguste rolled his eyes formidably, and agreed to
+summon the departed theosophist.
+
+A small round table was cleared of the Czaritza's work-basket--she
+had been knitting a soldier's comforter--and we took our seats around
+it. The electric light was switched off, so that we were in perfect
+darkness, except for the red glow of the coal fire.
+
+A quarter of an hour or so passed in a solemn silence, broken only
+by occasional whispers from "Mr. Nicholas" or the medium.
+
+"It is a long time answering," the Czar whispered at last.
+
+"I fear there is a hostile influence," M. Auguste responded in the
+jargon of his craft.
+
+Hardly had the words left his lips when a perfect shower of raps
+seemed to descend on all parts of the table at once.
+
+Let me say here, once for all, that I am not prepared to offer any
+explanation of what happened on this occasion. I have read of some of
+the devices by which such illusions are produced, and I have no doubt
+a practised conjurer could have very easily fathomed the secrets of
+M. Auguste. But I had not come there with any intention of detecting
+or exposing him.
+
+The medium pretended to address the author of the raps.
+
+"If there is any hostile influence which prevents your communicating
+with us, rap twice."
+
+Two tremendous raps nearly drowned the last word. The spirit seemed
+to be quick-tempered.
+
+"If it is a woman, rap once----"
+
+No response. This was decidedly clever.
+
+"If it is myself, rap."
+
+This time, instead of silence, there was a faint scratching under the
+surface of the table.
+
+"The negative sign," M. Auguste explained blandly, for our benefit.
+
+Then, addressing himself once more to the invisible member of the
+party, he inquired:
+
+"If it is Mr. Nicholas, rap."
+
+Silence.
+
+"You must excuse me," the medium said, turning his face in my
+direction. "If it is Mr. Sterling----"
+
+A shower of raps. I really thought the table would have given way.
+
+This was discouraging. The Czar came to my rescue, however.
+
+"I particularly wish Mr. Sterling to be present," he observed with a
+touch of displeasure--whether intended for M. Auguste or the
+spiritual visitant I could not tell.
+
+The hierophant no doubt saw that he must submit. His retreat was
+executed with great skill.
+
+"If the obstacle is one that can be removed, rap once."
+
+A rap.
+
+"Can you spell it for us?"
+
+In the rather cumbrous alphabet in use among the shades, the visitor
+spelled out in French:
+
+"_Son nom._"
+
+"Is there something you object to about his name?"
+
+A rap.
+
+"Is it an assumed name?"
+
+A very loud rap. Decidedly the spirit was indignant.
+
+"Can you tell us his real name? His initials will do?"
+
+"A. V." spelled the unseen visitor.
+
+"Is that right?" M. Auguste inquired with well-assumed curiosity.
+
+"It is marvelous!" ejaculated the Emperor. "You will understand, of
+course, Auguste, that this must be kept a secret among ourselves."
+
+"Ask if it is Madame Blavatsky," said the Czar.
+
+We learned that the apostle of theosophy was indeed present.
+
+"Would you like to hear from any other spirits?" M. Auguste asked the
+company.
+
+"I should be glad of a word with Bismarck," I suggested.
+
+In five minutes the Iron Chancellor announced himself. His rap was
+sharp, quick and decided, quite a characteristic rap.
+
+"Ask if he approves of the present policy of the German Emperor?"
+
+A hearty rap. Evidently the spirit had greatly changed its views in
+the other world.
+
+"Ask if he remembers telling me, the last time I saw him, that Russia
+was smothering Germany in bed?"
+
+"Do you refuse to answer that question?" M. Auguste put in adroitly.
+
+An expressive rap.
+
+"Will you answer any other questions from this gentleman?"
+
+Then the spirit of Bismarck spoke out. It denounced me as a worker of
+evil, a source of strife, and particularly as one who was acting
+injuriously to the Russian Empire. I confess M. Auguste scored.
+
+"In his lifetime he would have said all that, if he had thought I was
+working in the interest of Russia and against Germany," I remarked in
+my own defence.
+
+The spirit of the Iron Chancellor was dismissed, and that of Madame
+Blavatsky recalled.
+
+It was evident that the Czar placed particular confidence in his late
+subject. Indeed, if the issues at stake had been less serious, I
+think I should have made an attempt to shake the Emperor's blind
+faith in the performances of M. Auguste.
+
+But my sole object was to read, if I could, the secret plans and
+intentions of a very different imperial character, whose agent I
+believed the spirit to be.
+
+M. Auguste, I quickly discovered, was distracted between fear of
+offending Nicholas by too much reserve, and dread of enabling me to
+see his game. In the end the Czar's persistence triumphed, and we
+obtained something like a revelation.
+
+"Tell us what you can see, that it concerns the Emperor to know," M.
+Auguste had adjured his familiar.
+
+"I see"--the reply was rapped out with irritating slowness--I quite
+longed for a slate--"an English dockyard. The workmen are secretly at
+work by night, with muffled hammers. They are building a torpedo
+boat. It is to the order of the Japanese Government. The English
+police have received secret instructions from the Minister of the
+Interior not to interfere."
+
+"Minister of the Interior" was a blunder. With my knowledge of
+English politics I am able to say that the correct title of this
+personage should be "Secretary of State for the Domestic Department."
+But few foreigners except myself have been able to master the
+intricacies of the British Constitution.
+
+"For what is this torpedo boat designed?" M. Auguste inquired.
+
+"It is for service against the Baltic Fleet. The Russian sailors are
+the bravest in the world, but they are too honest to be a match for
+the heathen Japanese," the spirit pursued, with some inconsistency.
+
+I could not help reflecting that Madame Blavatsky in her lifetime had
+professed the Buddhist faith, which is that of the majority in Japan.
+
+"Do you see anything else?"
+
+"I see other dockyards where the same work is being carried on. A
+whole fleet of warships is being prepared by the perfidious British
+for use against the fleet of Russia."
+
+"Ask her to cast her eye over the German dockyards," I put in.
+
+"Spirits have no sex," M. Auguste corrected severely. "I will ask
+it."
+
+A succession of raps conveyed the information that Germany was
+preserving a perfectly correct course, as usual. Her sole departure
+from the attitude of strict neutrality was to permit certain pilots,
+familiar with the North Sea navigation, to offer their services to
+the Russian fleet.
+
+"Glance into the future," said the Czar. "Tell us what you see about
+to happen."
+
+"I see the Baltic Fleet setting out. The Admiral has issued the
+strictest orders to neutral shipping to retire to their harbors and
+leave the sea clear for the warships of Russia. He has threatened to
+sink any neutral ship that comes within range of his guns.
+
+"As long as he is in the Baltic these orders are obeyed. The German,
+Swedish and Danish flags are lowered at his approach, as is right.
+
+"Now he passes out into the North Sea. The haughty and hostile
+English defy his commands. Their merchant ships go forth as usual.
+Presuming on their knowledge of international law, they annoy and
+vex the Russian warships by sailing past them. The blood of the brave
+Russian officers begins to boil. Ask me no more."
+
+M. Auguste, prompted by the deeply interested Czar, did ask more.
+
+"I see," the obedient seeress resumed, "torpedo boats secretly
+creeping out from the British ports. They do not openly fly the
+Japanese flag, but lurk among the English ships, with the connivance
+of the treacherous islanders.
+
+"The Baltic Fleet approaches. The torpedo boats, skulking behind the
+shelter of their friends, steal closer to the Russian ships. Then the
+brave Russian Admiral remembers his promise. Just in time to save his
+fleet from destruction, he signals to the British to retire.
+
+"They obstinately refuse. The Russian fleet opens fire.
+
+"I can see no more."
+
+The spirit of the seeress, it will be observed, broke off its
+revelations at the most interesting point, with the skill of a
+practised writer of serials.
+
+But the Czar, fairly carried away by excitement, insisted on knowing
+more.
+
+"Ask the spirit if there will be any foreign complications," he said.
+
+I had already remarked that our invisible companion showed a good
+deal of deference to the wishes of Nicholas II., perhaps in his
+character of Head of the Orthodox Church.
+
+After a little hesitation it rapped out:
+
+"The English are angry, but they are restrained by the fear of
+Germany. The German Michael casts his shield in front of Russia, and
+the islanders are cowed. I cannot see all that follows. But in the
+end I see that the Yellow Peril is averted by the joint action of
+Russia and Germany."
+
+This answer confirmed to the full my suspicions regarding the source
+of M. Auguste's inspiration. I believed firmly that there was a
+spirit present, but it was not the spirit of the deceased
+theosophist, rather of a monarch who is very much alive.
+
+The medium now professed to feel exhausted, and Madame Blavatsky was
+permitted to retire.
+
+I rose to accompany M. Auguste as soon as he made a move to retire.
+
+"If you will let me drive you as far as my hotel," I said to him, "I
+think I can show you something which will repay you for coming with
+me."
+
+The wizard looked me in the face for the first time, as he said
+deliberately:
+
+"I shall be very pleased to come."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE DEVIL'S AUCTION
+
+
+I said as little as possible during the drive homeward.
+
+My companion was equally silent. No doubt he, like myself, was
+bracing himself for a duel of wits.
+
+As soon as we were safe in my private room at the hotel, with a
+bottle of vodka and a box of cigars in front of us, I opened the
+discussion with my habitual directness.
+
+"I need not tell you, M. Auguste, that I have not invited you here to
+discuss questions of psychology. I am a politician, and it matters
+nothing to me whether I am dealing with a ghost or a man, provided I
+can make myself understood."
+
+M. Auguste bowed.
+
+"For instance, it is quite clear that the interesting revelations we
+have had to-night would not have been made without your good will. It
+is to be presumed, therefore, that if I can convince you that it is
+better to turn the Emperor's mind in another direction, you will
+refuse to make yourself the medium of further communications of that
+precise character."
+
+M. Auguste gave me an intelligent glance.
+
+"I am as you have just said, a _medium_," he replied with significant
+emphasis. "As such, I need not tell you, I have no personal interest
+in the communications which are made through me."
+
+I nodded, and took out my pocket-book, from which I extracted a
+hundred ruble-note (about $75).
+
+"I promised to show you something interesting," I remarked, as I laid
+it on the table.
+
+M. Auguste turned his head, and his lip curled slightly.
+
+"I am afraid my sight is not very good," he said negligently. "Is not
+that object rather small?"
+
+"It is merely a specimen," I responded, counting out nine others, and
+laying them beside the first.
+
+"Ah, now I fancy I can see what you are showing me," he admitted.
+
+"There is a history attached to these notes," I explained. "They
+represent the amount of a bet which I have just won."
+
+"Really! That is most interesting."
+
+"I now have another bet of similar nature pending, which I hope also
+to be able to win."
+
+"I am tempted to wish you success," put in the medium encouragingly.
+
+"The chances of success are so great that if you were a betting man I
+should be inclined to ask you to make a joint affair of it," I said.
+
+"My dear M. V----, I am not a bigot. I have no objection to a wager
+provided the stakes are made worth my while."
+
+"I think they should be. Well, I will tell you plainly, I stand to
+win this amount if the Baltic Fleet does not sail for another month."
+
+M. Auguste smiled pleasantly.
+
+"I congratulate you," he said. "From what I have heard the repairs
+will take at least that time."
+
+"But that is not all. This bet of mine is continuous. I win a similar
+stake for every month which passes without the fleet having left
+harbor."
+
+M. Auguste gazed at me steadily before speaking.
+
+"If your bet were renewable weekly instead of monthly, you might
+become quite a rich man."
+
+I saw that I was dealing with a cormorant. I made a hasty mental
+calculation. Half of one thousand rubles was about $375 a week, and
+the information I had led me to believe that Port Arthur was capable
+of holding out for another six months at least. To delay the sailing
+of the Baltic Fleet till then would cost roughly $10,000--say 15,000
+rubles.
+
+I decided that neither England nor Japan would grudge the price.
+
+"I think your suggestion is a good one," I answered M. Auguste. "In
+that case, should you be willing to share the bet?"
+
+"I should be willing to undertake it entirely," was the response.
+
+The scoundrel wanted $20,000!
+
+Had I been dealing with an honest man I should have let him have the
+money. But he had raised his terms so artfully that I felt sure that
+if I yielded this he would at once make some fresh demand.
+
+I therefore shook my head, and began picking up the notes on the
+table.
+
+"That would not suit me at all," I said decidedly. "I do not wish to
+be left out altogether."
+
+M. Auguste watched me with growing uneasiness as I restored the notes
+one by one to my pocket-book.
+
+"Look here!" he said abruptly, as the last note disappeared. "Tell me
+plainly what you expect me to do."
+
+"I expect you to have a communication from your friend Madame
+Blavatsky, or any other spirit you may prefer--Peter the Great would
+be most effective, I should think--every time the Baltic Fleet is
+ready to start, warning 'Mr. Nicholas' not to let it sail."
+
+M. Auguste appeared to turn this proposal over in his mind.
+
+"And is that all?" he asked.
+
+"I shall expect you to keep perfect secrecy about the arrangement. I
+have a friend at Potsdam, and I shall be pretty sure to hear if you
+try to give me away."
+
+"Potsdam!" M. Auguste seemed genuinely surprised, and even
+disconcerted.
+
+"Do you mean to say that you didn't know you were carrying out the
+instructions of Wilhelm II.?" I demanded, scarcely less surprised.
+
+It was difficult to believe that the vexation showed by the medium
+was feigned.
+
+"Of course! I see it now!" burst from him. "I wondered what she meant
+by all that stuff about Germany. And I--a Frenchman!"
+
+It is extraordinary what unexpected scruples will display themselves
+in the most unprincipled knaves. Low as they may descend, there seems
+always to be some one point on which they are as sensitive as a
+Bayard.
+
+M. Auguste, of all men in the world, was a French patriot! It turned
+out that he was a fanatical Nationalist and anti-Semite. He had
+howled in anti-Dreyfusite mobs, and flung stones at the windows of
+Masonic temples in Paris.
+
+I was delighted with this discovery, which gave me a stronger hold on
+him than any bribe could.
+
+But I had noted the feminine pronoun in his exclamation recorded
+above. I did not think it referred to the revealing spirit.
+
+"You have been deceived by the woman who has given you your
+instructions," I remarked to him, when his excitement had subsided a
+little. "I fancy I can guess her name."
+
+"Yes. It is the Princess Y----," he confessed.
+
+Bewildering personality! Again, as I heard her name connected with an
+intrigue of the basest kind, a criminal conspiracy to influence the
+ruler of Russia by feigned revelations from the spirits of the dead,
+I recalled the sight I had last had of her, kneeling in her oratory,
+scourging herself before--my portrait!
+
+There was no longer any fear that M. Auguste would prove obdurate on
+the question of terms. He pocketed his first five hundred rubles, and
+departed, vowing that the Baltic fleet should never get farther than
+Libau, if it was in the power of spirits to prevent it.
+
+Desirous to relieve Lord Bedale's mind as far as possible I
+despatched the following wire to him the next morning:
+
+      Sailing of Baltic Fleet postponed indefinitely. No danger
+      for the present. Watch Germany.
+
+I sent a fuller account of the situation to a son of Mr. Katahashi,
+who was in England, nominally attached to the staff of the Imperial
+Bank, but really on business of a confidential character which it
+would be indiscreet on my part to indicate.
+
+I may say that I particularly cautioned the young Japanese to avoid
+any action calculated to give the least color to the German legends
+about warships being secretly manufactured in British yards to the
+order of the Mikado's Government.
+
+Every reader who has followed the course of the war with any
+attention will recollect the history of the fleet thus detained by my
+contrivance.
+
+Week after week, and month after month, the Baltic Fleet was declared
+to be on the point of departure. Time after time the Czar went on
+board to review it in person, and speak words of encouragement to the
+officers and crew. And every time, after everything had been
+pronounced ready, some mysterious obstacle arose at the last moment
+to detain the fleet in Russian waters.
+
+Journalists, naval experts, politicians and other ill-informed
+persons invented or repeated all sorts of explanations to account for
+the series of delays.
+
+Only in the very innermost circles of the Russian Court it was
+whispered that the guardian spirit of the great Peter, the founder of
+Russia's naval power, had repeatedly come to warn his descendant of
+disasters in store for the fleet, should it be permitted to sail.
+
+M. Auguste was earning his reward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+MY FUNERAL
+
+
+The extreme privacy with which I had managed my negotiation with M.
+Auguste completely baffled the plotters who were relying on the
+voyage of the Baltic Fleet to furnish a _casus belli_ between Russia
+and Great Britain.
+
+They realized, of course, that some powerful hand was interfering
+with their designs, and they were sufficiently intelligent to guess
+that that hand must be mine.
+
+But they were far from suspecting the method of my operations. They
+firmly believed that M. Auguste was still carrying out their
+instructions, and sowing distrust of England in the mind of Nicholas
+II. Indeed, on one occasion he informed me that the Princess Y----
+had sent for him and ordered him not to frighten the Czar to such an
+extent as to make him afraid to let the fleet proceed to sea.
+
+Unable to detect and countermine me, it was natural that they should
+become impatient for my removal.
+
+Accordingly, I was not surprised to receive an urgent message from
+Sophia, late one evening, requesting me to come to her without delay.
+
+By this time our friendship, if such it could be called, had become
+so intimate that I visited her nearly every day on one pretext or
+another.
+
+Her greeting, as soon as I had obeyed the summons, showed me that a
+fresh development had taken place in the situation.
+
+"Andreas, the hour has come!"
+
+"The hour?"
+
+"For your removal. Petrovitch has been here. He suspects something.
+He has rebuked me severely for the delay."
+
+"Did you tell him I was not an easy man to kill?"
+
+"I told him anything and everything. He would not listen. He says
+they have lost confidence in me. He was brutal. He said----"
+
+"Well, what did he say?"
+
+"He said--" she spoke slowly and shamefacedly--"that he perceived it
+took a man to kill a man."
+
+I smiled grimly.
+
+"History tells us differently. But what then?"
+
+"To-morrow I shall no longer be able to answer for your life."
+
+"You think some one else will be appointed to dispose of me?"
+
+"I am sure that some one else has been appointed already. Most likely
+it is Petrovitch himself."
+
+"Well, I shall look out for him." I did not think it necessary to
+tell Sophia that I had been expecting something of this kind, and had
+made certain preparations.
+
+"It will be useless, Andreas. You do not know the man with whom you
+have to deal."
+
+"The ignorance may be mutual," I observed drily.
+
+The Princess became violently agitated.
+
+"You must let me save you," she exclaimed clasping her hands.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"You must let me kill you _here_, to-night.
+
+"Don't you understand?" she pursued breathlessly. "It is absolutely
+necessary for your safety, perhaps for the safety of both of us, that
+they should think I have carried out my instructions. You must appear
+to die. Then they will no longer concern themselves about you, and
+you will be able to assume some other personality without being
+suspected."
+
+The scheme appealed to me strongly, all the more that it seemed as
+though it could be made to fit in very well with my own plans.
+
+"You are a clever woman, Sophia," I said cautiously. "How do you
+purpose to carry out your scheme? They will want to see my corpse, I
+suppose."
+
+She drew out the little key I have already described.
+
+"Come this way."
+
+I followed her through the bedroom as before to the door of the
+locked oratory.
+
+She opened the door and admitted me.
+
+By the light of the wax candles I saw what was surely one of the
+strangest sights ever presented to mortal eyes.
+
+It was myself, lying in state!
+
+On a high bier draped in white and black cloth, I lay, or, rather, my
+counterpart presentment in wax lay, wrapped and shrouded like a dead
+body, a branch of palm in the closed hands, and a small Russian coin
+resting on the lips, in accordance with a quaint custom which
+formerly prevailed in many lands.
+
+In spite of my habitual self-command I was unable to repress a cold
+shiver at this truly appalling spectacle.
+
+"Your stage management is perfect," I observed after a pause. "But
+will they be satisfied with a look only?"
+
+"I do not think so. It will be necessary for you to put on the
+appearance of death for a short time, till I have satisfied them.
+Afterward I can conceal you in here, while this--" she pointed to the
+ghastly figure--"is buried under your name."
+
+"Let us get back to the other room, before we talk about it," I
+urged. "This is not altogether a pleasant sight."
+
+As we passed out of the oratory I stealthily took note of the
+fastening of the door. The lock was on the outside only; in other
+words, if I permitted myself to be immured in the cell-like chamber,
+I should be a prisoner at the mercy of my charming friend.
+
+"And now, by what means do you purpose that I shall assume the
+appearance of death?" I inquired as soon as we had returned to the
+boudoir.
+
+The Princess opened a small cabinet, and produced a tiny stoppered
+bottle.
+
+"By swallowing this medicine," she answered. "I have had it specially
+prepared from a recipe given me ten years ago at a time when I
+thought of resorting to the same contrivance to escape from my
+taskmaster."
+
+I took the bottle in my hand, and examined it carefully. It bore no
+label, and the contents appeared perfectly colorless.
+
+"In five minutes after you have swallowed the contents of the
+bottle," Sophia explained, "you will begin to turn cold, at first in
+the feet and hands. As the cold mounts to the brain you will
+gradually lose consciousness, and become rigid. You will look as pale
+as if you were actually dead, and your heart will cease to beat."
+
+"And how long will this stupor last?"
+
+"About twenty-four hours, more or less, according to your
+constitution."
+
+I looked carefully and steadily into her eyes. She flushed and
+trembled violently, but did not quail.
+
+"What does it taste like?" I asked.
+
+"It is a little bitter."
+
+"I will take it in water, then."
+
+"You can take it in wine, if you like. I have some here."
+
+She moved to a small cupboard in the wall.
+
+"I shall tell them that I gave it to you in wine, in any case," she
+added.
+
+"I prefer water, thank you. May I fetch some from the next room?"
+
+"I will fetch it," she said hastily, going to the bedroom.
+
+On an ebony stand beside me there was a large china bowl containing a
+flowering plant in its pot. In a second I had removed the stopper,
+emptied the bottle into the space between the flower-pot and the
+outer bowl, and put the stopper back again.
+
+"Tell me," I said to the Princess as she hurried back with a carafe
+and tumbler, "have you thought how I am to get away from this house
+without exciting attention?"
+
+"It will be easy for me to procure you a dozen disguises. I am always
+going to masked balls. But are you in such a hurry to leave me?"
+
+"I shall find the air of your oratory rather confined, I am afraid."
+
+She hung her head in evident chagrin.
+
+"But where will you go?" she demanded.
+
+"Oh, that is all arranged. I have taken a small house and furnished
+it, in another name."
+
+"Where?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"Perhaps I had better not tell you till this excitement is over. I
+must not burden you with too many of my secrets."
+
+Sophia's eyes filled with tears.
+
+"You distrust me still!" she cried. "But, after all, what does it
+matter? I have only to ask Petrovitch."
+
+"That will be quite unnecessary as well as useless. I pledge myself
+to tell you before I leave this place, and I have not favored M.
+Petrovitch with my new address."
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"And do you believe that you have succeeded in taking a house in
+Petersburg without his knowledge? You do not know him, I tell you
+again. He has had you watched every hour of the day while you have
+been here."
+
+"Please credit me with a little resource, as well as your friend," I
+answered with some slight irritation. "I have no doubt the spies of
+M. Petrovitch have watched me pretty closely, but they have not been
+able to watch every person who has come in and out of the hotel. Two
+of my most capable assistants have been in Petersburg for the last
+month--since the day you hinted that my life was not quite safe, in
+fact."
+
+The woman before me looked completely overwhelmed.
+
+"One of them," I proceeded with cutting severity, "has taken the
+house I speak of. The other is watching over my personal safety at
+this moment."
+
+The Princess fairly gave way. Sinking on the couch behind her, she
+exclaimed in a faint voice:
+
+"You are a demon, not a man!"
+
+It was the finest compliment she could have paid me.
+
+"And now," I said carelessly, "to carry out your admirable little
+idea."
+
+The unhappy woman put up her hands, and turned away her head in sheer
+terror.
+
+I splashed some water into the tumbler, and then trickled in a small
+quantity afterward, to imitate the sound of adding the poison. This
+done I respectfully handed the bottle to my companion.
+
+"To our next meeting!" I called out lightly, as I lifted the tumbler
+to my lips and drained it.
+
+It was the Princess who swooned.
+
+Although I had not foreseen this weakness on her part I took
+advantage of it to draw the tiny key of the oratory from her bosom,
+and hide it in my mouth.
+
+I then touched the bell twice, the signal for the Princess's maid to
+appear.
+
+"Fauchette," I said, when she entered--for this was the assistant I
+had alluded to as watching over my personal safety--"Madame has just
+given me the contents of that stoppered bottle. Do you know anything
+about them?"
+
+Fauchette had made good use of her time since obtaining her
+situation. These things are so easily managed that I am almost
+ashamed to explain that a bribe to the former maid had brought about
+a convenient illness, and the recommendation of Fauchette as a
+temporary substitute.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur," she said quietly. "I filled the bottle with water
+this afternoon, in case of accident. I have preserved the previous
+contents, in case you should care to have them analyzed."
+
+"You have done well, very well, my girl."
+
+Fauchette blushed with pleasure. I do not often say so much to my
+staff.
+
+"Madame does not know that I had just emptied the bottle into that
+china bowl," I added carelessly.
+
+"It is useless to try to serve Monsieur; he does everything himself,"
+murmured the poor girl, mortified.
+
+"Nonsense, Fauchette, I have just praised you. It is always possible
+that I may overlook something."
+
+Fauchette shook her head with an incredulous air.
+
+I have found it good policy to maintain this character for
+infallibility with my staff. It is true, perhaps, that I do not very
+often blunder.
+
+"And now," I went on, "it is time for the poison to take effect! As
+soon as I am dead, you will awake Madame."
+
+I lay down on another couch, and composed myself in a rigid attitude
+with my eyes closed. I did not believe, of course, that it would be
+possible to deceive a close observer, but I trusted to the wild
+emotions of the Princess to blind her to any signs of life.
+
+I heard Fauchette dart on her mistress with a well-acted scream, and
+sprinkle her face and neck with cold water.
+
+Sophia seemed to revive quickly.
+
+"Andreas!" I heard her gasp. "Where? What has become of him?"
+
+"M. Sterling has also fainted," the maid replied with assumed
+innocence.
+
+"Ha!"
+
+It was more like a shriek than a sob. I heard a hasty rustling of
+skirts, and then Sophia seemed to be kneeling beside me, and feeling
+for the beat of my heart.
+
+"Go, Fauchette! Send Gregory instantly to M. Petrovitch to inform him
+that M. Sterling has been taken ill in my house, and that I fear he
+is dead."
+
+The Princess began loosening my necktie.
+
+Had Fauchette been present I should have been able to point to this
+as a proof that I was not incapable of an occasional oversight.
+
+As a matter of fact, I had not anticipated this very natural action
+on Sophia's part. Yet it should have been evident that, were it only
+to keep up appearances before any one who might come to view my
+supposed corpse, she would be bound to free my neck.
+
+And I was wearing the locket which contained the portrait of my
+promised bride!
+
+I lay, really rigid with apprehension, while Sophia's caressing
+fingers tenderly removed the necktie, and began unfastening my collar
+and shirt.
+
+Suddenly I heard an ejaculation--at first striking the note of
+surprise and curiosity merely, but deepening to fear.
+
+In a moment the locket was lifted from my chest, and forced open with
+a metallic click.
+
+"Ah!--Ah!"
+
+She let the open locket drop from her fingers on my bare throat.
+
+Instantly it was clutched up again. I could picture the frenzied gaze
+of jealousy and hate in those burning eyes of deepest violet; I could
+actually feel the passionate breathing from between the clenched
+teeth of whitest ivory.
+
+"Miserable child!" she hissed, the hand that held the locket
+trembling so that I could feel it against my neck. "So _you_ have
+robbed me of him!"
+
+She paused, and then added, forcing out each word with a passion of
+distilled hate----
+
+"But you shall never have him! He shall be mine! Mine! Mine, in the
+grave!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A PERILOUS MOMENT
+
+
+I lay with every nerve strained to its utmost tension, listening for
+the least movement on the part of the maddened woman which might
+indicate she was about to stab me then and there.
+
+In the silence that followed, if she did not hear the beating of my
+heart it was only because her own stormy emotions had rendered her
+deaf and blind to everything else.
+
+For a time her rapid breathing continued to warm my uncovered neck.
+Then she snapped-to the locket and let it fall, and rose from my side
+to pace the floor of the room with swift, irregular steps.
+
+Fauchette, who must have been anxious to know how I was faring, now
+came back without waiting to be summoned.
+
+"Well?" the Princess demanded, halting in her promenade.
+
+"Gregory has gone for M. Petrovitch, Madame. Is there anything I can
+do?"
+
+"I have tried every restorative," came the answer. "See if you can
+detect any signs of life."
+
+The last command seemed to come as an afterthought. No doubt, Sophia
+wished to test her work before Petrovitch arrived.
+
+I was encouraged to think that she had no immediate intention of
+killing me; and as the maid bent over me I contrived to give her hand
+a reassuring squeeze.
+
+"He is quite dead, Madame," the girl said, turning away. "Would you
+like to have the body carried into another room?"
+
+"No. Wait till M. Petrovitch comes," her mistress replied. "You can
+go."
+
+As my assistant withdrew I again became on the alert for any
+dangerous move on the part of the Princess.
+
+It was not long before I was conscious that the room had grown
+darker.
+
+I gathered that Sophia had switched off some of the lights in order
+to make it more difficult for Petrovitch to detect her fraud, and
+again I took courage.
+
+Some muttered words helped me to understand the plan of the desperate
+woman.
+
+"I will give him one chance. He shall choose. Men do not die for love
+in these days."
+
+There was little doubt that she intended to lock me up in her oratory
+and hold me a prisoner till I consented to sacrifice my faith to her
+Japanese rival.
+
+Satisfied that there was little risk of any immediate violence, I
+waited calmly for the arrival of Sophia's colleague, or master.
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate lost no time on the way. Very
+soon I heard the door open and the familiar voice, with its slightly
+affected accent, saying,
+
+"Permit me to offer you the expression of my sincere regrets, dear
+Princess!--And my sincere congratulations," he added in a more
+business-like tone, as the door closed again.
+
+A sigh was the only audible response.
+
+"It has cost you something, I can see," the man's voice resumed
+soothingly. "That fact gives you a still stronger claim on our
+gratitude. I confess I began to fear seriously that you were
+deceiving us, and that would have been very dangerous."
+
+Another obscure sound, between a sigh and a sob, from the woman.
+
+"Now we can proceed with light hearts. Within three months from now
+Russia and Great Britain will be at war. I do not mind answering for
+it. There was only one man in Europe who could have prevented it, and
+he lies there!"
+
+"You would have it so! I still say it would have been enough to
+imprison him somewhere."
+
+"You talk foolishly, believe me, Princess. A man like that is not to
+be imprisoned. There is no jailer in the world who would venture to
+undertake to keep the famous A. V. under lock and key."
+
+"I would have undertaken it," came the answer. "I would have locked
+him in my oratory, the key of which never leaves my bosom."
+
+"Nevertheless if it was important to that man to steal it from you,
+it would not remain in your bosom very long."
+
+A startled cry interrupted the speaker, and told me that Sophia had
+made the fatal discovery of the loss of her key.
+
+I held my breath in the most dreadful suspense. Everything now
+depended on this woman. If she allowed the least hint, I knew that
+Petrovitch would never leave the room without at least an attempt to
+change my supposed trance into death.
+
+Fortunately the Princess was equal to the emergency. I heard her give
+a slight laugh.
+
+"I am punished for my assurance," she confessed. "I am not quite
+hardened, as you know; and when I realized that M. V---- was actually
+dead, I was obliged to pray for him. I have left the key in the
+door."
+
+"Go and fetch it, then."
+
+The tone in which these words were spoken was harsh. I heard Sophia
+going out of the room, and in an instant, with a single bound, as it
+seemed, the man was leaning over me, feeling my pulse, listening for
+my heart, and testing whether I breathed.
+
+"If I had brought so much as a knife with me, I would have made
+sure," I heard him mutter to himself.
+
+Fortunately Sophia's absence did not last ten seconds. She must have
+snatched up the first key that came to hand, that of a jewel-box most
+likely, and hurried back with it.
+
+Petrovitch seemed to turn away from me with reluctance.
+
+"You doubt me, it appears," came in angry tones from the Princess.
+
+"I doubt everybody," was the cool rejoinder. "You were in love with
+this fellow."
+
+"You think so? Then look at this."
+
+I felt the locket being picked up, and heard the click of the tiny
+spring.
+
+A coarse laugh burst from the financier.
+
+"So that is it! Woman's jealousy is safer than her sworn word, after
+all. Now I believe he _is_ dead."
+
+The Princess made no reply.
+
+Presently the man spoke again.
+
+"This must be kept a secret among ourselves, you understand. The
+truth is, I have exceeded my instructions a little. A certain
+personage only authorized detention. It appears he is like you in
+having a certain tenderness for this fellow--why, I can't think. At
+any rate his manner was rather alarming when we hinted that a coffin
+made the safest straight-jacket."
+
+It was impossible for me to doubt that it was the Kaiser whom this
+villain had insulted by offering to have me assassinated. I thanked
+Wilhelm II. silently for his chivalrous behavior. M. Petrovitch could
+have known little of the proud Hohenzollern whom he tempted.
+
+At the same time, it was a source of serious concern for me to know
+that, just as I had learned that my real opponent was my friend the
+Kaiser, so he in turn had acquired the knowledge that he had me
+against him.
+
+It had become a struggle, no longer in the dark, between the most
+resourceful of Continental sovereigns and myself, and that being so,
+I realized that I could not afford to rest long on my oars.
+
+From the deep breathing of the Princess, I surmised that she was
+choking down the rage she must have felt at the other's cynical
+depravity. For Sophia, though capable of committing a murder out of
+jealousy perhaps, was yet incapable of killing for reward.
+
+"Well," I heard Petrovitch say in the tone of one who is taking his
+leave, "I must send some one 'round to remove our friend."
+
+"Do not trouble, if you please. I will see to the funeral," came in
+icy tones from the Princess.
+
+"What, still sentimental! Be careful, my good Sophia Y----, you will
+lose your value to us if you give way to such weaknesses."
+
+I heard his steps move across the carpeted floor, and then with
+startling suddenness, the words came out:
+
+"Curse me if I can believe he _is_ dead!"
+
+My blood ran cold. But it turned out to be only a passing
+exclamation. At the end of what seemed to me minutes--they can only
+have been seconds--the footsteps moved on, and the door opened and
+closed.
+
+"Thank God!" burst from Sophia.
+
+Her next words were plainly an apostrophe to myself.
+
+"So you did not trust me after all!"
+
+I was within an ace of opening my eyes on the supposition that she
+had found me out, when I was reassured by her adding, this time to
+herself,
+
+"He must have done it when I fainted!"
+
+I saw that she was referring to my theft of the key.
+
+There was a soft rustle of silk on the floor, and I felt her hands
+searching in my pockets for the stolen key.
+
+"Fool! To think that I could outwit him!" she murmured to herself at
+last.
+
+She had taken some time to learn the lesson, however.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST
+
+
+It was soon evident that the Princess Y---- had taken her new maid
+into her confidence to a certain extent.
+
+She must have rung for Fauchette without my hearing anything, for
+presently the door opened again, and I heard my assistant's voice.
+
+As the result of a hurried consultation between the two women, in
+which Fauchette played to perfection the part of a devoted maid who
+is only desirous to anticipate the wishes of her mistress, it was
+decided to wheel the sofa on which I lay into the oratory, and to
+bring the wax dummy into the Princess's bedroom, to lie in state till
+the next day.
+
+The arrangement did not take long to carry out.
+
+Partly from what I was able to overhear, and partly from the report
+afterward furnished to me by Fauchette, I am able to relate
+succinctly what took place.
+
+To begin with, I was left in the oratory, while the counterfeit
+corpse was duly arranged in the adjoining room.
+
+Unable to lock me in the smaller apartment, Sophia declared her
+intention of locking both the outer doors of the bedroom, one of
+which gave on a corridor, while the other, as the reader is aware,
+opened into the boudoir where the previous scene had taken place.
+
+The Princess retained one of these keys herself, entrusting the other
+to the maid, of course with the strictest injunctions as to its use.
+
+To keep up appearances before the household, the Princess arranged to
+pass the next few nights in another room on the same floor, which
+usually served as a guest chamber.
+
+It was explained to the servants that the death which had occurred
+had upset the nerves of their mistress, and rendered her own suite of
+rooms distasteful to her for the present.
+
+Fauchette, who thus became my jailer, brought me a supply of cold
+food and wine during the night. I had part of this provision under
+the altar of the oratory, to serve me during the following day.
+
+My cataleptic condition was supposed to endure for nearly twenty-four
+hours. The enforced seclusion was intensely irritating to a man of my
+temperament; but I could not evade it without revealing to Sophia
+that I had heard her confession, and thereby inflicting a deadly
+wound on a woman who loved me.
+
+Meanwhile the arrangements for my funeral had been pressed on.
+
+Already a telegram had appeared in the London papers announcing the
+sudden and unexpected death from heart-failure of the well-known
+English philanthropist, Mr. Melchisedak Sterling. One or two of the
+journals commented on the fact of Mr. Sterling's death having taken
+place while he was on a mission of peace to the Russian capital, and
+expressed a hope that his death would have a chastening effect on the
+War Party in Petersburg.
+
+My friend, the editor of the Peace Review, very generously sent a
+wreath, which arrived too late for the funeral but was laid on my
+grave.
+
+Unfortunately these newspaper announcements were taken seriously by
+my exalted employers, as well as by the enemies whom I wished to
+deceive, but this could not be helped.
+
+By noon the undertaker's men had arrived with my coffin. The Princess
+played upon their ignorance of English customs and burial rites to
+pretend that the work of coffining must be done by women's hands. In
+this way she and Fauchette were able to enclose the dummy in its
+wooden shell, leaving to the men only the task of screwing down the
+lid.
+
+The burial took place in the English cemetery. I am glad to say that
+the Princess contrived to avoid the mockery of a religious service by
+alleging that Mr. Sterling had belonged to a peculiar sect--the
+Quakers, I fancy--which holds such ceremonies to be worldly and
+unnecessary.
+
+I may add that I have since visited my grave, which is still to be
+seen in a corner of the cemetery. It is marked by a stone slab with
+an inscription in English.
+
+In the afternoon the faithful Fauchette persuaded her mistress to go
+out for a drive, to soothe her over-strained nerves.
+
+Before quitting the house, the Princess came in to take a last look
+at me.
+
+She lingered minute after minute, as though with some premonition
+that our next meeting would be under widely different circumstances.
+
+To herself, I heard her whisper, sighing softly:
+
+"Andreas! O Andreas! If I could sleep, or thou couldst never wake!"
+
+She crept away, and the better to secure me locked both the bedroom
+doors herself, and carried off the keys.
+
+On her return, two hours later, Sophia, with a look that told the
+watchful Fauchette of her uneasiness, hurried straight up-stairs,
+toward the door of the little oratory.
+
+She found it locked from the outside, with the key in the door.
+
+It had cost me something to break my pledge to the Princess Y----
+that I would give her my new address before leaving her.
+
+But her unfortunate discovery of the portrait I wore around my neck
+and her plainly-declared intention to hold me a prisoner till she
+could shake my fidelity, had rendered it necessary for me to meet
+treachery with treachery.
+
+The secret service, it must always be borne in mind, has its own code
+of honor, differing on many points from that obtaining in other
+careers, but perhaps stricter on the whole.
+
+For instance, I can lay my hand on my heart and declare that I have
+never done either of two things which are done every day by men
+holding high offices and high places in the world's esteem. I have
+never taken a secret commission. And I have never taken advantage of
+my political information to gamble in stocks.
+
+The manner of my escape was simplicity itself.
+
+My assistant had not come to live with the Princess without making
+some preparations for the part she was to play, and these included
+the bringing with her of a bunch of skeleton keys, fully equal to the
+work of opening any ordinary lock.
+
+As soon as her mistress was safely out of the way, Fauchette came to
+receive my instructions.
+
+I told her that I did not intend to wait for my jailer's return. We
+discussed the best way for me to slip out, without obstruction from
+the servants, and I decided to take advantage of the superstition of
+the Russian illiterate class, by enacting the part of my own ghost.
+
+The report that I had been buried without any funeral service had
+already reached the household, and had prepared them for any
+supernatural manifestation.
+
+Fauchette first brought me a little powdered chalk, with which I
+smeared my face. I then put on a long flowing cloak and a sombrero
+hat, part of the wardrobe accumulated by the Princess in the course
+of her gaieties.
+
+I slipped a damp sponge into my pocket and directed the girl to lead
+the way.
+
+She went down-stairs a few yards in front of me, turned into the
+servants' part of the house and threw open the back door, which led
+out into a courtyard giving on a street used only by tradesmen's
+carts. At this hour of the day it was deserted.
+
+I followed cautiously in Fauchette's wake, and got as far as the back
+door without meeting any interruption.
+
+But at that point, the porter, who must have been roused by an
+unfamiliar step--though I understand he swore afterward that the
+passage of the ghost had been absolutely noiseless--came out and
+stood in the doorway.
+
+Without hesitating for an instant I assumed an erect posture and
+advanced swiftly toward him with my whitened face well displayed.
+
+The fellow gave vent to a half-articulate call which died down in his
+throat, and bolted back into his room uttering yell after yell.
+
+Fifteen seconds later I was out in the street, sponging the chalk
+from my face.
+
+And five minutes after that I was comfortably seated in a hired
+droshky, on my way to a certain little house in the seafaring quarter
+of the city, which possessed, among other advantages, that of
+commanding an exceedingly fine view of the Admiralty Pier.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A SECRET EXECUTION
+
+
+I now come to a part of my chronicle which I plainly foresee must
+expose me to grave criticism.
+
+To that criticism it is no part of my purpose to attempt any reply.
+
+In the long run, I have found, men's minds are not much affected by
+argument and advocacy. Facts tell their own story, and men's
+judgments are usually the result of their personal prejudices.
+
+For that reason I shall confine myself to relating facts. I have
+already told the story of my murder--for such it was in the
+intent--by Petrovitch. I shall now tell the story of the justice
+meted out by me on the assassin.
+
+As soon as I was safely lodged in my house on the Alexander Quay, I
+despatched my assistant, a clever young Frenchman named Breuil, with
+a message to the promoter of the Manchurian Syndicate--the real
+moving spirit of that War clique in which even the bellicose grand
+dukes had only secondary parts.
+
+The wording of the message had been carefully calculated to arouse
+curiosity, but not apprehension.
+
+"The agent of a foreign Power," Breuil was instructed to say to this
+self-styled patriot, "with very large funds at his disposal, desires
+to see you in strict secrecy."
+
+The bait took. Petrovitch, naturally concluding that he was to be
+offered a heavy bribe for some act of treachery to Russia, greedily
+accepted the invitation.
+
+The infatuated man did not take even the ordinary precaution of
+asking for guarantees. He consented to accompany Breuil at once,
+merely asking how far he had to go. This recklessness was the result
+of his supposed triumphant crime. Believing that I was safely
+interred in the English cemetery, he thought there was no one left
+for him to fear.
+
+On the way he did his best to extract some information out of my
+assistant. But Breuil returned the same answer to all his questions
+and hints:
+
+"I am under orders not to converse with you, monsieur."
+
+The doomed man was in good spirits as the droshky put him down at the
+door of my house.
+
+"Decidedly an out-of-the-way retreat!" he commented gaily. "I should
+hardly be able to find my way here again without your assistance!"
+
+The silent Breuil merely bowed, as he proceeded to open the street
+door with a latch key.
+
+Perhaps Petrovitch had been a little more nervous than he allowed to
+appear. When he noticed that his escort simply closed the door on the
+latch, without locking or bolting it further, he said in a tone of
+relief:
+
+"You are not much afraid of being visited by the police, I see."
+
+Breuil, as silent as ever, led the way into a back parlor,
+overlooking the Neva, where I was waiting to receive my visitor.
+
+The room was plainly furnished as a study, and I had placed myself in
+an arm-chair facing the window, so that my back was turned to the
+door as Petrovitch entered.
+
+I pretended to be writing furiously, as a pretext for not turning my
+head till the visitor had seated himself.
+
+Breuil said quietly, "M. Petrovitch is here," and went out of the
+room.
+
+As the door closed I tossed away my pen and turned around, facing my
+assassin.
+
+"I am pleased to see you, M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Monsieur V----!"
+
+I thought he would have lost his senses. His whole countenance
+changed. He clung to his chair, and his eyes were fixed on me with an
+expression of panic.
+
+So complete was his collapse that he did not attempt to speak or
+excuse himself. I saw that he was hardly in a condition to listen to
+anything I had to say.
+
+"I fear you are unwell, M. Petrovitch. Allow me to offer you a little
+brandy."
+
+The wretched man watched me with bewildered looks, as I took a bottle
+and glasses from a cupboard and helped first him and then myself.
+
+"It is quite wholesome, I assure you."
+
+As I said the words I raised my own glass to my lips and sipped.
+
+A choking cry escaped from the author of the war. He seized the glass
+I had set before him and feverishly drained it.
+
+I saw that he was burning to know by what means I had escaped the
+fate prepared for me. But I had no object in gratifying his
+curiosity, and mere boasting is not a weakness of mine.
+
+Steadfastly preserving the tone of a business interview between men
+who understand each other, I went on to say:
+
+"I am here, as you know, in the joint interests of England and
+Japan."
+
+My murderer nodded faintly. I could see him making a tremendous
+effort to control his nerves, and enter into conversation with me on
+my own terms.
+
+"I think I should be glad of a little more brandy. Thank you!--I am
+not at all myself."
+
+I shook my head compassionately.
+
+"You should be careful to avoid too much excitement," I said. "Any
+sudden shock is bad for a man with your nerves."
+
+The promoter gasped. The situation was clearly beyond him.
+
+"You," I went on in my most matter-of-fact tone, "on the contrary,
+are acting on behalf of Germany."
+
+"Who says so!" He was beginning to speak fiercely; but his eye met
+mine, and the words died on his lips.
+
+"We will say I dreamed it, if you like," I responded drily. "I have
+very remarkable dreams sometimes, and learn a great deal from them.
+
+"To confine ourselves to business. I have caused the sailing of this
+Baltic Fleet to be put off, because----"
+
+"You--have caused it!"
+
+The interruption burst from him in spite of himself.
+
+I affected to shrug my shoulders with a certain annoyance.
+
+"Your opinion of my powers does not seem to be a very high one,
+unfortunately," I remarked with irony. "It would be better if you
+accepted me as a serious antagonist, believe me."
+
+Petrovitch lowered his eyes in confusion, as he muttered,
+
+"I apologize, Monsieur V----. I have blundered, as I now perceive."
+
+"Let us resume. I was about to say that I had prevented the sailing
+of this fleet, because I feared that its voyage might be marked by
+some incident likely to bring Great Britain and Russia into
+collision."
+
+The financier raised his head and watched me keenly.
+
+"You, yourself, M. Petrovitch, have been active, I believe, in
+preparing the mind of the Czar and the Russian public for something
+of the sort. Doubtless you have not done so without very good
+grounds."
+
+"My information leads me to think that a flotilla of torpedo boats is
+being kept ready in the English ports for a night attack on our fleet
+during its progress through the North Sea."
+
+I smiled disdainfully.
+
+"That is a false report. I have asked you to call here in the hope
+that I might find you ready to assist me in discrediting it."
+
+The Russian continued to watch me out of his narrow eyes.
+
+"And, also," I added, "to assist me in preventing any attempt to give
+color to it."
+
+"I am not sure that I understand you, Monsieur V----."
+
+"That is quite possible. I will speak more plainly. There are some
+prophets who take a little trouble to make their prophesies come
+true. I wish to know whether you and your friends have determined
+that this particular prophesy shall come true--perhaps to fulfill it
+yourselves?"
+
+Petrovitch frowned and compressed his lips.
+
+"So that is why you got me here?"
+
+"I wished to see," I said blandly, "if it was possible for me to
+offer you terms which might induce you to alter your views
+altogether--in short, to stop the war."
+
+The financier looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Monsieur V----, you don't know what you ask! But you--would a
+million rubles tempt you to come over, to be neutral, even?"
+
+"I am a member, by adoption, of the imperial family of Japan," I
+replied laconically.
+
+Petrovitch was past surprise. If I had informed him that I was the
+Mikado in disguise, I think he would have taken it as a matter of
+course.
+
+"This war is worth ten millions to me," he confessed hoarsely.
+
+I shook my head with resignation.
+
+"The price is too high. We must be enemies, not friends, I perceive."
+
+The author of the war, who had regained his self-possession, did not
+blanch at these words.
+
+"I regret it," he said with a courteous inclination.
+
+"You have reason to."
+
+He gave me a questioning glance.
+
+"Up to the present I have been on the defensive," I explained. "I
+dislike violent measures. But from this moment I shall hold myself at
+liberty to use them."
+
+"I am afraid I have gone rather too far," the promoter hesitated.
+
+"You have drugged me. You have robbed me. You have murdered me."
+
+"You are alive, however," he ventured to retort with an impudent
+smile.
+
+"Unfortunately," I went on sternly, "in murdering me you exceeded
+your instructions."
+
+"How----"
+
+"I dreamed that I heard you tell your accomplice so," I put in,
+without giving him a chance to speak.
+
+He ceased to meet my gaze.
+
+"You are therefore not even a political criminal. You are a common
+felon. As such I warn you that I shall execute you without notice,
+and without reprieve."
+
+The Russian scowled fiercely.
+
+"We will see about that," he blustered. "I have a loaded revolver in
+my pocket."
+
+I waved my hand scornfully.
+
+"Undeceive yourself, George Petrovitch. I am not proposing a duel. I
+cannot be expected to fight with a condemned murderer. I sentence you
+to death--and may the Lord have mercy on your soul."
+
+"By what right?" he demanded furiously.
+
+"I am accredited by the Emperor of Japan to the Emperor of Russia.
+This house is Japanese soil. Farewell!"
+
+Petrovitch rose from his chair, wavering between indignation and
+alarm.
+
+"I shall defend myself!" he exclaimed, edging slowly toward the door.
+
+"You will do better to confess yourself. Is there no prayer that you
+wish to say?"
+
+The Russian smiled incredulously.
+
+"You seem very confident," he sneered.
+
+I saw that it was useless to try to rouse him to a sense of his
+peril. I pointed to the door, and pressed a knob on the wall.
+
+The murderer made two steps from me, laid his fingers on the
+door-handle--and dropped dead instantly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+A CHANGE OF IDENTITY
+
+
+I now approach the crucial portion of my narrative.
+
+The incidents already dealt with, though not without a certain
+interest, perhaps, for those who value exact information about
+political events, are comparatively unimportant, and have been given
+here chiefly in order to inspire confidence in what follows.
+
+At all events, their truth is not likely to be disputed, and I have
+not thought it necessary, therefore, to insist on every corroborative
+detail.
+
+But I am now about to enter on what must be considered debatable
+ground.
+
+I had taken the little house on the Alexander Quay, as the reader
+will have guessed, as a post of observation from which to watch the
+proceedings of the Russian Ministry of Marine, more particularly with
+regard to the fleet under the command of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+It is my subsequent observations and discoveries which compel me,
+greatly to my regret, to give a direct contradiction to the gallant
+Admiral's version of what took place in the North Sea on the night
+of Trafalgar Day, 1904.
+
+It is for that reason that I desire to exercise particular care in
+this part of my statement.
+
+Such care is the more incumbent on me, inasmuch as I was requested by
+the British Government to furnish a confidential copy of my evidence
+in advance, for the use of the members of the international court
+which sat in Paris to inquire into this most mysterious affair.
+
+The following chapters should be read, therefore, as the sworn
+depositions of a witness, and not as the carelessly worded account of
+a journalist or popular historian.
+
+The electrocution of the murderer, Petrovitch, already described,
+furnished me with a valuable opportunity which I was quick to seize.
+
+I have not extenuated this act, and I will not defend it. I content
+myself with recording that this man had been the principal instrument
+in promoting the Russo-Japanese war, and the principal obstacle to
+peace. In this he was acting as the paid agent of a foreign Power,
+and was therefore guilty of high treason to his own country. On these
+grounds my execution of him, although irregular at the time, has
+since been formally ratified by the highest tribunal of the Russian
+Empire, the Imperial Council of State.
+
+A justification which I value still more, consists in the fact that
+the removal of this man proved the turning point in the history of
+the war.
+
+Within a month of his death I had the satisfaction to be made the
+medium of an informal overture for peace. The negotiations thus
+opened have proceeded with great secrecy, but before these lines meet
+the public eye, I have every hope that the calamitous struggle in
+Manchuria will have been suspended indefinitely.
+
+To return:
+
+Owing to the secret life led by the deceased man, it was some time
+before his absence from his usual haunts excited remark.
+
+When it became evident that something must have happened to him,
+people were still slow to suspect that he had come to a violent end.
+Many persons believed that he had been ruined by the ill-success of
+the war, and had gone into hiding from his creditors. Others supposed
+that he had been secretly arrested.
+
+Some of his fellow-plotters in the Russian capital imagined that he
+had fled to Germany to escape the penalty of his treason. In Germany,
+on the other hand, I afterward learned, he was supposed to have been
+sent to Siberia by order of the Czar.
+
+For weeks the "Disappearance of M. Petrovitch" was the general topic
+of discussion in the newspapers and in private circles; but no one
+came near guessing the truth.
+
+There was one person who must have divined from the first what had
+happened. But she held her tongue.
+
+So far as I could gather from the reports which continued to reach me
+from Fauchette, the Princess Y---- had sunk into a lethargy after my
+evasion. She seemed to wish only to be left alone to brood, perhaps
+to mourn.
+
+The only sign she gave was by depositing a wreath on the empty grave
+in the English cemetery, a wreath which bore the solitary word,
+"Remembrance."
+
+In the meanwhile I had gratifying evidence that the loss of the chief
+conspirator had completely disorganized the schemes of the plotters
+in the Ministry of Marine.
+
+My first proceeding, after disconnecting the powerful battery which I
+had installed in my house for the purpose of the execution, was to
+summon my assistant Breuil.
+
+With his aid, the corpse was stripped and sewn up in a sheet,
+together with some heavy weights. In the middle of the night it was
+committed to the waters of the Neva, almost within sight and sound of
+the fleet.
+
+The papers which we found in his clothes were not numerous or
+important. But there was one which I thought worth preserving.
+
+It was a passport, made out in the name of the deceased, issued by
+the Russian Foreign Office, and viséd by the German Ambassador. This
+passport I still have in my possession.
+
+I now disclosed to my assistant a plan which had been in my own mind
+for some time, though, true to my principle of never making an
+unnecessary confidence, I had not previously mentioned it to him.
+
+"I have decided," I told him, "to assume the personality of
+Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil stared at me in consternation. It is only fair to say that he
+had not been with me very long.
+
+I could see that some objection was trembling on the tip of his
+tongue. He had learned, however, that I expect my staff not to
+criticize, but to obey.
+
+"You may speak," I said indulgently, "if you have anything to say."
+
+"I was about to remark, sir, that you are not in the least like
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Think again," I said mildly.
+
+He gave me an intelligent look.
+
+"You are much about the same height!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"But his friends, who see him every day--surely they cannot be
+deceived? And then his business--his correspondence--but perhaps you
+are able to feign handwriting?"
+
+I smiled. The good Breuil had passed from one extreme to the other.
+Instead of doubting me, he was crediting me too much.
+
+I proceeded to explain.
+
+"No, as you very properly suggest, I could not hope to deceive
+Petrovitch's friends, nor can I imitate his hand. But remember, that
+in a few days Petrovitch will have disappeared. What will have become
+of him, do you suppose?"
+
+Breuil was still puzzled. I had to make my meaning still plainer.
+
+"He will be in concealment--that is to say, in disguise."
+
+Breuil threw up his hands in a gesture of admiration.
+
+"As the disguised Petrovitch I may manage to pass very well, more
+particularly as I shall be meeting people who have never seen the
+real Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil did not quite understand this last observation.
+
+"I am going," I exclaimed, "on board the Baltic Fleet."
+
+"Sir, you are magnificent!"
+
+I frowned down his enthusiasm. Compliments are compliments only when
+they come from those who pay us, not from those whom we pay.
+
+"Go and procure me the uniform of a superintendent of naval stores.
+And ascertain for me where Captain Vassileffsky usually passes his
+evenings."
+
+Captain Vassileffsky was the naval officer who had been present on
+the occasion when I was drugged at Petrovitch's table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+TRAPPED
+
+
+The clock was striking eight as I entered the restaurant of the
+Two-Headed Eagle, in the seaport of Revel on the Gulf of Finland,
+about a week after the mysterious disappearance of Petrovitch had
+become the talk of Petersburg.
+
+Picking out a table at which an officer in the uniform of a Russian
+naval captain was already seated, I went up to it, and sat down in
+front of him with the formal bow prescribed by etiquette in the
+circumstances.
+
+The ships intended to sail to the relief of Port Arthur were lying at
+this time some at Revel and others at Libau on the Baltic. From time
+to time their departure was officially announced for a certain date,
+reviews were held, and one or two preliminary trips had been
+undertaken.
+
+But each time some unseen obstacle was interposed, and M. Auguste
+continued to draw his weekly stipend.
+
+Nevertheless it was beginning to be evident that the game of see-saw
+could not go on forever. Autumn was approaching, the nation was
+becoming impatient, and the scoffs of the foreign press were severely
+galling the naval pride of Russia.
+
+I had picked up a certain amount of information in the capital
+itself, where a great number of the officers were on leave. But I
+wished to get in direct touch with the one man who, I believed, was
+most likely to be in the confidence of Petrovitch, and, finding there
+was no chance of his coming to Petersburg, I had been obliged to make
+the journey to Revel.
+
+Vassileffsky acknowledged my bow with cordiality, at the same time
+fixing his dark, wicked eyes on me with a look which I well
+understood.
+
+I was wearing the uniform which I had ordered my assistant to provide
+me with, and the Captain had been quick to take note of it.
+
+It may be said that the most valuable part of a naval officer's
+income in Russia is derived from the peculation of government stores.
+To carry on this lucrative system of plunder there is always a good
+understanding between officials of the Stores Department and the
+combatant officers.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky now studied my face like a man expecting to
+receive some proposal of the kind. I, on my side, made it my business
+to say as little as possible to him till dinner was over.
+
+Then I called for a magnum of champagne, and invited my companion to
+fill a tumbler.
+
+He did so readily enough, and I gave him the toast,
+
+"To the Emperor who wishes us well!"
+
+Vassileffsky started, and gave me a penetrating look.
+
+He did not venture to put a question to me, however, and contented
+himself with drinking the toast in silence.
+
+Determined not to say anything as long as the Captain remained sober,
+I plied him with champagne in increasing quantities, while taking as
+little as possible myself.
+
+On his side Vassileffsky was equally reserved. He saw, of course,
+that I had a special object in courting his friendship, and was
+cunning enough to let me make the first advance.
+
+As soon as I thought the wine had had time to confuse his faculties,
+I leaned forward and whispered,
+
+"I've got something to say to you about Petrovitch."
+
+The Captain looked at me eagerly.
+
+"Do you know where he is?"
+
+"Not so loud. Yes. He has had to disguise himself."
+
+I spoke in a muffled tone, which Vassileffsky imitated in his
+response.
+
+"Where is he? I want to see him very badly."
+
+"I know. He wants to see you. He is here in Revel."
+
+"In Revel! Isn't that dangerous?"
+
+"It would be if he weren't so well disguised. You, yourself, wouldn't
+know him."
+
+Vassileffsky looked incredulous.
+
+"I bet I should."
+
+"Done with you! What in?"
+
+"A dozen magnums."
+
+"Pay for them, then. _I'm Petrovitch._"
+
+The Captain started, shook himself, and peered drunkenly into my
+face.
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"Read that then."
+
+I drew out the passport, and spread it before him. The Russian
+spelled his way through it, and nodded solemnly at the end.
+
+"Yes, that's all right. You must be Petrovitch, I suppose. But you
+don't look like him."
+
+"Didn't I tell you I was disguised. I had to clear out in a hurry.
+Some one's been denouncing me to Nicholas."
+
+Vassileffsky looked frightened. His eye sought the door, as though he
+no longer felt at ease in my company.
+
+"You needn't be afraid," I assured him. "No one suspects you."
+
+"Well, what do you want?" he asked sullenly.
+
+"I want you to take me on board your ship."
+
+An angry frown crossed his face.
+
+"You want me to hide you from the police!"
+
+"Nonsense. The police are all right. They want me to get away. They
+could have put their hands on me long ago if they had wanted to."
+
+"Then why have you come here?"
+
+"I told you. I want to have a talk with you about our plans."
+
+"The plan is all right. But I want to know when we're to sail."
+
+"I'm doing all I can. It's only a question of weeks now."
+
+Vassileffsky looked hard at me again, bent across the table, and
+whispered a word which I failed to understand.
+
+Something in his face warned me that it was a password. I recovered
+myself from my momentary confusion and smiled.
+
+"The word's changed," I said with an air of authority. "It's _North
+Sea_ and _Canal_."
+
+The Russian seemed satisfied.
+
+"Well," he said, stumbling to his feet, "if we're going on board we'd
+better go."
+
+"Don't forget the magnums," I put in, as I rose in my turn.
+
+The reckoning was settled, and the champagne ordered to follow us
+down to the boat.
+
+Vassileffsky nearly lost his footing as we got out into the fresh
+air, and caught hold of my arm.
+
+"You'll have to lead me," he said, speaking thickly. "Straight along
+the street, and down the first turning on the quay."
+
+We walked along, arm-in-arm, my companion appearing to become more
+helpless every minute.
+
+As we emerged from the narrow lane which conducted us to the
+waterside, the lights of the harbor burst into view. There on the
+tide lay a long line of stately battleships, cruisers and dark,
+low-lying torpedo boats, their riding lights flashing and twinkling
+in a thousand reflections on the waves.
+
+A drunken hail from the Captain was responded to by a respectful hail
+from a Russian petty officer, who was lounging at the head of some
+stone steps.
+
+He came forward and assisted his commanding officer down and into the
+launch which waited below. I followed, and the bottles of champagne
+were handed in afterward.
+
+Vassileffsky seized the tiller with more energy than he had seemed
+capable of, and headed the launch for a great battleship, the
+_Beresina_.
+
+In a few minutes we were alongside. A smart landing stage and ladder
+brought us up on to the deck, and as soon as our feet touched it,
+Captain Vassileffsky, suddenly drawing himself up, said in distinct
+and sober tones,
+
+"Consider yourself under arrest, if you please----"
+
+I was a prisoner on board a Russian man-of-war!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE BALTIC FLEET
+
+
+Fortunately I am accustomed to face emergencies without losing my
+presence of mind.
+
+The manner of Vassileffsky had prepared me for some display of
+suspicion on his part, though I hardly anticipated his procedure
+would be so theatrical.
+
+Fixing him with my sternest look, I responded,
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky, I do not think you quite understand what you
+are doing. I will talk to you in the morning, when you are more
+yourself."
+
+He drew back, considerably disconcerted.
+
+"Very well, I will listen to what you have to say in the morning. In
+the meantime you will be under a guard."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders with a disdainful smile.
+
+"Be good enough to let me see my quarters," I said.
+
+More and more abashed, the Captain summoned one of his officers, and
+gave him some instructions.
+
+"Follow me, sir," said the lieutenant. I walked after him with
+perfect self-possession.
+
+"I do not wish to make a fuss to-night, as Captain Vassileffsky is
+not himself," I said haughtily, as we drew out of hearing. "But you
+will understand that unless I receive an apology in the morning, I
+shall complain to his majesty the Czar, by whose orders I am here."
+
+The lieutenant looked badly frightened.
+
+"It is not my fault, as you can see, sir. I am only obeying orders.
+Will you accept my own berth for the night, sir?"
+
+I thanked him and entered a small, comfortably-fitted state-room.
+With profuse apologies, he turned the key and left me to my own
+reflections.
+
+I slept soundly, rocked by the tide of the Finland Gulf.
+
+In the morning my jailer came to wake me.
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky presents his compliments, and asks you to
+breakfast with him in his cabin, in half an hour."
+
+This message was a welcome proof to me that my bluff had produced the
+desired effect. I accepted the invitation as if it was a matter of
+course.
+
+I dressed, and went to the cabin where Vassileffsky awaited me.
+
+"Are we friends or foes this morning?" I called out with a
+good-humored laugh, as I greeted him.
+
+The Russian looked dull and nervous.
+
+"I hope all will be well," he muttered. "Let us have something to eat
+before we talk."
+
+He might have said, something to drink, for his own breakfast was
+mainly of champagne. I, myself, made a point of eating heartily, and
+drank only coffee.
+
+"Now, Vassileffsky," I said in authoritative tones, "to business.
+First of all, you want some money."
+
+It was a guess, but a fairly safe one. Without waiting for the
+astonished man to reply, I took out my pocket-book.
+
+"How much can you do with till the fleet sails?" I asked, still in
+the same matter-of-fact tone.
+
+Fairly nonplussed, the Captain blurted out,
+
+"I should like two thousand."
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"I can let you have only a thousand now, but you shall have the
+balance this day week." I counted the thousand rubles, and handed
+them to him. "They are grumbling, rather, in Berlin over the
+expense."
+
+It was, of course, my object to give Vassileffsky no opening for a
+cross-examination, but to take it for granted that we were on
+confidential terms.
+
+At the word "Berlin" he opened his eyes pretty wide.
+
+"Does this money come from Germany?" he exclaimed, half-withdrawing
+his hand.
+
+I affected surprise in my turn.
+
+"You have not received any information at all, apparently! My message
+must have miscarried. Didn't the Princess see you?"
+
+Vassileffsky looked still more surprised. His demeanor taught me a
+good deal. I saw that Petrovitch had not trusted him very far. The
+financier had evidently kept all the threads of the intrigue in his
+own hands, as far as possible.
+
+So much the better, I reflected. His removal would disorganize
+matters even more thoroughly than I had ventured to hope.
+
+"What Princess?" the Captain asked.
+
+"The Princess Y----, of course."
+
+He brightened up a little, as though this name, at all events, was
+familiar.
+
+"No, she has not been here."
+
+"One can never trust these women," I muttered aloud. "She has not
+been at all the same since the death of her Englishman."
+
+"Of Sterling, do you mean?"
+
+"Yes. You heard of it, I suppose?"
+
+Vassileffsky grinned.
+
+"Rather sudden, wasn't it?"
+
+I smiled meaningly, as I retorted,
+
+"You remember he fainted rather unexpectedly that night he dined with
+me."
+
+A look of relief broke out on Vassileffsky's face, as I thus
+referred to an incident which he naturally supposed could be known
+only to Petrovitch.
+
+"My dear fellow, I beg a thousand pardons for my stupid conduct last
+night," he burst out. "But you must admit that your disguise is
+extraordinary."
+
+"Not a word!" I returned. "It is always better to err on the side of
+distrust. Besides, I wished to spend a night on your ship in any
+case. Your crew can be thoroughly depended on, if I am any judge."
+
+"They would bombard the Tower of London, if I gave the word," boasted
+Vassileffsky.
+
+It is extraordinary how widely the belief prevails on the Continent
+of Europe that the London Tower is still a fortress, charged with the
+protection of the British capital.
+
+"At all events, they will not be frightened by the sight of the Union
+Jack?" I returned.
+
+The Russian officer gave me an alarmed glance.
+
+"You do not mean--you are not asking us to fire on the British
+fleet?"
+
+"No, no," I reassured him.
+
+"Ah, that is all right. For the moment I confess you frightened me.
+They say we shall have to pass Admiral Beresford!"
+
+"What are you prepared to do?" I asked, concealing my deep interest
+in the reply.
+
+Vassileffsky's manner became slightly reproachful.
+
+"You did not bargain with me to attack an armed ship," he said in
+the tone of one who reminds another of his agreement. "It was
+understood that we were to attack merchantmen, like the
+Vladivostockers."
+
+At last I had a direct confirmation of my suspicions.
+
+"And what is the tone of the fleet generally?" I inquired.
+
+"I have done my best to make them all of the same mind. They will do
+their best, depend on it. I think there will be a few English vessels
+mysteriously lost at sea during the next two or three months! The
+prize courts cannot always be depended on."
+
+By an effort I restrained my indignation at these atrocious hints.
+The Baltic Fleet was about to seek the open sea, secretly intending
+to miss no chance of sinking a British merchantman that should be
+unlucky enough to cross its path.
+
+It was with a feeling of chagrin that I perceived it would be useless
+to send any message to Lord Bedale of what was in preparation. On
+certain subjects the British people are deaf and blind. They believe
+that all foreign statesmen are as high-minded as a Gladstone, and all
+foreign officials as scrupulous and truthful as the Chevalier Bayard
+himself.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky continued,
+
+"Our men are badly scared by reports of the Japanese plans. It is
+supposed that they have torpedo boats lurking in the English ports.
+Hull is said to be full of them."
+
+"Why, Hull?"
+
+Vassileffsky gave me a wink.
+
+"Hull is the great fishing center. Whole fleets of traders come out
+from there to the fishing banks in the North Sea. We are going to
+stir them up a bit."
+
+The outlines of the plot became every moment more clear.
+
+"On what pretext?" I asked.
+
+The Russian answered me without noticing that I was not so well
+informed as himself.
+
+"Oh, we shall find pretexts enough, you bet. For one thing, we shall
+signal them to clear out of the way, and when they have their trawl
+nets down and can't move! That will be lively. There will be a
+collision or two, I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"But isn't that against the rule of the road?"
+
+Though not a seaman, I had always heard that a vessel in motion is
+bound to avoid one that is at rest. I knew, moreover, that a
+steamship was bound to make way for a sailing vessel.
+
+Vassileffsky cursed the rule of the road.
+
+"It will be a question of evidence," he exclaimed. "My word against a
+dirty fisherman's. What do you say?"
+
+I pretended to be thoroughly satisfied. Still, knowing what I did of
+the Russian character, I had some hope that the Captain was boasting
+in order to impress me, and that he would not really dare to run down
+a British vessel within reach of the shores of England.
+
+Our conversation was interrupted by a gun.
+
+As the report died away, a junior officer ran down the companionway,
+helter-skelter, and burst into the cabin.
+
+"Something's up, sir," he cried to his commander. "They are signaling
+from the Admiral's ship."
+
+Vassileffsky darted up the steps and on to the bridge, and I
+followed.
+
+The Baltic fleet presented a striking spectacle. Every vessel was
+busily reporting the signals from the flag ship, the launches were
+dashing to and fro, and there was every sign of bustle and activity.
+
+The signal officer read out Admiral Rojestvensky's order:
+
+"The fleet will proceed to Libau to-day _en route_ to the East.
+Anchors will be weighed at noon. By order of the Czar."
+
+M. Auguste had failed me at last!
+
+With the frightful boasts of Vassileffsky still ringing in my ears, I
+felt that I must make one effort to stay its departure.
+
+"This news compels me to return to Petersburg immediately," I told
+the Captain. "Have the goodness to put me ashore at once."
+
+For a moment or two the Russian made no answer. I glanced at him
+curiously.
+
+His face had gone suddenly livid. His limbs were trembling. He gave
+me the dull look of a man stupefied by fear.
+
+"The Japanese!" he ejaculated in a thick voice.
+
+I seized him by the arm.
+
+"Are you pretending?" I whispered.
+
+He gave me a savage glance.
+
+"It's true!" he said. "Those devils will be up to something. It's all
+over with the fleet. No one believes we shall ever see Port Arthur."
+
+Grave and pre-occupied, I went ashore and caught a fast train to
+Petersburg.
+
+It was late when I got to the little house on the Alexander Quay. The
+faithful Breuil received me with a serious face.
+
+"Fauchette is here," he announced.
+
+"Fauchette?"
+
+"Yes. She has some news for you."
+
+"Let me see her."
+
+I strode in front to my study, where I was immediately joined by the
+maid, who appeared not a little alarmed.
+
+I never like to see my assistants agitated.
+
+"Sit down, my good girl," I said soothingly. "Do not be afraid; I
+know what pains you take to serve me. Now, what is it?"
+
+"Madame has dismissed me."
+
+I had feared as much.
+
+"On what grounds?"
+
+"She gave none, except that she was leaving home."
+
+I pricked up my ears.
+
+"Did she tell you where she was going?"
+
+"Yes, to her estates in the country."
+
+"It was a lie, I suppose. She had come to suspect you, had she not?"
+
+"Since Monsieur's escape, I fear yes."
+
+"And have you ascertained----?"
+
+"The Princess has left Petersburg by the midday train for----"
+
+"For?" I broke in impatiently.
+
+"For Berlin."
+
+I rang the bell. Breuil appeared.
+
+"Have you got the tickets?" I asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And my dress as a pilot of the Kiel Canal?"
+
+"It is packed."
+
+"And what time does the next train leave?"
+
+"In two hours from now."
+
+"Good. And now, my children, we will have supper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+ON THE TRACK
+
+
+As the really exciting moment of the protracted struggle drew near, I
+summoned all my energies to meet it.
+
+I alighted in Berlin armed only with two weapons, the passport made
+out in the name of Petrovitch, and a fairly accurate knowledge of the
+schemes, or at all events the hopes, of the German Government.
+
+From the first beginning of my long investigation, all the clues I
+had picked up had led steadily in one direction.
+
+The great disorganized Empire of the Czar's, with its feeble-willed
+autocrat, its insubordinate grand dukes, its rival ministers pulling
+different ways, and its greedy officials whose country was their
+pocket, had been silently and steadily enfolded in the invisible web
+of German statecraft.
+
+The brilliant personality of Wilhelm II had magnetized the
+vacillating, timorous Nicholas. Count Bülow had courted the Russian
+Foreign Office with the assiduous arts of a lover, and his wooing had
+been crowned by complete success. Through Petrovitch the grand dukes
+had been indirectly bribed, and the smaller fry like M. Auguste had
+been bought outright. Even the Army and Navy had been cajoled, or
+bought, or terrorized by pretended revelations of Japanese designs.
+
+Russia had become a supple implement in the hands of the German
+Kaiser, the sovereign who for nearly twenty years had been striving
+toward one goal by a hundred different crooked paths.
+
+It was evident that the unexplained disappearance of Petrovitch must
+have struck consternation into his employers. I suspected that the
+Princess Y---- had been summoned to Berlin to throw light on the
+event, and possibly to be furnished with instructions which would
+enable her to take over the dead man's work.
+
+My position was now peculiarly difficult. I wished to get in touch
+with the principals for whom Petrovitch had acted, but to avoid, if
+possible, meeting any one who had known him personally.
+
+Above all, I was determined not to risk an encounter with Sophia. She
+knew that I was still alive, and I feared that her feminine
+intuition, quickened by love, would penetrate through whatever
+disguise I might adopt.
+
+Under these circumstances I decided to begin by approaching Herr
+Finkelstein, the head of the imperial Secret Service in Berlin.
+
+This man was an old crony of mine. While a magnificent organizer of
+espionage, he was a poor observer himself, and I had already
+succeeded on one occasion in imposing myself on him under a false
+identity.
+
+I had brought with me the papers which I had obtained by bribery from
+the police agent Rostoy, representing me as an inspector in the
+secret police of the Russian Empire.
+
+Wearing my pilot's dress, but carrying these and other papers in my
+pocket, I presented myself at Finkelstein's office, and asked to see
+him.
+
+I was shown in first, as I had expected, to Finkelstein's secretary,
+who asked me my business.
+
+"I can tell that only to the Herr Superintendent himself," I said.
+
+"If you will let him know that I have just come from Petersburg, I am
+sure he will receive me."
+
+The secretary seemed to think so too. He went straight into his
+chief's room and came out immediately to fetch me in.
+
+As soon as I found myself alone with the head of the German service,
+I said quietly,
+
+"I have brought you a message from M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Petrovitch!" exclaimed the Superintendent, surprised out of his
+usual caution. "But he is dead!"
+
+"You have been misinformed," I replied in an assured tone.
+
+Finkelstein looked at me searchingly.
+
+"My informant does not often make mistakes," he observed.
+
+"The Princess is deceived this time, however," was my retort.
+
+It was a fresh surprise for the Superintendent.
+
+"The Princess! Then you know?" He broke off short, conscious that he
+was making an admission.
+
+"The Princess Y---- having left Petersburg, it was natural to suppose
+that she had come here to consult you," I answered modestly, not
+wishing to appear too well informed.
+
+Finkelstein frowned.
+
+"You have not yet told me who you are," he reminded me.
+
+I produced the forged papers.
+
+"I am an inspector attached to the Third Section, as you will see. I
+must inform you, however, that I am not here with the knowledge of my
+superiors."
+
+The German gave a glance at the papers, which were similar to others
+which he must have had presented to him from time to time.
+
+"That is all satisfactory," he said, as he returned them to me. "But
+you say that you have a message from M. Petrovitch?"
+
+"He had no opportunity of giving me any but this," I responded,
+producing the passport.
+
+This time Finkelstein seemed really satisfied.
+
+"It is clear that you know something about him, at least," he
+remarked. "I will listen to what you have to say."
+
+"M. Petrovitch is confined in Schlüsselburg."
+
+The name of the dreaded fortress, the last home of so many political
+prisoners, caused Finkelstein a shock.
+
+"_Gott im Himmel!_ You don't say so! How did he get there? Tell me
+everything."
+
+"He does not know from what quarter the blow came. The only person he
+can think of who might have denounced him is the Princess herself."
+
+"The Princess Y----?"
+
+"Exactly."
+
+The German looked incredulous.
+
+"But they were hand in glove. The Princess was his best agent."
+
+"True. Unfortunately there is always one source of danger where a
+woman is concerned--she cannot control her affections. It appears
+that M. Petrovitch ordered her to remove a certain Englishman, a spy
+of some kind, who was giving trouble, and Madame Y---- was attached
+to the fellow. She carried out her orders, but M. Petrovitch fears
+that she has taken revenge on him."
+
+Finkelstein gave a superior smile.
+
+"I can dispose of that suspicion," he said confidently. "The
+Princess did _not_ carry out her orders. The man you speak of--who is
+the most dangerous and unprincipled scoundrel in the world--has
+escaped, and we have lost all trace of him."
+
+It was my turn to show surprise and alarm.
+
+"What you tell me is appalling! I ought to see the Princess as soon
+as possible. If what she says is true, it must be the Englishman who
+has brought about Petrovitch's arrest."
+
+"He is no Englishman," the Superintendent returned. "He is an
+American, a Pole, a Frenchman, whatever you please. That man has been
+at the bottom of all the troubles in Europe for the last twenty
+years. I have employed him myself, sometimes, so I ought to know
+something about him."
+
+I listened with an interest that was not feigned to this character of
+myself. It was, all the same, a lie that Finkelstein had ever
+employed me; on the contrary, I had been called in by his imperial
+master to check his work.
+
+"Then what is to be done?" I asked, as the German finished speaking.
+"M. Petrovitch sent me here to warn you against the Princess, and to
+demand your influence to secure his release."
+
+"That will be a difficult matter. I shall have to consult the
+Minister. In the meantime, where can I find you?"
+
+I mentioned the name of a hotel.
+
+"And the Princess Y----? Where can I see her?"
+
+"I expect that she has left for Kiel," said the Superintendent. "She
+has volunteered to carry out the plan originally proposed by
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Then in that case you will not require my services?" I said, with an
+air of being disappointed. "M. Petrovitch thought you might find me
+useful in his place."
+
+"I must consult others before I can say anything as to that," was the
+cautious reply.
+
+He added rather grudgingly,
+
+"I did not know M. Petrovitch myself, you see. It was thought better
+that he should not come to Berlin."
+
+This statement relieved me of a great anxiety. I now saw my way to
+take a bolder line.
+
+"So I understood, sir. But I did not venture to approach his majesty
+except through you."
+
+Finkelstein started again, and gave me a new look of curiosity.
+
+"Who authorized you to mention the Emperor?"
+
+I tried to play the part of a man who has made an unintentional slip.
+
+"I spoke too quickly. Petrovitch informed me--that is to say, I
+supposed--" I broke down in feigned confusion.
+
+I knew inquisitiveness to be the Superintendent's besetting sin,
+and, up to a certain point, I had an interest in tempting him on.
+
+"You appear to be more in the confidence of M. Petrovitch than you
+are willing to admit," he said sagely. "Up to the present you have
+not explained how he came to make you his messenger."
+
+I leaned back with a faint smile.
+
+"I imagine you are quite astute enough to guess my secret, if you
+choose, Herr Finkelstein. But you must excuse me if I am a little
+careful whom I trust, especially after the behavior of Princess
+Y----."
+
+"You are M. Petrovitch himself! Of course! I thought as much all
+along," Finkelstein said with a smile of triumph. "Well, you are
+certainly right to be cautious; but, as you see, it is not easy to
+deceive an old hand like myself."
+
+"At all events you will be at least equally cautious, I hope. What
+you tell me about this international spy being still at large has
+disturbed me a good deal, I confess."
+
+"Make your mind easy," the German returned with a patronizing air.
+"We are in Berlin here, not in Petersburg. This gentleman will not
+venture within my reach, I assure you."
+
+I professed every satisfaction with this guarantee, and took my
+leave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+AN IMPERIAL FANATIC
+
+
+I was now to face Wilhelm II.
+
+It was solely for this purpose that I had come to Berlin. But I knew
+the great advantage of getting myself vouched for in advance by a
+third party, and therefore I had been anxious to convince Finkelstein
+of my identity in the first place, so that his master might accept me
+without inquiry as to whether I was the man I claimed to be.
+
+I dined quietly in my hotel, a small tavern in a back street. It was
+getting late, and I was on the point of going to bed, when I heard
+the noise of a motor rushing up and stopping suddenly outside the
+little inn.
+
+An aide-de-camp burst in upon me.
+
+"Your name, sir?" he demanded in a whisper.
+
+"Petrovitch," I replied in the same tone.
+
+"Come this way, if you please."
+
+In less than a minute I was seated in the car, which was dashing at a
+really dangerous pace through the nearly deserted streets.
+
+"I am taking you to Potsdam," was all the explanation my companion
+thought necessary.
+
+It did not take us long to reach the famous palace of Frederick the
+Great, which the growth of Berlin has almost turned into a suburban
+residence.
+
+My conductor brought me past all the sentries and servants, and led
+me down some steps into what seemed to be a subterranean hall. It was
+decorated with statues and paintings of the ancestors of Wilhelm II.,
+together with weapons, suits of armor, and banners of the successive
+periods in which they lived.
+
+But the most striking object in the hall or crypt--for it might have
+been either--was a trophy erected on a species of altar at one end,
+exhibiting a variety of crowns.
+
+At the foot were a number of small coronets, representing those worn
+by the former Margraves of Brandenburg, in whom the Hohenzollern
+family took its rise. Above were ranged the crowns of the Kings of
+Prussia, that of Frederick the Great being in the center. Still
+higher rose the three imperial crowns of Germany, those of William
+I., Frederick III., and the present Emperor. And then, right on the
+summit, came a still more gorgeous object, whose like I had never
+seen before.
+
+It was a colossal miter, somewhat after the fashion of the Papal
+tiara, wrought out of pure gold, thickly studded with great pearls,
+and surmounted by a cross.
+
+But I had barely time to notice this singular display. As my guide
+left me on the threshold of the hall, I was aware that I stood in the
+presence of the German Emperor.
+
+This extraordinary monarch, whose great and far-reaching views are
+combined with a type of extravagance which has long made him looked
+upon as the _enfant terrible_ of Europe, was about to teach me a new
+side of his character.
+
+He received me seated in a small ivory chair like a throne, and
+attired in a garment of pontifical design.
+
+"Advance, M. Petrovitch," he commanded in a loud voice.
+
+As I stood in front of him, he said theatrically,
+
+"I receive you in the Hall of the Hohenzollerns. You see around you
+the sacred memorials of the family which Providence has raised up to
+be the saviors of Europe, and the future rulers of the world."
+
+In response to this invitation I took a longer and more comprehensive
+view of the various objects already described. The Kaiser
+condescended to point some of them out to me with a long two-handed
+sword which he held.
+
+I began to suspect seriously that the megalomania which has always
+formed one of Wilhelm's characteristic traits, was overpowering his
+good sense.
+
+"M. Petrovitch," my august cicerone proceeded, "you see there the
+crowns which have been won and worn by my illustrious and
+never-to-be-forgotten ancestors. Can you guess the meaning of the
+diadem above--which I have designed myself?
+
+"That," declared the last and most remarkable of the Hohenzollerns,
+"is intended to be worn by that member of my Family who shall be
+called by the united voice of the other sovereigns to the supreme
+world monarchy. It is destined to be our Planetary Crown."
+
+I bowed in stupefaction. The Kaiser seemed pleased with the
+impression he had made.
+
+"And now," he said, "since it is necessary that I should be sure of
+you before I trust you with my plans, kneel down."
+
+I knelt, feeling as if I were in a dream. Wilhelm II. solemnly held
+out the hilt of his two-handed sword:--
+
+"You swear to yield faith, loyalty and utter obedience now and
+henceforth to Almighty God, and the Head of the Hohenzollerns!"
+
+It being impossible to refuse the oath in the circumstances, I kissed
+the sword, with a mental reservation.
+
+Wilhelm II. surprised me by thereupon laying it across my shoulders.
+
+"I dub thee knight of the Sacred Order of the Hohenzollerns! Arise."
+
+I got up, thoroughly confused. The Emperor invited me to be seated,
+and proceeded to deliver a harangue--for it was nothing less.
+
+"Bismarck had not sufficient genius to see the destiny of the
+Hohenzollerns. With the vision of a mere German Junker, he looked on
+Russia as the enemy.
+
+"It is I who have changed all that. I have taught the Czar to look to
+me for guidance and protection. Should the present revolutionary
+movement become dangerous, I shall march at the head of my army to
+the rescue, and reinstate the Romanoffs as my vassals.
+
+"The only obstacle in the path of the Hohenzollerns is an island
+which two of my Army Corps could subdue in a fortnight. But in order
+to invade it with safety, I must have France on my side.
+
+"It is for this end that I have been working. France cherishes a
+grudge against me because of the glorious exploits of my immortal
+grandfather. Moreover, my uncle, Edward VII., has contrived to win
+the friendship of the Republicans.
+
+"But France is the ally of Russia, and if Russia is attacked, France
+must draw the sword on her behalf.
+
+"You understand?--with the first shot which is fired by a British
+warship on the Russian flag, I shall be able to invade England."
+
+I understood indeed. Briefly and plainly Wilhelm II. had summed up
+the result of my own inquiries and reasonings.
+
+"It is you," the Emperor proceeded, "who have undertaken to secure
+this result."
+
+I bowed, intensely desirous to know exactly what it was that
+Petrovitch had pledged himself to do.
+
+"I have just rewarded you for the services you have already rendered,
+by admitting you to my Family Order, an order which I intend shall
+take precedence of the Golden Fleece, and even the Garter. Should you
+carry out your present task to my satisfaction I shall consider no
+reward too great for you."
+
+I trembled as I listened to this wild vaporing. If such were the
+private thoughts of the Kaiser, no wonder some of his public
+utterances smacked of the visionary.
+
+I could not doubt that he was thoroughly in earnest. Long brooding on
+the greatness of his ancestors, and his own importance as the sole
+European ruler who has kings for his satellites, had filled him with
+the fanatical spirit of a Mohammed or a Hildebrand. He believed,
+firmly and sincerely believed, that Providence had called him to the
+sovereignty of the globe, and authorized him to sweep every rival out
+of his path.
+
+"Your majesty overwhelms me," I murmured. "Consider, sire, that to be
+your servant is in itself an honor so great that no other reward is
+necessary."
+
+The Kaiser smiled graciously.
+
+"Well, now, M. _de_ Petrovitch----" his majesty emphasized the
+particle by way of reminding me that I was now a knight of the
+important Order of Hohenzollern--"let us discuss your next step."
+
+I seized the opportunity to obtain the information I was so anxious
+to secure.
+
+"I should feel it presumptuous to enter into anything like a
+discussion with you, sire. If your majesty will be gracious enough to
+impart your criticism on my proposal?"
+
+Wilhelm II. looked at me as though he found me to be a person of much
+good sense.
+
+"Your idea, my dear de Petrovitch, as I understand it, is to provoke
+the British to reprisals by some outrage on the part of the Baltic
+Fleet during its passage to the Far East.
+
+"Unfortunately, as you must see, the British are determined not to be
+provoked. Remember what has been done already. You have captured and
+sunk their ships, in violation of international law; you have sent
+out volunteer cruisers from the Black Sea in defiance of treaties,
+and turned back their mail steamers with government stores on board.
+
+"What has been the result? The English Government has complained to
+yours; the Czar has ordered explanations to be given, and the thing
+has blown over.
+
+"This time there must be something more than that. There must be
+something which cannot be explained away. We must if possible place
+Nicholas II., as well as Great Britain, in a position from which
+neither can retreat without loss of honor.
+
+"To this end it is necessary that the Baltic Fleet should commit an
+act of war, and that the Czar should be convinced that the
+provocation has come from the English side. Do you understand?"
+
+I recalled the hints dropped by Captain Vassileffsky at Revel.
+
+"Your majesty has been informed perhaps that I have caused the
+officers and men of the Fleet to believe that they will find Japanese
+torpedo boats lying in wait for them among the English fishing
+vessels in the North Sea. In consequence, they will be ready to fire
+without waiting to see if the torpedo boats are really there,
+especially if the fishermen fail to retire as the Fleet approaches."
+
+The Kaiser shook his head.
+
+"All that is leaving too much to chance, my good de Petrovitch. What
+is required is something more positive. In short, the torpedo boats
+must really be there."
+
+I lifted my eyes to his.
+
+"There is not a Japanese torpedo boat within ten thousand miles of
+the North Sea, unfortunately."
+
+Wilhelm II. smiled a meaning smile.
+
+"If that is all, we must so far forget the duties of neutrality as to
+allow the friends of Japan to procure a craft suitable for the
+purpose from our dockyard at Kiel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+THE STOLEN SUBMARINE
+
+
+As the full extent of this audacious plot was laid bare before my
+eyes I had a difficulty in believing in its reality.
+
+I was obliged to remind myself of some of the maneuvres which have
+marked German statecraft in the recent past, of the forgeries and
+"reinsurance" treaties of Bismarck, of the patronage extended to
+Abdul Hamid, of the secret intrigue that brought about the disasters
+of Greece.
+
+If I had had any scepticism left, the Emperor would have dispelled it
+by the clear and business-like explanations which followed.
+
+His majesty produced a chart of the North Sea, showing the coasts of
+Great Britain and Germany, with the Kiel Canal and so forth. Half-way
+between the opposite shores a dotted outline marked the situation of
+the great shoals which attract the fish, and from which the harvests
+of the sea are gathered by the brave and industrious toilers of
+Grimsby, Hull, and many another port.
+
+From the northern point of Denmark, two lines in red ink were drawn
+right down the map to where the North Sea narrows into the Straits of
+Dover.
+
+The first of these lines was fairly direct, passing about thirty
+miles to the eastward of the great fishing grounds.
+
+The second line took a wide curve to the west, and crossed right over
+the center of a shoal marked "Dogger Bank."
+
+The Kaiser proceeded to explain.
+
+"This is a duplicate of the charts used by the pilots of the North
+Sea. I have offered my brother Nicholas as a special favor the
+services of German pilots, and they will board the vessels of the
+Baltic Fleet as soon as it leaves Danish waters.
+
+"As you see, the right course would take the fleet a long way off the
+English fishing-boats. But the pilots who go on board will receive
+secret orders at the last moment to take the Russian ships over the
+Dogger Bank, and, if possible, into the very midst of any fishing
+fleet that may be there.
+
+"Then all that is required is that you should be on the spot, and
+should fire the first shot from the midst of the fishing-boats."
+
+I endeavored to preserve a calm demeanor.
+
+"May I suggest to your majesty that the presence of a torpedo boat
+among them is likely to arouse suspicion beforehand. The English
+sailors have keen eyes."
+
+"I have thought of that. It will be necessary for you to have a
+submarine."
+
+"A submarine, sire!"
+
+"Certainly. I have had six submarine torpedo boats built by my own
+designs at Kiel since this war broke out, for use in defending the
+approaches to the Canal.
+
+"These boats are now lying in the inner harbor, all fitted out and
+ready for sea.
+
+"You will take one, with a crew of your own, whom you must enlist
+secretly, and slip out through the Canal into the North Sea.
+
+"You will proceed, keeping under the surface, till you reach the
+Dogger Bank, and find yourself among the trawl nets of the English
+fishermen.
+
+"There you will wait till such time as the Russian ships come up.
+
+"As soon as the right moment has arrived, you will rise to the
+surface and discharge a torpedo. As soon as you have drawn the fire
+of the Russians, and have seen an English fishing-boat struck, you
+can go beneath the surface again, and make the best of your way back
+to Kiel."
+
+"Your plan is perfection itself, sire!" I exclaimed with an
+admiration which was not wholly pretended, since the idea really was
+not lacking in cleverness.
+
+The Kaiser nodded good-humoredly.
+
+"The Russians will never be persuaded they were not attacked first,
+and the English will never pass over such an outrage in their own
+waters," his majesty remarked complacently. "Lord Charles Beresford
+will do the rest."
+
+"I am ready to carry out your orders, sire. All I require is an
+authority to take the submarine from Kiel."
+
+The Kaiser frowned.
+
+"Have you had any authority from me for anything you have done up to
+the present, sir?" he demanded harshly.
+
+As an answer in the negative was clearly expected, I gave it.
+
+"Understand me, M. de Petrovitch, I repose every confidence in you;
+but I should not have held this conversation with any man, even my
+Chancellor, if I thought it could ever be used against me. If I gave
+you the authority you ask for, I should not be able to deny that I
+had ever employed you, in case of trouble."
+
+"Then you propose, sire----?"
+
+"I intend you to take this vessel secretly, without authority from me
+or from any one else."
+
+"And if I am caught in the act of taking it? If any of the naval
+authorities question my movements?"
+
+"You will not be caught. Your movements will not be questioned. I can
+assure you of so much."
+
+"I thank you, sire. That is quite sufficient."
+
+I retired from the imperial presence, though not, as I have had some
+reason to suspect, from the imperial observation. In other words, I
+felt pretty well convinced that there would be a watch on my
+movements till my task was over.
+
+The same aide-de-camp awaited me outside the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, and carried me back to my obscure hotel with the same
+speed and silence as he had brought me.
+
+The next morning I arose to find the papers filled with the news of
+the departure of the Baltic Fleet from Libau.
+
+The Russian Admiral, as if in obedience to the secret promptings of
+Berlin, was reported as having issued a preposterous and illegal
+warning that he should fire on any ship of any nation that presumed
+to venture within reach of his guns. I could not help wondering what
+would be thought of this proclamation in the British Admiralty.
+
+There being no more for me to do in Berlin, I took the first train to
+Kiel, the Portsmouth of Germany. Kiel itself, it will be remembered,
+stands at the Baltic end of the famous canal which the present Kaiser
+has had constructed for his warships to pass out to the North Sea
+without going around Denmark.
+
+It was late when I arrived, but I determined to lose no time in
+seeing how far the secret orders of the Kaiser extended.
+
+Accordingly, as soon as I had dined, I went out and took my way
+toward the government dockyard.
+
+The entrance to the dockyard was guarded by a sentry with fixed
+bayonet. Behind him I saw a large iron gate which appeared to be
+heavily barred, with a small postern at one side, which was also
+closed.
+
+I advanced toward the sentry, expecting every moment to hear a
+challenge ring out. To my genuine astonishment, nothing of the kind
+occurred. The sentry did not pay the slightest attention to me, but
+went on pacing to and fro as though I had been wearing a cap of
+invisibility.
+
+I went up to the postern door, and tried the handle. It opened at a
+touch, and I found myself alone in the deserted dockyard.
+
+For some time I groped my way forward by the light of the few
+scattered electric lights, till I reached the edge of a large basin
+which appeared to communicate with the outer harbor of Kiel.
+
+Turning the opposite way, I went along the edge of the wharf, picking
+my way among timber balks, stacks of iron sheeting, chains, ropes,
+and all the other things that are found scattered about a naval
+dockyard.
+
+At the head of the great basin I found a lock giving access to a
+small inner dock, in which a number of vessels were moored.
+
+I made my way around, searching everywhere for the vessels I had been
+told I should find.
+
+At last, in the farthest and most secluded corner, I perceived a row
+of small craft, shaped much like a shark, with a long narrow tube or
+funnel rising up from the center of each.
+
+They lay low in the water, without being submerged. Alone among the
+shipping they carried no riding-lights. They appeared dark, silent,
+and deserted.
+
+Almost unconsciously I ran my eye along them, counting them as they
+lay. Suddenly I was aroused to keen attention.
+
+One--two--three--four--five. The Kaiser had assured me that I should
+find six submarines to choose from!
+
+I counted once more with straining eyes.
+
+_One_--_two_--_three_--_four_--_five_.
+
+One of the mysterious craft had been taken away!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+THE KIEL CANAL
+
+
+It was impossible to resist the conclusion suggested by the absence
+of the sixth submarine.
+
+I was not the only person who had been authorized, or rather
+instructed, to carry out the design against the Baltic Fleet. My
+august employer had thought it better to have two strings to his bow.
+
+Who, then, was the person by whom I had been anticipated?
+
+To this question an answer suggested itself which I was tempted to
+reject, but which haunted me, and would not be dismissed.
+
+The Princess Y---- had arrived in Berlin twelve hours before me. She
+had come, fully believing that Petrovitch was dead, and prepared to
+take his place.
+
+She had interviewed Finkelstein, as I knew. Was it not possible that
+she, also, had been received in the crypt at Potsdam, had been shown
+the chart of the North Sea, with its ominous red lines, and had
+accepted the task of launching one of the submarines on its fatal
+errand?
+
+In spite of all the stories which had been told me of Sophia's daring
+and resource, in spite of my own experiences of her adventures and
+reckless proceedings, I did not go so far as to credit her with
+having proceeded to sea in the missing craft.
+
+But it struck me as altogether in keeping with her character that she
+should have arranged for the withdrawal of the boat, provided it with
+a crew, and despatched it fully instructed as to the work to be done.
+
+But whether these suspicions were well founded or otherwise, of one
+thing there could be no doubt. A submarine had been taken by some
+one, and was now on its way to the North Sea, to lie in wait for the
+ships of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+This discovery entirely changed the position for me.
+
+I had come down to Kiel intending to take a submarine out to sea, to
+watch for the approach of the Russian fleet, and to take whatever
+steps proved practicable to avert any collision between it and the
+fishing-boats on the Dogger Bank.
+
+I now saw that the chance of my preventing a catastrophe depended
+entirely on the movements of the boat which had left already. This
+boat had become my objective, to use a strategical phrase.
+
+Somewhere in the North Sea was a submarine boat, charged with the
+mission of provoking a world-wide war. And that boat I had to find.
+
+There was no time to be lost. I hastened back by the most direct way
+I could find, to the dockyard gates. The little postern was still
+unlocked, and I passed out, the sentry again taking no notice of my
+passage.
+
+But at the first street corner I saw a man in seafaring dress who
+fixed a very keen gaze on me as I came up, and saluted me by touching
+his cap.
+
+"Good-night," I said in a friendly voice, slowing down in my walk.
+
+"Good-night, sir. Beg pardon, Captain,"--he came and moved along
+beside me--"but you don't happen to know of a job for a seafaring
+man, I suppose?"
+
+I stopped dead, and looked him straight in the eyes.
+
+"How many men do you estimate are required to navigate a submarine?"
+I asked.
+
+"Fifteen," was the prompt answer.
+
+"How soon can you have them here?" was my next question.
+
+The fellow glanced at his watch.
+
+"It's half-past eleven now, Captain. I could collect them and bring
+them here by half-past one."
+
+"Do it, then," I returned and walked swiftly away.
+
+The whole thing, it was evident, had been prearranged, and I did not
+choose to waste time in mock negotiations.
+
+I went back to my inn to wait, but there was nothing for me to do,
+except examine the cartridges in my revolver. I was not quite sure
+how much my crew had been told, and I thought it just possible that I
+might have some trouble with them when they found out the nature of
+my proceedings.
+
+Punctually at the hour fixed I returned to the street outside the
+dockyard, where I found fifteen men assembled.
+
+Glancing over them, I formed the opinion that they were picked men,
+on whom I could have relied thoroughly for the work I had been
+ordered to do, but who might be all the more likely to mutiny if they
+suspected that I was playing false.
+
+I stood in front of them in the silence of the street.
+
+"Now, my men, if there is any one of you who is not prepared to obey
+me, even if I order him to scuttle the ship, let him fall out before
+we start."
+
+Not a man stirred. Not an eyelash quivered. The German discipline had
+done its work.
+
+"I give you notice that the first man who hesitates to carry out my
+orders will be shot."
+
+The threat was received with perfect resignation.
+
+"Follow me."
+
+I turned on my heel, and led the way to the dockyard gates, the men
+marching after me with a regular tramp which could only have been
+acquired on the deck of a man-of-war.
+
+The sentry was, if possible, more indifferent to our approach than
+he had been when I had been alone. I threw open the wicket, and bade
+the last man close it.
+
+Then we marched in the same order to the place where the five
+submarines were moored.
+
+"I am going on board one of these boats," I announced. "Find
+something to take us off."
+
+The man whom I had engaged originally, taking on himself the part of
+mate, repeated my directions. A large whale-boat was found tied up in
+a convenient spot beside the wharf.
+
+We all got in, and I took the tiller. The mate, who answered to the
+Russian name of Orloff, though the only language I heard him speak
+was German, said nothing till I brought the whale-boat alongside of
+the nearest submarine.
+
+"I beg pardon, Captain, but I have a fancy that the boat at the far
+end is in better trim, if you have no choice."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me so at once?" I returned sharply, not too well
+pleased to find him so well informed.
+
+We boarded the submarine pointed out, and found it, of course,
+provided with everything necessary for an immediate departure,
+including provisions for a week.
+
+"You understand the navigation of the Canal, I suppose?" I inquired
+of Orloff.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Very good. Take the boat through. And ascertain all that you can
+about another submarine which must have passed through yesterday.
+Wake me if you hear or see anything."
+
+I lay down in the captain's berth and tried to sleep. But the
+excitement and, I may say, the romantic interest of the adventure
+proved too strong for me.
+
+I rose again, and came to where my deputy was seated, carefully
+conning the boat out of the dockyard basin into the Baltic end of the
+great Canal.
+
+We were already submerged, only the tip of our conning staff being
+out of the water. But by an ingenious system of tiny mirrors the
+steersman was able to see his way as plainly as if he had been on
+deck above the surface.
+
+On approaching the lock by which the basin opened into the Canal, no
+signal appeared to be given. Silently, as if of their own accord, the
+huge sluices opened and shut, and we glided out into the great
+waterway which has made the German Navy independent of Danish
+good-will.
+
+The voyage along the Kiel Canal in the silence of the night was
+deeply interesting, and were I not obliged to restrict myself
+severely to the naked outline of such facts as bear directly on the
+catastrophe, I should like to attempt a description of the weird and
+picturesque scene.
+
+Keeping steadily just under the surface, we proceeded swiftly past
+ports and villages and lonely wharves, till the stars paled and
+disappeared and a faint flush overspreading the sky in front warned
+us that day was breaking behind us.
+
+I searched the banks for anything resembling the craft of which I was
+in search, but in vain. We passed many other ships, chiefly
+merchantmen bound for Lubeck and Dantzig and other Baltic ports, but
+of course without being perceived ourselves.
+
+When we reached the mouth of the Canal, I ordered Orloff to stop.
+
+"I must go ashore here, and inquire about the other boat," I
+explained.
+
+I saw from the expression of his face that this step was not quite to
+his liking, but he did not venture on any remonstrance.
+
+He brought the boat alongside the bank, and raised her gently to the
+surface, to enable me to step on shore.
+
+But my quest proved useless, as perhaps I ought to have foreseen.
+
+The harbor-master, or port captain, to whom I addressed myself,
+affected the most entire ignorance of the exit of any submarine
+within the last week or more.
+
+"What you suggest is impossible," he assured me. "Every submarine is
+well known and carefully guarded, and if one had been permitted to
+leave Kiel by way of the Canal, I should have been notified in
+advance. No such notification has reached me, and therefore, as you
+will see, no such boat can possibly have left."
+
+I suspected that he was lying, but I thought it unsafe to persist.
+
+It occurred to me too late that I had been guilty of some imprudence
+in showing so much anxiety on the subject. It was only too probable
+that my inquiries would be reported to the Kaiser, who would draw his
+own inferences in the event of anything going wrong.
+
+I returned on board my own boat, saying nothing to Orloff, and gave
+the order to proceed.
+
+Orloff had handed over the wheel to one of his subordinates, who
+steered the submarine out into the blue waters of the North Sea.
+
+As soon as we were well out of reach of the Slesvig shore, I said to
+the steersman,
+
+"Now I will take the helm."
+
+Instead of promptly relinquishing it to me, the man turned his head
+in search of Orloff, saying at the same time,
+
+"Do you understand the course, sir?"
+
+I saw that if I meant to be master of the vessel, I must prove that
+my words of the night before were spoken in earnest. I drew my
+revolver, and put a bullet through the mutineer's head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+THE DOGGER BANK
+
+
+The sound of the explosion reverberated through the little craft like
+thunder. Orloff and half a dozen more men came rushing up.
+
+"This man disobeyed me," I said, quietly, slipping a fresh cartridge
+into the smoking chamber of my revolver. "Throw the body overboard,
+and return to your duties."
+
+What instructions Orloff and his men had received it was impossible
+for me to guess. But they clearly did not authorize any breach of
+discipline at this stage of the voyage.
+
+Without the slightest demur they lifted up the body, and carried it
+off. I had learned the way to manage the submarine by watching Orloff
+during the night, and I now pressed a lever which brought us swiftly
+to the surface. There was a sound of trampling feet overhead,
+followed by a splash, and I saw the mutineer's body drift past.
+
+It would be idle to seek for words in which to describe the
+overpowering anxiety which racked my nerves as we tore through the
+water. The peace of Europe, the safety of Japan and Great Britain,
+perhaps the future of the world, might be at stake.
+
+Everything depended on my finding the other submarine before it had
+launched its bolt against the great war fleet which was even now
+steaming through the Danish Belts, officered by men, some of whom I
+knew to be ready to take advantage of any pretext for outraging the
+peace of the seas.
+
+It did not take me long to decide that the neighborhood of the Dogger
+Bank was the most likely place, in fact the only place, for my
+search.
+
+I am not wholly unskilled in navigation, having given up a good deal
+of my spare time to yachting. With the aid of a chart which was on
+board, I had little difficulty in keeping a fairly straight course
+for the famous fishing ground.
+
+On the way I did not neglect the opportunity of acquiring a complete
+command over the movements of the submarine.
+
+It was driven by electricity, and so designed that by means of
+various knobs, one man could control it entirely, steering it,
+raising or lowering it in the water, increasing or slackening speed,
+stopping, backing, and even discharging the torpedo which was its
+only weapon of attack--with the exception of a small sharp ram at the
+bow.
+
+Having asserted my authority, and acquired the practical knowledge I
+needed, I at last called Orloff to me, and gave him the wheel.
+
+"Take me to the Dogger Bank. Warn me as soon as we get near any
+fishing-boats, and above all keep a careful lookout for our consort."
+
+It was by this name that I thought it most prudent to refer to the
+object of my search.
+
+Orloff took the wheel, and said immediately with an air of great
+respect,
+
+"You have laid a marvelously straight course, Captain. I was not
+aware that you were familiar with these waters. The Dogger Bank is
+right ahead, and we shall reach it in less than an hour."
+
+An hour later I was conscious of a light shock as the submarine
+stopped.
+
+We had grounded on the sandy shoal of the Dogger, in twenty fathoms
+of water, and overhead I could see great black shadows sweeping
+slowly past.
+
+They were cast by the trawlers of the Gamecock fleet.
+
+It being still daylight I did not venture to let the submarine show
+itself on the surface of the sea.
+
+Hugging the bottom, I steered in and out among the great trailing
+nets of the fisher fleet.
+
+At the same time I ordered my crew to keep a sharp watch for the
+first submarine, promising fifty marks[B] to the man who sighted her.
+
+[Footnote B: A silver mark is about twenty cents of our money.]
+
+The rest of that day passed without anything happening.
+
+As soon as darkness fell I brought my boat up to the surface, partly
+in order to renew the air supply, and partly to scan the horizon in
+search of the oncoming Russian fleet.
+
+But thanks to the promptness with which I had gone out to sea I had
+anticipated Rojestvensky by twenty-four hours. The Baltic Fleet was
+still in Danish waters, waiting to pick up the German pilots who were
+to lure it from its course.
+
+Finding there were no signs of the Russians, I submerged the
+submarine, all except the little conning tube, which was invisible in
+the darkness, and ran in among the English smacks.
+
+As I heard the brave, hardy fishermen talking to one another, the
+temptation was a strong one to disclose myself, and warn them of the
+coming peril.
+
+Only my experience of the uselessness of such warnings restrained me.
+I knew that these simple, law-abiding citizens would laugh me in the
+face if I told them that they were in danger from the warships of a
+foreign Power.
+
+As my unseen vessel glided softly past the side of one fishing-boat,
+whose name I could just make as the _Crane_, I overheard a few scraps
+of conversation, which threw a pathetic light on the situation.
+
+"We shall have the Rooshians coming along presently," said one voice.
+
+"No," answered another, "they won't come anywhere near us. 'Tis out
+of their course."
+
+"They do say the Rooshians don't know much about seamanship," a third
+voice spoke out. "Like as not we'll see their search-lights going
+by."
+
+"Well, if they come near enough, we'll give the beggars a cheer; what
+d'ye say?"
+
+"Aye, let's. Fair play's what I wishes 'em, and let the best man
+win."
+
+The words died away along the water, as I drew off and let my craft
+sink under once again.
+
+That night I slept soundly, making up for the vigil of the night
+before. The submarine rested on the sea floor, in a hollow of the
+undulating Bank, and one of the crew kept watch in case a "trawl"
+should come too close.
+
+But there was no sign of the mysterious companion which had come out
+of Kiel Harbor in front of me, and was even now prowling somewhere in
+the dark depths around.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+TRAFALGAR DAY
+
+
+In the morning I was conscious of a certain stir and display on board
+some of the fishing boats among which I continued to lurk.
+
+At first I supposed that the Baltic Fleet must have been sighted. But
+in the course of the day I gathered from various cries and shouts
+which were borne across the water, that the fishermen were keeping
+the anniversary of the most glorious day in the history of England,
+the day on which the immortal Nelson annihilated the united fleets of
+France and Spain, and shattered the dream of the great Napoleon that
+he could tame the haughty Island Power.
+
+As long as daylight lasted I scoured the sea for a distance of five
+miles all around the devoted fishing fleet, without coming on the
+slightest trace of the other submarine.
+
+A delusive hope assailed me that some accident might have overtaken
+it. But I did not relax my vigilance, and when night fell I took up a
+station about a mile in front of the English smacks, in the
+direction from which I had reason to expect the approach of
+Rojestvensky.
+
+A few hours elapsed, then my watchfulness was rewarded.
+
+Away down on the horizon toward the northeast, there glittered out a
+row of twinkling lights, one behind the other, as though a lamp-lit
+thoroughfare had got afloat and drifted out to sea.
+
+The sinuous streak of lights, shifting as they approached like the
+coils of some great water-snake, glided toward us at what seemed a
+fearful speed, and as they drew near the white lights were
+interspread with green and crimson points, like rubies and emeralds
+set between rows of diamonds. And ever and anon the swift electric
+tongues of the search-lights spat forth and licked the dark face of
+the waters like hungry things.
+
+Keeping my upper deck just awash, I lay still and beheld at last the
+great black sides of the battleships tower up, pierced with
+illuminated windows.
+
+My heart began to throb wildly. If only the other submarine failed to
+appear; if only the English fishermen would realize their danger and
+flee in time, disaster might be averted.
+
+The hope had scarcely formed itself in my mind when Orloff, who had
+come to repose confidence in me, respectfully touched my arm and
+pointed ahead.
+
+Not two hundred yards from me, stealing along about a mile in advance
+of the Russian fleet, I perceived a small dark object, showing hardly
+a foot above the surface of the waves.
+
+It was the rival submarine!
+
+Instead of proceeding direct to the Dogger Bank, as I had done, the
+other boat must have joined Admiral Rojestvensky's squadron, and come
+on before it like a jackal pointing out the lion's prey.
+
+"Go forward," I commanded the German mate. "Let no one disturb me
+till this business is over."
+
+Orloff gave me a wondering look, but obeyed without an instant's
+hesitation.
+
+As soon as his back was turned, I swung the wheel around, put on the
+full power of the engines, and went after the craft I had been
+searching for during the last forty-eight hours.
+
+Had the commander of the other submarine noticed mine, and did he
+suspect my intention to frustrate his design? It almost seemed so.
+His boat, scarcely visible in the gloom, fled in front of me to where
+the foremost fishing boats were riding lazily over the shoals,
+dragging their nets along the bottom.
+
+It was a weird chase. Neither of us showed a glint of light, or made
+the smallest sound. Like two great shadowing fish we darted through
+the depths of the sea, hunter and hunted.
+
+In between the sagging nets with their load of cod and flounders,
+shot the phantom boat I was pursuing, and I followed, obliged to
+slacken speed as we twisted in and out under the keels of the
+unconscious fishermen.
+
+And all this time the huge warships in two lines astern were plunging
+through the seas, heading straight for the unfortunate smacks.
+
+The chase seemed to be aware that it was a case of now or never. I
+was catching up with it fast; I was able to mark its course by the
+broken water churned up by its propeller; when, all at once, I saw it
+rise with the swift motion of a bird.
+
+I had no alternative but to do the same.
+
+As I emerged upon the surface I found my boat in the very center of
+the full glare of a search-light which lit up the whole scene with
+dazzling radiance.
+
+Fresh from the depths below, where all had been dark, my eyes fairly
+blinked in the sudden splendor of light.
+
+Then, for what might have been from three to five seconds, I saw
+everything that passed.
+
+The foremost vessels of the Russian fleet had already gone past the
+group of drifting trawlers. One large cruiser was passing within a
+stone's-throw of the nearest fishing-boat, and the English fishermen
+were playfully holding up some of their freshly-caught fish, as
+though offering it to the Russian sailors.
+
+Another line of warships was coming up behind, with its search-lights
+thrown out in front.
+
+And then, right across the range of lights, and in a straight line
+between the Russian battleships and the English smacks, I saw the
+phantom torpedo boat pass deliberately, as high out of the water as
+she could show.
+
+What happened next took place so swiftly, and with such confusion
+that I cannot pretend to describe it with accuracy.
+
+Shouts rang out on some of the Russian ships, the submarine headed
+around as though to seek refuge among the trawlers, and then a gun
+was fired, and a cannon-ball struck the water within a few feet of
+me.
+
+All at once, it seemed to me, and as though by some preconcerted
+plan, half the ships of the Baltic Fleet opened fire on the English
+fishermen, who seemed too surprised and horrified to do anything. I
+saw ball after ball crash into one luckless smack, which quickly
+began to fill and sink. But, generally speaking, the marksmanship of
+the Russians was too wild for the firing to have serious effect.
+
+As soon as I realized that I had become a mark for the Russian guns I
+sank beneath the surface. It is no doubt this voluntary move on my
+part which has given rise to the belief cherished by some of the
+officers of the Baltic Fleet, and indorsed by Admiral Rojestvensky,
+that a torpedo boat was sunk by their fire.
+
+But I knew that the massacre--for it was nothing less--would go on as
+long as the other submarine remained on the surface, mixing among the
+luckless fishing boats with the deliberate intention of drawing on
+them the Russian fire.
+
+I marked her course, put my engines to their fullest speed one more,
+and rushed after her.
+
+This time my coming was not watched by the hostile commander. Like
+Admiral Rojestvensky, he may have believed that my boat had been sunk
+by the ball which had come so close. Or else, perhaps, in his
+exultation at having brought about an event which seemed to make war
+inevitable, he had forgotten his former fears.
+
+But the truth will never be known.
+
+I brought my own boat right under the demon craft, and then, tilting
+her up at a sharp angle, rammed the other in the center of her keel.
+
+There was a concussion, a muffled sound of tearing iron, and as I
+backed away at full speed astern, I saw the waters of the North Sea
+pour through a long jagged rent in the bottom of the doomed
+submarine, and watched her go down staggering like a wounded vulture
+through the air.
+
+The shock of the collision had brought Orloff and the rest of my crew
+running aft.
+
+"An accident," I explained coolly. "I have sunk some boat or other in
+the dark."
+
+The men exchanged suspicious glances.
+
+"It was the other submarine, sir," said Orloff, still preserving his
+respectful tone. "Will you permit us to see whether it is possible to
+save any of the crew?"
+
+"Do as you please," I returned, leaving the helm. "My work here is
+done, and I am ready to go back."
+
+I intended them to think I referred to the attack on the
+fishing-boats. The cannonade died away as I spoke.
+
+We went down through the water to where the wrecked submarine was
+lying half over on her side. Some frightened faces peered at us out
+of the upper portholes, where a supply of air still lingered.
+
+It was impossible to do anything for them down there without being
+swamped ourselves. We could only invite them by signs to forsake
+their own craft and let us carry them up to the surface where it
+would be safe for us to take them inside.
+
+In order to receive them on our upper deck we circled slowly around
+to the opposite side of their vessel. And there I beheld a sight
+which will haunt me for years to come.
+
+The whole side of the submarine had been wrenched open, revealing the
+interior of the cabin. And on the floor, lying in the peaceful
+attitude of one who had just resigned herself to sleep, I beheld the
+drowned form of the beautiful, desperate, perhaps wicked, but
+unhappy, woman from whose mad love I had fled.
+
+So, in the midst of the wild North Sea, in their strange coffin, the
+bones of Sophia, Princess Yernoloff, lie and rock on the incessant
+tides that sweep across the Dogger Bank.
+
+_Requiescat in pace!_
+
+As our boat, laden with the rescued survivors, shot up again to the
+surface, I felt a noosed rope drawn tightly around my throat and
+heard the voice of Orloff hiss in my ear,
+
+"I arrest you in the name of the Kaiser!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+THE FAMILY STATUTE
+
+
+My task is done. At last the reader knows all that ever will be
+known--all there is to know, in short--concerning the tragedy of the
+North Sea.
+
+My personal adventures can possess little interest after the
+all-important transactions I have had to describe. But in case there
+should be a reader here and there who is good enough to feel any
+curiosity as to my fate, I will briefly tell what followed on my
+arrest.
+
+My revolver was taken from me and I was conducted under a strict
+guard back to Kiel.
+
+Off the mouth of the Canal we were boarded by a despatch-boat flying
+the German naval ensign, and a police officer with three men took me
+off the submarine.
+
+The first proceeding of my new captor was to handcuff me. He then
+warned me,
+
+"If you speak a single word to me or any one else till you are in the
+imperial presence, my orders are to shoot you through the head."
+
+I nodded. I had as little wish to speak as the Emperor could have to
+let me. My thoughts were busy with the memory of the woman of whose
+tragic death I had been the unwitting cause, and with the measures
+that remained to be taken to extenuate, so far as extenuation was
+possible, the fatal action of the Baltic fleet.
+
+As for myself, I can say truly that I had become almost indifferent
+to what was in store for me. My feeling toward the unfortunate
+Princess had not been such as that which makes a man desire a woman
+for his wife; it had not deserved the name of love, perhaps; and it
+was certainly free from any taint of a less noble passion.
+
+Nevertheless it had been a powerful sentiment, colored and
+strengthened by my knowledge of her love for me.
+
+Sophia had loved me. She had saved my life. And I had taken hers in
+return.
+
+Must I accuse myself of weakness for feeling as if happiness for me
+were over, and the best fate I could wish would be to lie there
+beside my victim on the lonely Dogger sands?
+
+When I came before Wilhelm II. he was not in the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, indulging his vein of extravagant romance, but in his
+private cabinet and in his most stern and business-like mood.
+
+"Give the prisoner a chair, and wait outside," his majesty commanded
+briefly.
+
+I sat down, still handcuffed, and the guards withdrew.
+
+"Now," said the Kaiser, fixing me with an eagle glance, "be good
+enough to explain your proceedings."
+
+I met his look with a steadfast one in return.
+
+"I have carried out your majesty's orders scrupulously. I have taken
+out the submarine torpedo boat, engaged a crew, proceeded to the
+Dogger Bank, and drawn the fire of the Baltic Fleet on the
+fishing-boats from Hull. I have not seen a newspaper since, but I
+assume that the British Navy has already arrested Admiral
+Rojestvensky and his squadron, and that the two Powers are at war."
+
+The Kaiser gnawed his moustache.
+
+"Things have not gone quite so well as you pretend, M. Petrovitch.
+
+"The Russian cannonade ceased after a few minutes," the Emperor
+resumed. "You did not remain on the surface after the first shot; you
+did not launch your torpedo, neither did you permit the other
+submarine to do so. In fact you sunk her."
+
+"I had no orders with respect to another submarine, sire. I was
+entitled to treat it as an enemy."
+
+"Nonsense, you know that it had left Kiel before you, on the same
+errand."
+
+"On the contrary, sire, I could not possibly know anything of the
+kind."
+
+"Why, you saw it had disappeared from the dock. You inquired after
+it along the Canal. When you got out to the Dogger you were searching
+for it the whole time."
+
+"And when I found it, sire, it was leading the Russian squadron, of
+which it appeared to form part. I had every right to assume that it
+was a Russian man-of-war."
+
+"A German boat!" thundered the Kaiser.
+
+"A boat not flying any flag must be presumed to belong to the country
+of those who are in control of it. I found this submarine under the
+control of a Russian subject."
+
+"The Princess was my agent."
+
+"Your majesty had not told me so. On the contrary, I understood that
+you wished my own boat to be considered a Russian vessel, in case of
+any question. I shipped a Russian crew therefore."
+
+Wilhelm II. frowned angrily.
+
+"Do not play with me, M. Petrovitch. I know all about your crew.
+Explain why you, a Russian subject, should have attacked what you are
+pleased to pretend was a Russian ship."
+
+"I regret to have to say that your majesty is laboring under a
+mistake. I am not a Russian subject."
+
+This time the Kaiser was fairly taken aback.
+
+"What subject are you?"
+
+"A Japanese."
+
+Wilhelm looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Japanese!" was all he could say.
+
+"If your majesty pleases. That being so, as soon as I took possession
+of the submarine, with your permission, of course it became a
+Japanese ship."
+
+"What you tell me is monstrous--ridiculous. Your name is Russian,
+your face is at least European."
+
+"My name, sire, is Matsukata. I received it in Tokio at the
+commencement of the war, on being adopted into a Japanese family.
+
+"If your majesty doubts my statement, I ask to be confronted with the
+Japanese Ambassador in Berlin."
+
+The Kaiser looked as if he would have liked to doubt it, but found
+himself unable to do so.
+
+"Then on your own showing you are a Japanese spy," he pronounced
+slowly. "As such I am entitled to have you shot."
+
+"Pardon me again, sire. In Petersburg I admit, that was my character.
+In Germany I have been your majesty's agent, and have literally
+fulfilled your commands."
+
+"You are a very acute quibbler, I see," was the retort, "but quibbles
+will not save you. You have stolen one of my ships to sink another
+with, and at the very least you deserve to be hanged as a pirate."
+
+"I demand to be tried," I said boldly, knowing that this was the one
+step to which the Emperor, for his own sake, could not consent.
+
+As I expected, he frowned uneasily.
+
+"In this case I must exercise my right of refusing a civil trial, in
+the interest of the State. I will give you a court-martial with
+closed doors."
+
+"That would be illegal, sire."
+
+"You dare to tell me so!"
+
+"Your majesty will find I am right. The case falls within the
+Hohenzollern Family Statute."
+
+The Kaiser appeared stupefied.
+
+"The Family Statute?" he repeated slowly, as if unable to believe his
+ears. "What has the Statute to do with you?"
+
+"It is provided in the Statute, if I recollect rightly, sire, that a
+member of the Imperial Family can be tried only by his peers, that is
+to say, by a court composed of members of your majesty's House."
+
+"Well, and what then?"
+
+"By another clause in the Statute--I regret that the number has
+escaped my memory--the privileges of a Hohenzollern in that respect
+are extended to members of other reigning Houses."
+
+"What are you going to tell me?" Wilhelm II. demanded in amazement.
+
+"Only that I have the honor to be the adopted son of his imperial
+highness Prince Yorimo, cousin to his majesty the Emperor of Japan."
+
+The German monarch sat still, unable to parry this unexpected blow.
+
+"The Japanese Ambassador--" he began to mutter.
+
+"Will confirm my statement, sire. I have already asked to be
+confronted with him. Before going to Kiel, I sent him information of
+my plans, so that he is already expecting to hear from me, I have no
+doubt."
+
+Wilhelm II. saw that he had come to the end of his tether. Lying back
+in his chair, he ejaculated----
+
+"I believed there was only one man in the two hemispheres who could
+do things like this!"
+
+"I am flattered to think you may be right, sire," I responded in my
+natural voice, with a smile.
+
+The Emperor bounded from his seat.
+
+"You--are--Monsieur V----!" he fairly gasped out.
+
+"I was, sire. Permit me to repeat that I am now called Prince
+Matsukata of Japan."
+
+Wilhelm II. made an effort, and came out of it with his best manner.
+
+"Then, in that case, you will stay and lunch with the Empress and
+myself, my dear Prince."
+
+As soon as the handcuffs had been removed, I told the whole story to
+the Kaiser, who was immensely interested, and decidedly touched by
+the part which related to the drowned Princess.
+
+Before leaving the Palace, I asked permission of my imperial host to
+make use of his private wire for a message to London, in the interest
+of peace.
+
+Wilhelm II., who began to see that he had been betrayed into going a
+little farther than was altogether desirable, consented in the
+friendliest spirit, merely stipulating that he should be allowed to
+see the message.
+
+He was rather surprised when he found it was addressed to Lord Bedale
+at Buckingham Palace, and comprised a single word, "Elsinore."
+
+And so, although some of the newspapers in the two capitals of
+England and Russia continued to breathe war for some days longer, I
+felt no more anxiety after reading the paragraph which stated that
+the British Prime Minister, at the close of the decisive Cabinet
+Council, had driven to the Palace to be received in private audience
+by her majesty Queen Alexandra.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE
+
+
+As I write these lines the war which has cost so many brave lives,
+and carried so much desolation through the fields and cities of
+Manchuria is still raging.
+
+The great fleet of Admiral Rojestvensky, from which the stains of the
+innocent fisherman's blood have not yet been washed, is plowing its
+way to meet a terrible retribution at the hands of the victorious
+Togo.[C] A curse is on that fleet, and it may be that the British
+Government foresaw that they could punish the crime of the Dogger
+Bank more terribly by letting it proceed, than by bringing it into
+Portsmouth to await the result of the international trial.
+
+[Footnote C: These words, which have been proven prophetic, were
+written last March, when Admiral Rojestvensky's fleet was still a
+very formidable fact to be reckoned with.--EDITOR.]
+
+In the great affairs of nations it is not always wise to exact strict
+justice, or to expose the actual truth.
+
+I, too, am a lover of peace. Not of that hysterical, sentimental
+horror of bloodshed which would place a great civilized nation at the
+mercy of more barbarous powers, which would stay the wheels of
+progress, and be indistinguishable from cowardice in the face of
+wrong.
+
+But I am a friend of the peace which is the natural result of a
+better understanding between peoples, of respect for one another's
+character and aims, of a wise recognition of facts, and an honorable
+determination not to play the part of the aggressor.
+
+It is in the hope of promoting such a peace on earth, and such
+good-will toward men, that I have allowed myself to publish the
+foregoing narrative.
+
+In order to soften the character of this revelation I have endeavored
+to impart to it a character of romance.
+
+So far as my abilities extend, I have sought to give the reader the
+impression that he has been reading an allegory rather than a dry,
+business record. I have tried to cover certain incidents with a
+discreet veil. I have as much as possible refrained from using real
+names.
+
+I trust that my narration will be accepted in the spirit in which it
+has been written and that no reader will allow his feelings of
+curiosity to lead him into going further, or raising questions which
+it might be indiscreet on my part to answer.
+
+But there is one part of the story to which the foregoing remarks do
+not apply.
+
+Whatever else be mythical, there is nothing mythical about the
+bright figure whose portrait has accompanied me through so many
+perils. There is a home for me in far-off Tokio, and when the
+blood-begrimed battalions of Asia sheathe their swords, I shall go
+thither to claim my reward.
+
+                         THE END
+
+
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+
+A Child's Story of Life in the Alps
+
+By Johanna Spyri
+
+395 pages--illustrated. Printed from new plates; neatly bound in
+cloth.
+
+
+PINOCCHIO
+
+A Tale of a Puppet--By C. Collodi
+
+Printed from new plates on a good grade of paper; neatly bound in
+cloth; illustrated.
+
+
+ELSIE DINSMORE
+
+By Martha Finley
+
+Beautiful edition of this popular book. Printed from new plates,
+covers stamped in four colors from original design.
+
+
+BROWNIES AND OTHER STORIES
+
+Illustrated by Palmer Cox
+
+320 pages and containing an illustration on nearly every page,
+printed from new plates from large, clear type, substantially bound
+in cloth.
+
+
+HELEN'S BABIES
+
+By John Habberton
+
+This amusing and entertaining book, printed from new plates, cloth
+binding.
+
+
+HANS BRINKER; or, The Silver Skates
+
+By Mary Mapes Dodge
+
+A popular edition of this well-known story of life in Holland.
+
+
+RAINY DAY DIVERSIONS
+
+By Carolyn Wells
+
+
+PLEASANT DAY DIVERSIONS
+
+By Carolyn Wells
+
+Printed on a good grade of paper from new plates, bound in a superior
+grade book binders' cloth. These volumes have never before been
+offered for less than $1.25; for sale now at the special price of 75
+cents each.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,      Chicago
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+
+ _BOOKS BY_ MRS. E. D. E. N.
+ SOUTHWORTH
+
+ AN ATTRACTIVE LIST OF THE
+ WORKS OF THIS POPULAR AUTHOR
+
+The first eighteen titles with brackets are books with sequels,
+"Victor's Triumph," being a sequel to "Beautiful Fiend." etc. They
+are all printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of
+flexible paper and bound in English vellum cloth, assorted colors,
+containing charming female heads lithographed in twelve colors, as
+inlays; the titles being stamped in harmonizing colors of ink or
+foil. Cloth, 12mo size.
+
+  {1 Beautiful Fiend, A                 26 Discarded Daughter, The
+  {2 Victor's Triumph                   27 Doom of Deville, The
+  {3 Bride's Fate                       28 Eudora
+  {4 Changed Brides                     29 Fatal Secret, A
+  {5 Cruel as the Grave                 30 Fortune Seeker
+  {6 Tried for Her Life                 31 Gypsy's Prophecy
+  {7 Fair Play                          32 Haunted Homestead
+  {8 How He Won Her                     33 India; or, The Pearl on
+  {9 Family Doom                            Pearl River
+ {10 Maiden Widow                       34 Lady of the Isle, The
+ {11 Hidden Hand, The                   35 Lost Heiress, The
+ {12 Capitola's Peril                   36 Love's Labor Won
+ {13 Ishmael                            37 Missing Bride, The
+ {14 Self Raised                        38 Mother-in-Law
+ {15 Lost Heir of Linlithgow            39 Prince of Darkness, and
+ {16 Noble Lord, A                          Artist's Love
+ {17 Unknown                            40 Retribution
+ {18 Mystery of Raven Rocks             41 Three Beauties, The
+  19 Bridal Eve, The                    42 Three Sisters, The
+  20 Bride's Dowry, The                 43 Two Sisters, The
+  21 Bride of Llewellyn, The            44 Vivian
+  22 Broken Engagement, The             45 Widow's Son
+  23 Christmas Guest, The               46 Wife's Victory
+  24 Curse of Clifton
+  25 Deserted Wife, The
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postpaid at 75c each by the publishers.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 Dearborn Street CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+THE "HOW-TO-DO-IT" BOOKS
+
+By J. S. ZERBE
+
+
+Carpentry for Boys
+
+A book which treats, in a most practical and fascinating manner all
+subjects pertaining to the "King of Trades"; showing the care and
+use of tools; drawing; designing, and the laying out of work; the
+principles involved in the building of various kinds of structures,
+and the rudiments of architecture. It contains over two hundred and
+fifty illustrations made especially for this work, and includes also
+a complete glossary of the technical terms used in the art. The most
+comprehensive volume on this subject ever published for boys.
+
+
+Electricity for Boys
+
+The author has adopted the unique plan of setting forth the
+fundamental principles in each phase of the science, and practically
+applying the work in the successive stages. It shows how the
+knowledge has been developed, and the reasons for the various
+phenomena, without using technical words so as to bring it within the
+compass of every boy. It has a complete glossary of terms, and is
+illustrated with two hundred original drawings.
+
+
+Practical Mechanics for Boys
+
+This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series of
+practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the structure
+and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how they are utilized
+to perform the work, and the manner in which all dimensional work
+is carried out. Every subject is illustrated, and model building
+explained. It contains a glossary which comprises a new system of
+cross references, a feature that will prove a welcome departure in
+explaining subjects. Fully illustrated.
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price $1.00 each._
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00._
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET  ::  CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+GIRLS' LIBERTY SERIES
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls
+by standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+_12mo, clothene. Price 50c each._
+
+  1. Camp Fire Girls on a Long Hike, or,
+     Lost in the Great Northern Woods        Stella M. Francis
+  2. Daddy's Girl                            Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  3. Ethel Hollister's First Summer as
+     a Camp Fire Girl                        Irene Elliott Benson
+  4. Ethel Hollister's Second Summer         Irene Elliott Benson
+  5. Flat Iron for a Farthing                Mrs. Ewing
+  6. Four Little Mischiefs                   Rose Mulholland
+  7. Girls and I                             Mrs. Molesworth
+  8. Girl from America                       Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  9. Grandmother Dear                        Mrs. Molesworth
+ 10. Irvington Stories                       Mary Mapes Dodge
+ 11. Little Lame Prince                      Mrs. Muloch
+ 12. Little Susie Stories                    Mrs. H. Prentiss
+ 13. Mrs. Over the Way                       Julianna Horatio Ewing
+ 14. Naughty Miss Bunny                      Rose Mulholland
+ 15. Sweet Girl Graduate                     Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 16. School Queens                           Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 17. Sue, A Little Heroine                   Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 18. Wild Kitty                              Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ COMPLETE EDITIONS--THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY
+
+
+ Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ _SERIES_
+
+An excellent edition of the works of this very popular author of
+books for girls. Printed from large type on an extra quality of
+paper, cover design stamped in three colors, large side title
+letterings, each book in glazed paper printed wrapper. Each book with
+a beautiful colored frontispiece. Printed wrapper, 12 mo, cloth.
+
+  1 Bad Little Hannah                   18 Little Mother to
+  2 Bunch of Cherries, A                    Others
+  4 Children's Pilgrimage               20 Merry Girls of
+  5 Daddy's Girl                            England
+  6 Deb and the Duchess                 21 Miss Nonentity
+  7 Francis Kane's                      22 Modern Tomboy, A
+     Fortune                            23 Out of Fashion
+  8 Gay Charmer, A                      24 Palace Beautiful
+  9 Girl of the People, A               25 Polly, A New-Fashioned
+ 10 Girl in Ten                             Girl
+     Thousand, A                        26 Rebels of the School
+ 11 Girls of St. Wodes,                 27 School Favorite
+     The                                28 Sweet Girl Graduate,
+ 12 Girls of the True                       A
+     Blue                               29 Time of Roses, The
+ 13 Good Luck                           30 Very Naughty Girl, A
+ 14 Heart of Gold, The                  31 Wild Kitty
+ 15 Honorable Miss, The                 32 World of Girls
+ 17 Light of the Morning                33 Young Mutineer, The
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postage prepaid to any address at 75c by the
+publishers
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 South Dearborn St., CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS' ELITE SERIES
+
+ _12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+Contains an attractive assortment of books for boys by standard and
+favorite authors. Printed from large, clear type on a superior
+quality of paper, bound in a superior quality of binders' cloth,
+ornamented with illustrated original designs on covers stamped in
+colors from unique and appropriate dies. Each book wrapped in
+attractive jacket.
+
+ 1. Cudjo's Cave                             Trowbridge
+ 2. Green Mountain Boys
+ 3. Life of Kit Carson                       Edward L. Ellis
+ 4. Tom Westlake's Golden Luck               Perry Newberry
+ 5. Tony Keating's Surprises                 Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy)
+ 6. Tour of the World in 80 Days             Jules Verne
+
+
+THE GIRLS' ELITE SERIES
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls by
+standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+ 1. Bee and the Butterfly                    Lucy Foster Madison
+ 2. Dixie School Girl                        Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 3. Girls of Mount Morris                    Amanda Douglas
+ 4. Hope's Messenger                         Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 5. The Little Aunt                          Marion Ames Taggart
+ 6. A Modern Cinderella                      Amanda Douglas
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+
+ THERE IS MONEY
+ IN POULTRY
+
+ AMERICAN STANDARD PERFECTION
+ POULTRY BOOK, _By_ I. K. FELCH.
+
+Yet many old-fashion farmers are inclined to discredit the statement.
+Why? Because they are not up to the new and improved ideas in poultry
+management. A little trial of the rules laid down in these books will
+soon dispel all misgivings in this direction and tend to convince the
+most skeptical that there is money in poultry-keeping. It contains a
+complete description of all the varieties of fowls, including
+turkeys, ducks and geese.
+
+This book contains double the number of illustrations found in any
+similar work. It is the best and cheapest poultry book on the market
+Paper covers, 25c. Cloth, prepaid, =50c=
+
+
+ POULTRY CULTURE
+
+ _By_ I. K. FELCH
+
+How to raise, manage, mate and judge thoroughbred fowls, by I. K.
+Felch, the acknowledged authority on poultry matters. Thorough,
+comprehensive and complete treatise on all kinds of poultry. Cloth,
+438 pages, large 12mo, and over 70 full-page and other illustrations.
+Printed from clear type on good paper, stamped on side and back from
+ornate, appropriate designs.
+
+Price, prepaid, =$1.00=
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers, or will send to any address in
+the United States, Canada or Mexico, postage prepaid, on receipt of
+price, in currency, money order or stamps.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 S. DEARBORN STREET : CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+OUR YOUNG FOLKS'
+
+ILLUSTRATED BOOKS
+
+
+This series contains those books for young folks that are without
+question conceded to be the most popular of this class. Each title
+has a distinctive cover design. Each volume contains twenty to sixty
+illustrations.
+
+_The following books are ready for delivery_:
+
+ Andersen's Fairy Tales
+ Alice in Wonderland
+ Arabian Nights
+ Black Beauty
+ Mother Goose
+ Pilgrim's Progress
+ Rip Van Winkle
+ Robinson Crusoe
+ Story of the Bible
+ Wood's Natural History
+ Through the Looking Glass
+
+_Sent postpaid at twenty cents each or six for one dollar._
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+ _SELECTED WORKS OF_
+ EUGENE FIELD
+
+A very attractive selection of popular books by this favorite and
+gifted author. Each book contains a carefully selected and classified
+list of poems that have endeared the author to millions and given him
+a place among the immortals. These books should be in every library,
+both public and private.
+
+ In Four Volumes. Boxed.
+ Cloth Binding.
+
+ Price, =$3.00= per set.
+
+ Single Volumes =75c= each,
+ postpaid.
+
+
+IN WINK-A-WAY LAND
+
+The contents of this volume is especially selected and arranged for
+the little folks. All are suitable for use in school exercises and on
+"Eugene Field Day."
+
+
+HOOSIER LYRICS
+
+This is a series of pathetic, amusing and entertaining poems rendered
+in Indiana dialect on notable Hoosier scenes with parodies on poems
+by James Whitcomb Riley.
+
+
+JOHN SMITH, U. S. A.
+
+The romantic story of John Smith, also includes many other poems, all
+of which afford suitable material for "Field Readings" and general
+school and church entertainments.
+
+
+THE CLINK OF THE ICE and other poems
+
+Edition containing portraits and autographs. Stories of inimitable
+wit and humor with lullabies and sketches of every day scenes that
+made Eugene Field famous. All worth while.
+
+Printed from new plates on good paper, uniformly and neatly bound in
+cloth; gold titles on front and back.
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address
+upon receipt of price in stamps, currency, postal or express money
+order, by the publishers.
+
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 S. Dearborn St. Chicago
+
+
+
+
+BOYS' COPYRIGHTED BOOKS
+
+
+Printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of paper,
+embellished with original illustrations by eminent artists, and bound
+in a superior quality of book binders' cloth, ornamented with
+illustrated covers, stamped in colors from unique and appropriate
+dies, each book wrapped in a glazed paper wrapper printed in colors.
+
+
+MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES
+
+By Louis Arundel
+
+ 1.--The Motor Club's Cruise Down the Mississippi; or, The Dash
+      for Dixie.
+ 2.--The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or, Adventures
+      Among the Thousand Islands.
+ 3.--The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or, Exploring the Mystic
+      Isle of Mackinac.
+ 4.--Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or, The Struggle for
+      the Leadership.
+ 5.--Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or, Through Storm and
+      Stress.
+ 6.--Motor Boat Boys' River Chase.
+
+
+THE BIRD BOYS SERIES
+
+By John Luther Langworthy
+
+ 1.--The Bird Boys; or, The Young Sky Pilots' First Air Voyage.
+ 2.--The Bird Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics.
+ 3.--The Bird Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a
+      Wreck.
+ 4.--Bird Boys' Flight; or, A Hydroplane Round-up.
+ 5.--Bird Boys' Aeroplane Wonder; or, Young Aviators on a Cattle
+      Ranch.
+
+
+CANOE AND CAMPFIRE SERIES
+
+By St. George Rathborne
+
+
+ 1.--Canoe Mates in Canada; or, Three Boys Afloat on the Saskatchewan.
+ 2.--Young Fur Takers; or, Traps and Trails in the Wilderness.
+ 3.--The House Boat Boys; or, Drifting Down to the Sunny South.
+ 4.--Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise in the Motor Boat.
+ 5.--Camp Mates in Michigan; or, With Pack and Paddle in the Pine
+      Woods.
+ 6.--Rocky Mountain Boys; or, Camping in the Big Game Country.
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+By
+
+Mrs. George Sheldon Downs
+
+
+=Katherine's Sheaves=
+
+A Great Novel With a Great Purpose
+
+Katherine's Sheaves is altogether delightful, a charming piece of
+fiction, a beautiful romance. One must admire the book for its
+characterization, its brilliant pictures of life, and its dramatic
+situations, but still more for its philosophy and wisdom.
+
+The story is a dramatic one, abounding in strong situations.
+
+The plot is well conceived and carried out, the style easy and the
+characters likable.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Step by Step=
+
+Judged as a story pure and simple, "STEP BY STEP" is altogether
+delightful. But it is not merely a charming piece of fiction. Ethical
+in its nature, the underlying thought shows throughout the lofty
+purpose and high ideals of the author, and exhales a wholesome
+atmosphere, while the element of romance pervading it is both
+elevated and enriched by its purity and simplicity.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Gertrude Elliot's Crucible=
+
+It is a readable story, clean, wholesome, and high in moral
+tone--optimistic and constructive.
+
+It has an alluring plot, and is well and skillfully worked out. The
+incidents are dramatic, and therefore always striking, and the entire
+romance will hold the attention of the reader.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Redeemed=
+
+Dealing with divorce--the most vital problem in the world
+to-day--this book tells how a pure-minded woman is divorced from her
+husband, upon a flimsy pretext, because he wishes to marry again. How
+he suffers when he learns that he has thrown away the true
+disinterested love of a noble woman, and how he craves that love
+again, makes a vivid, forceful story of an intensely modern
+significance.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+The American Boy's Sports Series
+
+BY MARK OVERTON
+
+12 Mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Price 60c Each.
+
+
+These stories touch upon nearly every sport in which the active boy
+is interested. Baseball, rowing, football, hockey, skating,
+ice-boating, sailing, camping and fishing all serve to lend interest
+to an unusual series of books. There are the following four titles:
+
+ =1. Jack Winters' Baseball Team; or, The
+      Mystery of the Diamond.=
+ =2. Jack Winters' Campmates; or, Vacation
+      Days in the Woods.=
+ =3. Jack Winters' Gridiron Chums; or, When
+      the Half-back Saved the Day.=
+ =4. Jack Winters' Iceboat Wonder; or, Leading
+      the Hockey Team to Victory.=
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+1. Minor changes have been made to correct typesetter errors;
+otherwise, every effort has been made to remain true to the author's
+words and intent.
+
+2. In the advertising pages at the end of this book, the = symbol has
+been used to note that the words enclosed were typeset in bold.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30482 ***
diff --git a/30482-8.txt b/30482-8.txt
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+++ b/30482-8.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The International Spy
+       Being the Secret History of the Russo-Japanese War
+
+Author: Allen Upward
+
+Release Date: November 16, 2009 [EBook #30482]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INTERNATIONAL SPY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ The
+
+ International Spy
+
+ BEING THE SECRET HISTORY
+ OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR
+
+ BY
+
+ ALLEN UPWARD
+
+ ("_Monsieur A. V._")
+
+ AUTHOR OF "UNDERGROUND HISTORY," ETC.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+
+ CHICAGO  NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1904, 1905, BY
+
+ THE PEARSON PUBLISHING CO.
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY
+
+ G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY.
+
+ _Entered at Stationers' Hall._
+
+ The International Spy.
+
+ Made in U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                               PAGE
+
+         PROLOGUE--THE TWO EMPRESSES                     9
+
+      I. THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----             17
+
+     II. THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT                      24
+
+    III. THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE           36
+
+     IV. THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH                           45
+
+      V. A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY                        54
+
+     VI. DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED                          63
+
+    VII. THE RACE FOR SIBERIA                           71
+
+   VIII. THE CZAR'S MESSAGE                             76
+
+     IX. THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH                       87
+
+      X. THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO                       96
+
+     XI. WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND               107
+
+    XII. THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN                   113
+
+   XIII. HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS                         123
+
+    XIV. THE SUBMARINE MINE                            130
+
+     XV. THE ADVISOR OF NICHOLAS II                    139
+
+    XVI. A STRANGE CONFESSION                          145
+
+   XVII. A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT                       159
+
+  XVIII. THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN                        169
+
+    XIX. THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY                180
+
+     XX. THE DEVIL'S AUCTION                           192
+
+    XXI. THE FUNERAL                                   199
+
+   XXII. A PERILOUS MOMENT                             210
+
+  XXIII. A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST                    217
+
+   XXIV. A SECRET EXECUTION                            224
+
+    XXV. A CHANGE OF IDENTITY                          233
+
+   XXVI. TRAPPED                                       240
+
+  XXVII. THE BALTIC FLEET                              246
+
+ XXVIII. ON THE TRACK                                  256
+
+   XXIX. AN IMPERIAL FANATIC                           264
+
+    XXX. THE STOLEN SUBMARINE                          272
+
+   XXXI. THE KIEL CANAL                                279
+
+  XXXII. THE DOGGER BANK                               287
+
+ XXXIII. TRAFALGAR DAY                                 292
+
+  XXXIV. THE FAMILY STATUTE                            300
+
+         EPILOGUE                                      308
+
+
+
+
+The International Spy
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE[A]
+
+THE TWO EMPRESSES
+
+[Footnote A: The author desires to state that this history should be
+read as a work of imagination simply, and not as authentic.]
+
+
+"Look!"
+
+A fair, delicately-molded hand, on which glittered gems worth a
+raja's loyalty, was extended in the direction of the sea.
+
+Half a mile out, where the light ripples melted away into a blue and
+white haze upon the water, a small black smudge, like the back of a
+porpoise, seemed to be sliding along the surface.
+
+But it was not a porpoise, for out of it there rose a thin, black
+shaft, scarcely higher than a flag-staff, and from the top of this
+thin shaft there trickled a faint wreathing line of smoke, just
+visible against the background of sky and sea.
+
+"It is a submarine! What is it doing there?"
+
+The exclamation, followed by the question, came from the second,
+perhaps the fairer, of two women of gracious and beautiful presence,
+who were pacing, arm linked in arm, along a marble terrace
+overlooking a famous northern strait.
+
+The terrace on which they stood formed part of a stately palace,
+built by a king of the North who loved to retire in the summer time
+from his bustling capital, and gather his family around him in this
+romantic home.
+
+From here, as from a watch-tower, could be seen the fleets of
+empires, the crowded shipping of many a rich port and the humbler
+craft of the fisherman, passing and repassing all day long between
+the great inland sea of the North and the broad western ocean.
+
+Along this narrow channel had once swept the long ships of the
+Vikings, setting forth on those terrible raids which devastated half
+Europe and planted colonies in England and France and far-off Italy.
+But to-day the scene was a scene of peace. The martial glory of the
+Dane had departed. The royal castle that stood there as if to guard
+the strait had become a rendezvous of emperors and queens and
+princes, who took advantage of its quiet precincts to lay aside the
+pomp of rule, and perhaps to bind closer those alliances of
+sovereigns which serve to temper the fierce rivalries of their
+peoples.
+
+The pair who stood gazing, one with curiosity and wonder, the other
+with an interest of a more painful character, at the sinister object
+on the horizon, were imperial sisters. Born in the tiny sea kingdom,
+they had lived to wear the crowns of the greatest two realms the
+world has ever seen, two empires which between them covered half the
+surface of our planet, and included one-third of its inhabitants.
+
+But though sundered in interests they were not divided in affection.
+As they stood side by side, still linked together, it was evident
+that no common sympathy united them.
+
+The one who had been first to draw attention to the mysterious craft,
+and whose dress showed somber touches which spoke of widowhood,
+answered her sister's question:
+
+"I never see one of those vessels without a shudder. I have an
+instinct which warns me that they are destined to play a dangerous,
+perhaps a fatal, part in the future. What is that boat doing here, in
+Danish waters?--I do not know. But it can be here for no good. If a
+war ever broke out in which we were concerned, the Sound would be our
+first line of defense on the west. It would be mined, by us, perhaps;
+if not, by our enemy. Who can tell whether that submarine has not
+been sent out by some Power which is already plotting against peace,
+to explore the bed of the strait, with a view to laying down mines
+hereafter?"
+
+The other Empress listened with a grave countenance.
+
+"I hope your fears are not well founded. I can think of no Power that
+is ever likely to attack you. It is my nephew, or rather those who
+surround him, from whom the signal for war is likely to come, if it
+ever does come."
+
+The widowed Empress bowed her head.
+
+"You know what my hopes and wishes are," she answered. "If my son
+listened to me there would be no fear of his departing from the
+peaceful ways of my dear husband. But there are secret influences
+always at work, as stealthy in their nature as that very craft----"
+
+The speaker paused as she glanced 'round in search of the black
+streak and gray smoke-wreath which had attracted her notice a minute
+before. But she looked in vain.
+
+Like a phantom the submarine had disappeared, leaving no trace of its
+presence.
+
+The Empress uttered an ejaculation of dismay, which was echoed by her
+sister.
+
+"Where is it now? Where did it go? Has it sunk, or has it gone back
+to where it came from?"
+
+To these questions there could be no answer. The smooth waters
+glistened in the sunlight as merrily as if no threatening craft was
+gliding beneath the surface on some errand fraught with danger to the
+world.
+
+"Perhaps they saw they were observed, and dived under for
+concealment," suggested the second Empress.
+
+Her sister sighed gently.
+
+"I was telling you that that submarine was a type of the secret
+dangers which beset us. I know, beyond all doubt, that there are men
+in the innermost circle of the Court, men who have my son's ear, and
+can do almost what they like with him, who are at heart longing for a
+great war, and are always working underground to bring it about. And
+if they succeed, and we are taken unprepared by a stronger foe, there
+will be a revolution which may cost my son his throne, if not his
+life."
+
+There was a brief silence. Then the Empress who had listened to this
+declaration murmured in a low voice:
+
+"Heaven grant that the war is not one between you and us!"
+
+"Heaven grant it!" was the fervent reply. And then, after a moment's
+reflection, the widowed Empress added in an eager voice:
+
+"But we--cannot we do something to avert such a fearful calamity?"
+
+Her sister pressed her arm as though to assure her of sympathy.
+
+"Yes, yes," the other continued. "We can do much if we will. Though
+my son does not always take my advice, he has never yet refused to
+listen to me. And in moments of grave stress he sometimes consults
+me of his own accord. And I know that you, too, have influence. Your
+people worship you. Your husband----"
+
+The Western Empress interrupted gently:
+
+"I cannot play the part that you play. I do not claim the right to be
+consulted, or to give direct advice. Do not ask me to step outside my
+sphere. I can give information; I can be a channel sometimes between
+your Court and ours, a channel which you can trust as I fear you
+cannot always trust your ministers and diplomatic agents. More than
+that I should not like to promise."
+
+"But that is very much," was the grateful response. "That may be
+quite enough. Provided we can arrange a code by which I can always
+communicate with you safely and secretly, it may be possible to avert
+war at any time."
+
+"What do you propose?"
+
+"It is very simple. If any crisis comes about through no fault of my
+son's--if the party who are conspiring to make a war arrange some
+unexpected _coup_ which we could not foresee or prevent--and if I am
+sure that my son sincerely desires peace, I can send you a
+message--one word will be enough--which you can take as an assurance
+that we mean to put ourselves right with you, and to thwart the
+plotters."
+
+The Western Empress bowed her head.
+
+"I accept the mission. And the word--what shall it be?"
+
+The other glanced 'round the horizon once more, and then, bending her
+lips to her imperial sister's ear, whispered a single word.
+
+The two great women who had just exchanged a pledge for the peace of
+the world were moving slowly along the terrace again, when the
+Western sister said, thoughtfully,
+
+"I think I know another way to aid you."
+
+The Eastern Empress halted, and gazed at her with eagerness.
+
+"I know the difficulties that surround you," her sister pursued, "and
+that the greatest of them all is having no one in your service whom
+you can entirely and absolutely trust."
+
+"That is so," was the mournful admission.
+
+"Now I have heard of a man--I have never actually employed him
+myself, but I have heard of him from those who have, and they tell me
+he is incorruptible. In addition, he is a man who has never
+experienced the sensation of fear, and his abilities are so great
+that he has been called in to solve almost every problem of
+international politics that has arisen in recent years."
+
+"But this man--how can he be obtained?"
+
+"At present he is retained in our secret service. I must not conceal
+from you that he is partly a Pole by descent, and as such he has no
+love for your Empire. But if it were made clear to him that in
+serving you he was serving us, and defeating the designs of the
+anti-popular and despotic clique at your Court, I feel sure he would
+consent to place himself at your disposal."
+
+The Eastern Empress listened intently to her sister's words. At the
+close she said,
+
+"Thank you. I will try this man, if you can prevail on him to come to
+me. What is his name?"
+
+"I expect you must have heard of him already, It is----"
+
+"_Monsieur V----?_"
+
+The second Empress nodded.
+
+No more was said.
+
+The two imperial figures passed away along the terrace, silhouetted
+against the red and stormy sunset sky, like two ministering spirits
+of peace brooding over a battleground of blood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----
+
+
+The great monarch by whose gracious command I write this narrative
+has given me his permission to preface it with the following
+remarkable document:
+
+      _Minute_: It is considered that it cannot but promote the
+      cause of peace and good understanding between the British
+      and Russian Governments if Monsieur V---- be authorized to
+      relate in the columns of some publication enjoying a wide
+      circulation, the steps by which he was enabled to throw
+      light on the occurrences in the North Sea.
+
+                         _By the Cabinet._
+
+In addition, I desire to state for the benefit of those who profess
+to see some impropriety in the introduction of real names into a
+narrative of this kind, that objections precisely similar to theirs
+were long ago raised, and long ago disposed of, in the case of
+Parliamentary reports, newspaper articles, society papers, and comic
+publications of all kinds; and, further, that I have never received
+the slightest intimation that my literary methods were displeasing to
+the illustrious personages whom my narratives are intended to honor.
+
+With this apology I may be permitted to proceed.
+
+On a certain day in the winter which preceded the outbreak of war
+between Russia and Japan, I received a summons to Buckingham Palace,
+London, to interview the Marquis of Bedale.
+
+I am unable to fix the precise date, as I have forsworn the dangerous
+practice of keeping a diary ever since the head of the French police
+convinced me that he had deciphered a code telegram of mine to the
+Emperor of Morocco.
+
+The Marquis and I were old friends, and, anticipating that I should
+find myself required to start immediately on some mission which might
+involve a long absence from my headquarters in Paris, I took my
+confidential secretary with me as far as the British capital,
+utilizing the time taken by the journey in instructing him how to
+deal with the various affairs I had in hand.
+
+I had just finished explaining to him the delicate character of the
+negotiation then pending between the new King of Servia and Prince
+Ferdinand of Bulgaria, when the train rolled into Charing Cross.
+
+Not wishing any one, however high in my confidence, to know too much
+of my movements, I ordered him to remain seated in the railway
+carriage, while I slipped out of the station and into the closed
+brougham for which I had telegraphed from Dover.
+
+I had said in the wire that I wished to be driven to a hotel in
+Piccadilly. It was not till I found myself in Cockspur Street that I
+pulled the check-string, and ordered the coachman to take me to
+Buckingham Palace.
+
+I mention these details in order to show that my precautions to
+insure secrecy are always of the most thorough character, so that, in
+fact, it would be quite impossible for any one to unveil my
+proceedings unless I voluntarily opened my lips.
+
+The instructions which I received from Lord Bedale were brief and to
+the point:
+
+"You are aware, of course, Monsieur V----, that there is a
+possibility of war breaking out before long between Russia and
+Japan."
+
+"It is more than a possibility, I am afraid, my lord. Things have
+gone so far that I do not believe it is any longer possible to avert
+war."
+
+His lordship appeared gravely concerned.
+
+"Do you tell me that it is too late for you to interfere with
+effect?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Even for me," I replied with firmness.
+
+Lord Bedale threw at me a glance almost imploring in its entreaty.
+
+"If you were to receive the most ample powers, the most liberal
+funds; if you were to be placed in direct communication with one of
+the most exalted personages in the Court of St Petersburg--would it
+still be impossible?"
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"Your lordship should have sent for me a fortnight ago. We have lost
+twelve days, that is to say, twelve battles."
+
+The Marquis of Bedale looked more and more distressed.
+
+"At least you can try?" he suggested.
+
+"I can try. But I am not omnipotent, my lord," I reminded him.
+
+He breathed a sigh of relief before going on to say:
+
+"But that is only the preliminary. Great Britain is bound to come to
+the assistance of Japan in certain contingencies."
+
+"In the event of her being attacked by a second Power," I observed.
+
+"Precisely. I rely on you to prevent that contingency arising."
+
+"That is a much easier matter, I confess."
+
+"Then you undertake to keep the war from extending to us?"
+
+"I undertake to keep a second Power from attacking Japan," I answered
+cautiously.
+
+Lord Bedale was quick to perceive my reservation.
+
+"But in that case we cannot be involved, surely?" he objected.
+
+"I cannot undertake to keep you from attacking Russia," I explained
+grimly.
+
+"But we should not dream of attacking her--without provocation," he
+returned, bewildered.
+
+"I fancy you will have a good deal of provocation," I retorted.
+
+"Why? What makes you think that?" he demanded.
+
+I suspected that Lord Bedale was either sounding me, or else that he
+had not been taken into the full confidence of those for whom he was
+acting.
+
+I responded evasively:
+
+"There are two personages in Europe, neither of whom will leave one
+stone unturned in the effort to involve you in war with Russia."
+
+"And they are?"
+
+Even as he put the question, Lord Bedale, as though acting
+unconsciously, raised one hand to his mustache, and gave it a
+pronounced upward twirl.
+
+"I see your lordship knows one of them," I remarked. "The other----"
+
+He bent forward eagerly.
+
+"Yes? The other?"
+
+"The other is a woman."
+
+"A woman?"
+
+He fell back in his chair in sheer surprise.
+
+"The other," I repeated in my most serious tone, "is a woman, perhaps
+the most formidable woman now living, not even excepting the Dowager
+Empress of China."
+
+"And her name?"
+
+"Her name would tell you nothing."
+
+"Still----"
+
+"If you really wish to hear it----"
+
+"I more than wish. I urge you."
+
+"Her name is the Princess Y----."
+
+Scarcely had the name of this dangerous and desperate woman passed my
+lips than I regretted having uttered it.
+
+Had I foreseen the perils to which I exposed myself by that single
+slip I might have hesitated in going on with my enterprise.
+
+As it was I determined to tell the Marquis of Bedale nothing more.
+
+"This business is too urgent to admit of a moment's unnecessary
+delay," I declared, rising to my feet. "If your lordship has no
+further instructions to give me, I will leave you."
+
+"One instant!" cried Lord Bedale. "On arriving in Petersburg you will
+go straight to report yourself to her majesty the Empress Dagmar."
+
+I bowed my head to conceal the expression which might have told his
+lordship that I intended to do nothing of the kind.
+
+"Your credentials," he added with a touch of theatricality, "will
+consist of a single word."
+
+"And that word?" I inquired.
+
+He handed me a sealed envelope.
+
+"I do not myself know it. It is written on a piece of paper inside
+that envelope, and I have to ask you to open the envelope, read the
+word, and then destroy the paper in my presence."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I proceeded to break the seal. But no
+sooner did my eyes fall on the word within, and above all on the
+handwriting in which that word was written, than I experienced a
+sensation of admiring pleasure.
+
+"Tell the writer, if you please, my lord, that I am grateful for this
+mark of confidence, which I shall endeavor to deserve."
+
+I rolled up the paper into a tiny pellet, swallowed it, and left the
+room and the Palace without uttering another word.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT
+
+
+I never use the same stratagem more than once. It is to this rule
+that I attribute my success.
+
+On previous missions to Russia I assumed the disguises of a French
+banker, of the private secretary to Prince Napoleon, of an emissary
+from an Indian Maharaja, and of an Abyssinian Maduga.
+
+I now decided to go thither as an Englishman, or rather--for there is
+a distinction between the two--as a Little Englander.
+
+It appeared to me that no character could be more calculated to gain
+me the confidence of the Anglophobes of the Russian Court. I
+anticipated that they would smother me with attentions, and that from
+their hypocritical professions I should stand a good chance of
+learning what was actually in their minds.
+
+No sooner had I taken this decision, which was while the brougham was
+being driven along the Mall, than I gave the order "---- House."
+
+I was driven to the office of a well known review conducted by a
+journalist of boundless philanthropy and credulity. Mr. Place--as I
+will call him--was within, and I at once came to business.
+
+"I am a Peace Crusader," I announced. "I have devoted myself to the
+sacred cause of which you are the foremost champion. At present war
+is threatened in the Far East. I am going to Russia to persuade the
+war party to abandon their designs. I have come here to ask you for
+your aid and countenance in this pious enterprise."
+
+The editor gave me a doubtful glance.
+
+"If it is a question of financial aid," he said not very
+encouragingly, "I must refer you to the treasurer of the World's
+Peace League. I am afraid our friends----"
+
+"No, no," I interrupted him. "It is not a question of funds. I am a
+wealthy man, and if you need a subscription at any time you have only
+to apply to me. What I desire is your moral support, your valuable
+advice, and perhaps a few introductions to the friends of peace in
+the Russian capital."
+
+The editor's face brightened.
+
+"Of course!" he exclaimed in cordial tones. "I will support you with
+all my heart. I will write up your mission in the _Review_, and I
+will give you as many introductions as you need. What is your name,
+again?"
+
+"Sterling. Mr. Melchisadek Sterling."
+
+The philanthropist nodded and touched a bell on his table.
+
+"I will give you a letter," he said, as his secretary came in and
+seated herself at the typewriter, "to the noblest creature I have
+ever met, a woman of high birth and immense fortune who has devoted
+herself to the cause."
+
+And turning 'round in his chair he dictated to the attentive
+secretary:
+
+"_My dear Princess Y_----"
+
+It needed all that command over my features which it has taken me
+twenty years to acquire to conceal the emotion with which I heard
+this name. Less than half an hour had passed since I had warned Lord
+Bedale that the Princess would be the most formidable enemy in my
+path, and now, on the very threshold of my enterprise, her name
+confronted me like an omen.
+
+I need not repeat the highly colored phrases in which the
+unsuspecting philanthropist commended me to this artful and
+formidable woman as a fellow-worker in the holy cause of human
+brotherhood.
+
+Not content with this service, the editor wanted to arrange a meeting
+of his league or brotherhood, or whatever it was, to give me a public
+send-off. As I understood that the meeting would partake of a
+religious character I could not bring myself to accept the offer.
+
+In addition to the letter to the Princess Y----, he gave me another
+to a member of the staff of the Russian Embassy in London, a M.
+Gudonov. He also urged me to call upon a member of Parliament, a
+rising politician who is not unlikely to have a ministerial post in
+the next government, and who has made himself known as an apologist
+of the Czar's. But as I had good reason to know that this gentleman
+was by no means a disinterested dupe, like Mr. Place, I prudently
+left him alone.
+
+On going to the Russian Embassy to have my passport viséd I inquired
+for M. Gudonov.
+
+The moment he entered the room I recognized him as one of the most
+unscrupulous agents of the notorious Third Section, one of the gang
+who drugged and kidnapped poor Alexander of Bulgaria. My own
+disguise, it is hardly necessary to say, was impenetrable.
+
+This precious apostle of peace greeted me with unction, on the
+editor's introduction.
+
+"You are going to our country on a truly noble errand," he declared,
+with tears in his eyes. "We Russians have reason to feel grateful to
+worthy Englishmen like you, who can rise above national prejudices
+and do justice to the benevolent designs of the Czar and his
+advisers."
+
+"I hope that I may be instrumental in averting a great catastrophe,"
+I said piously.
+
+"Even if you fail in preventing war," the Russian replied, "you will
+be able to tell your countrymen when you return, that it was due to
+the insane ambition of the heathen Japanese. It is the 'Yellow
+Peril,' my friend, to which that good Emperor William has drawn
+attention, from which we are trying to save Europe."
+
+I nodded my head as if well satisfied.
+
+"Whatever you and your friends in Petersburg tell me, I shall
+believe," I assured him. "I am convinced of the good intention of
+your Government."
+
+The Russian fairly grinned at this simplicity.
+
+"You cannot find a more trustworthy informant than the Princess
+Y----," he said gravely. "And just now she is in a position to know a
+very great deal."
+
+"How so?" I asked naturally--not that I doubted the statement.
+
+"The Princess has just been appointed a lady-in-waiting to her
+imperial majesty the Dowager Empress Dagmar."
+
+This was a serious blow. Knowing what I did of the past of Princess
+Y----, I felt that no ordinary pressure must have been brought to
+bear to secure her admission into the household of the Czaritza. And
+with what motive? It was a question to which there could be only one
+answer. The War Party had guessed or suspected that the Czar's mother
+was opposed to them, and they had resolved to place a spy on her
+actions.
+
+Inwardly thankful to Mr. Place for having been the means of procuring
+me this important information in advance, I received my passport and
+quitted the Embassy with the heartfelt congratulations of the
+ex-kidnapper.
+
+Forty-eight hours later I had crossed the Russian frontier, and my
+life was in the hands of the Princess.
+
+My first step on arriving in the capital of the North was to put up
+at the favorite hotel of English visitors. The coupons of a
+celebrated tourist agency were credentials in themselves, and I had
+not forgotten to provide myself with the three articles indispensable
+to the outfit of every traveling Briton--a guide book, a prayer book,
+and a bath sponge.
+
+At the risk of incurring the suspicions of the police agent stationed
+in the hotel, I mingled some hot water in the bath which I took on
+the first morning after my arrival. Then, having made my toilet and
+eaten the heavy breakfast provided for English visitors, I set out,
+suffering sadly from indigestion, to present my letter of
+introduction to the Princess.
+
+As this woman, the most brilliant recruit ever received into the
+Russian secret service, and a foe of whom I am not ashamed to confess
+that I felt some fear, has never been heard of by the public of Great
+Britain, I shall say a word concerning her.
+
+The Princess, whose Christian name was Sophia, was the daughter of a
+boyar of Little Russia. Her extraordinary beauty, while she was still
+a very young girl, attracted the attention of the governor of the
+province, Prince Y----, who was one of the wealthiest nobles in the
+Empire, and a widower. He made proposals for her hand which were
+accepted by her father, without the girl herself being asked to
+express an opinion in the matter, and at the age when an English girl
+would be leaving home for a convent or "high-school," Sophia became
+the Governor's wife.
+
+Almost immediately the Prince resigned his government and went to
+live in his splendid palace on the Nevsky Prospect, in Petersburg.
+Before very long, society in the Russian capital was startled to hear
+of the sudden deaths in rapid succession of both the Prince's
+children by his former wife, a son and a daughter. Then, after a
+brief interval, followed the tragic death of the Prince himself, who
+was found in bed one morning by his valet, with his throat cut.
+
+The almost satanic beauty and fascination of the youthful Princess
+had made her from the very first one of the most conspicuous
+personages at the Imperial Court. These three deaths, following on
+the heels of one another, roused the most dreadful suspicions, and
+the Czar Alexander III. personally charged his minister of justice
+to see that the law was carried out.
+
+Accordingly the police took possession of the palace while the corpse
+of its late owner still lay where it had been found. The most
+searching investigations were made, the servants were questioned and
+threatened, and it was rumored that the widow herself was for a short
+time under arrest.
+
+Suddenly a great change took place. The police withdrew, professing
+themselves satisfied that no crime had been committed. The deaths of
+the son and daughter were put down to natural causes, and that of the
+Prince was pronounced a suicide, due to grief at the loss of his
+children. Some of the servants disappeared--it was said into
+Siberia--and in due course the Princess resumed her place in society
+and at Court, as though nothing were amiss.
+
+Nevertheless, from that hour, as I have every reason to know, her
+life was really that of a slave to the head of the secret police. She
+appeared to go about unfettered, and to revel in the enjoyment of
+every luxury; but her time, her actions, and the vast wealth
+bequeathed to her by her husband, were all at the disposal of her
+tyrant.
+
+Time after time, in half the capitals of Europe, but more especially,
+of course, in that of Russia, I had come on traces of this terrible
+woman, not less terrible if it were true that she was herself the
+most miserable victim of the system of which she formed part.
+
+But singularly enough, though I had heard so much of the Princess I
+had never actually found myself pitted against her. And, more
+singularly still, I had never met her.
+
+From this it will be gathered that I experienced a sensation of more
+than ordinary curiosity and even apprehension as I presented myself
+at the house in the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to be admitted to the
+presence of its mistress.
+
+"Her highness is on duty at the Palace to-day," I was told by the
+chamberlain who received me in the inner hall. "Her carriage is just
+ordered to take her there. However, I will take up your letter, and
+inquire when her highness can see you."
+
+I sat down in the hall, outwardly a calm, stolid Briton, but inwardly
+a wrestler, wound up to the highest pitch of excitement and impatient
+for the sight of his antagonist.
+
+To pass the time suitably, I took my guide-book out of my pocket and
+began to read. The book opened at Herr Baedaker's description of the
+gloomy fortress of the Schlüsselburg, the dreaded prison of the foes
+of the Czar.
+
+The description did not tend to soothe my nerves, conscious as I was
+that the woman I was about to meet could consign me to the most
+noisome dungeon in the fortress by merely lifting her little finger.
+
+I was just closing the book with an involuntary shudder when I heard
+a light, almost girlish, laugh from above. I looked hastily, and saw
+the woman I had come to measure myself against standing poised like a
+bird on the top of the grand staircase.
+
+As I rose hurriedly to my feet, taking in every detail of her superb
+yet delicate figure, her complexion like a blush-rose, her lustrous
+eyes--they were dark violet on a closer view--and the cloud of
+rippling gold that framed her brow, I was moved, yes, positively
+carried away for a moment, by a sentiment such as few women have been
+able to inspire in me.
+
+Perceiving, no doubt, that she had produced the desired impression,
+the Princess ran lightly down the stairs and came toward me holding
+out two tiny hands, the fingers of which were literally gloved in
+diamonds.
+
+"My friend! My noble Englishman!" she exclaimed in the purest French.
+"And since when have you known that dear Monsieur Place?"
+
+I checked myself on the point of replying, pretended to falter, and
+then muttered in the worst French I could devise on the spur of the
+moment:
+
+"_Parlez-vous Anglais, s'il vous plaît, Madame?_"
+
+The Princess shook her head reproachfully.
+
+"You speak French too well not to understand it, I suspect," she
+retorted in the same language. Then dropping it for English, marred
+only by a slight Slavonic accent, she repeated:
+
+"But tell me,--dear Mr. Place, he is a great friend of yours, I
+suppose?"
+
+"I can hardly claim the honor of his personal friendship," I replied,
+rather lamely. "But I have always known and admired him as a public
+man."
+
+"Ah! He is so good, is he not? So generous, so confiding, so great a
+friend of our dear Russia. You know Mr. ----?"
+
+The name she uttered was that of the politician referred to above.
+She slipped it out swiftly, with the action of a cat pouncing.
+
+I shook my head with an air of distress.
+
+"I am afraid I am not important enough to know such a great man as
+that," I said with affected humility.
+
+The Princess hastened to relieve my embarrassment.
+
+"What is that to us!" she exclaimed. "You are an Englishman, you are
+benevolent, upright, truthful, and you esteem our country. Such men
+are always welcome in Russia. The Czaritza is waiting for me; but you
+will come back and dine with me, if not to-night, then to-morrow, or
+the next day. I will send an invitation to your hotel. My friends
+shall call on you. You are staying at the----?"
+
+I mentioned the name of the hotel, murmuring my thanks.
+
+"That is nothing," the beautiful woman went on in the same eager
+strain. "I shall have good news for you when we meet again, believe
+me. Yes--" she lowered her voice almost to a whisper--"our dear Czar
+is going to take the negotiations into his own hands. So it is said.
+His majesty is determined to preserve peace. The odious intrigues of
+the War group will be defeated, I can assure you. You will not be
+disappointed, my dear Mr.----" she snatched the editor's letter from
+her muff and glanced at it--"Mr. Sterling, if I tell you that you are
+going to have your journey for nothing. You will have a good time in
+Petersburg, all the same. But believe me when I tell you so, your
+journey will fortunately be for nothing!"
+
+And with the repetition of these words, and another bright bow and
+look which dazzled my senses, the wonderful creature swept past me to
+where the chamberlain stood ready to hand her into her carriage.
+
+For nothing?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE
+
+
+No reader can have failed to notice one remarkable point in the
+interview between the Princess Y---- and myself. I refer of course to
+her invitation to me to dine with her in the course of a day or two.
+
+Unless the etiquette of the Russian Court differed greatly from that
+of most others in Europe, it would be most indecorous for a
+lady-in-waiting, during her turn of service, to give entertainments
+at her private house.
+
+I felt certain that this invitation concealed some trap, but I
+puzzled myself uselessly in trying to guess what it could be.
+
+In the meantime I did not neglect certain other friends of mine in
+the city on the Neva, from whom I had some hope of receiving
+assistance.
+
+Although I have never gone so far as to enroll myself as an active
+Nihilist, I am what is known as an Auxiliary. In other words, without
+being under the orders of the great secret committee which wages
+underground war with the Russian Government, I have sometimes
+rendered it voluntary services, and I have at all times the privilege
+of communicating with it, and exchanging information.
+
+While waiting for the next move on the part of the Princess,
+therefore, I decided to get in touch with the revolutionists.
+
+I made my way on foot to a certain tavern situated near the port, and
+chiefly patronized by German and Scandinavian sailors.
+
+The host of the Angel Gabriel, as the house was called, was a
+Nihilist of old standing, and one of their most useful agents for
+introducing forbidden literature into the empire.
+
+Printed mostly in London, in a suburb called Walworth, the
+revolutionary tracts are shipped to Bergen or Lubeck, and brought
+thence by these sailors concealed in their bedding. At night, after
+the customs officers have departed, a boat with a false keel puts off
+from a quay higher up the Neva, and passes down the river to where
+the newly arrived ship is lying; the packages are dropped overboard
+as it drifts past the side and hidden under the bottom boards; and
+then the boat returns up the river, where its cargo is transferred to
+the cellars of the tavern.
+
+The host, a namesake of the Viceroy of Manchuria, was serving in the
+bar when I came in. I called for a glass of vodka, and in doing so
+made the sign announcing myself as an Auxiliary.
+
+Alexieff said nothing in reply, but the sailors lounging in the bar
+began to finish off their drinks and saunter out one by one, till in
+a short time the place was empty.
+
+"Well?" said the tavern-keeper, as soon as we were alone.
+
+It was not my first visit to the Angel Gabriel, and I lost no time in
+convincing Alexieff of my identity. As soon as he recognized me, I
+said:--
+
+"You know the Princess Y----?"
+
+The expression of rage and fear which convulsed his features was a
+sufficient answer.
+
+"You know, moreover, that she is at present working her hardest to
+bring about a war between Russia and Japan, with the hope of
+ultimately involving Great Britain?"
+
+He nodded sullenly.
+
+"How does that affect your friends?" I asked cautiously. Something in
+the man's face warned me not to show my own hand just then.
+
+"We hate her, of course," he said grudgingly, "but just now we have
+received orders that she is not to be interfered with."
+
+I drew a deep breath.
+
+"Then you regard this war----?"
+
+"We regard it as the beginning of the revolution," he answered. "We
+know that the Empire is utterly unprepared. The Viceroy Alexieff is a
+vain boaster. Port Arthur is not provisioned. The Navy is rotten. The
+Army cannot be recruited except by force. The taxes are already
+excessive and cannot be increased. In short, we look forward to see
+the autocracy humiliated. The moment its prestige is gone, and the
+moujik feels the pinch of famine, our chance will come."
+
+I saw that I had come to the wrong quarter for assistance.
+
+"Then you will do nothing against this woman at present?" I remarked,
+anxious to leave the impression that she was the only object of my
+concern.
+
+"No. At least not until war is definitely declared. After that I
+cannot say."
+
+"And you think the war sure to come?"
+
+"We are certain of it. One of our most trusted members is on the
+board of the Manchurian Syndicate."
+
+"The Syndicate which has obtained the concessions in Korea?"
+
+"Against which Japan has protested, yes."
+
+I felt the full force of this announcement, having watched the
+proceedings of the Syndicate for some months for reasons of my own.
+
+Every student of modern history has remarked the fact that all recent
+wars have been promoted by great combinations of capitalists. The
+causes which formerly led to war between nation and nation have
+ceased to operate. Causes, or at least pretexts, for war continue to
+occur, but whether they are followed up depends mainly on commercial
+considerations. A distant Government is oppressing its subjects, it
+may be in Turkey, it may be in Cuba, it may be in Africa. No matter,
+some great Power suddenly discovers it is interested; the drums are
+beaten, the flag is unfurled, and armies are launched on their path.
+The next year, perhaps, the same Power sees its own subjects
+massacred wantonly off its own coasts by a foreign fleet. Nothing
+happens; a few speeches are made, and the whole incident is referred
+to arbitration, and forgotten.
+
+It is the consideration of money which decides between peace and war.
+
+Perceiving it was useless to ask any assistance of the Nihilists in
+my forlorn enterprise, I returned sadly to my hotel.
+
+Hardly had I finished the immense lunch on which I was compelled to
+gorge myself, when a waiter brought me a card, the name on which gave
+me an electric shock.
+
+"_M. Petrovitch._"
+
+Every one has heard of this man, the promoter of the Manchurian
+Syndicate, and, if report spoke truly, the possessor of an influence
+over the young Czar which could be attributed only to some occult
+art.
+
+I could not doubt that this powerful personage had been instigated to
+call on me by the Princess Y----.
+
+What then? Was it likely that she would have sent the most
+influential man in the imperial circle to wait upon a traveling
+fanatic, a visionary humanitarian from Exeter Hall?
+
+Impossible! Somehow something must have leaked out to rouse the
+suspicions of this astute plotter, and make her guess that I was not
+what I seemed.
+
+It was with the sensations of a man struggling in the meshes of an
+invisible net that I saw M. Petrovitch enter the room.
+
+The celebrated wire-puller, whose name was familiar to every
+statesman and stock-broker in Europe, had an appearance very unlike
+his reputation.
+
+He was the court dandy personified. Every detail of his dress was
+elaborated to the point of effeminacy. His hands were like a girl's,
+his long hair was curled and scented, he walked with a limp and spoke
+with a lisp, removing a gold-tipped cigarette from his well-displayed
+teeth.
+
+As the smoke of the cigarette drifted toward me, I was conscious of
+an acute, but imperfect, twinge of memory. The sense of smell, though
+the most neglected, is the most reliable sense with which we are
+furnished. I could not be mistaken in thinking I had smelt tobacco
+like that before.
+
+"I have come to see you without losing a moment, Mr. Sterling," he
+said in very good English. "My good friend Madame Y---- sent me a
+note from the Palace to beg me to show you every attention. It is too
+bad that an ambassador of peace--a friend of that great and good man,
+Place, should be staying in a hotel, while hundreds of Russians would
+be delighted to welcome him as their guest. My house is a poor one,
+it is true, and I am hardly of high enough rank, still----"
+
+The intriguer was asking me to transfer myself to his roof, to become
+his prisoner, in effect.
+
+"I cannot thank you enough," I responded, "but I am not going to
+stay. The Princess has convinced me that the war-cloud will blow
+over, and I think of going on to Constantinople to intercede with the
+Sultan on behalf of the Armenians."
+
+"A noble idea," M. Petrovitch responded warmly. "What would the world
+do without such men as you? But at all events you will dine with me
+before you go?"
+
+It was the second invitation to dinner I had received that day. But,
+after all, I could hardly suspect a trap in everything.
+
+"Do you share the hopes of the Princess?" I asked M. Petrovitch,
+after thanking him for his hospitality.
+
+The syndicate-monger nodded.
+
+"I have been working night and day for peace," he declared
+impudently, "and I think I may claim that I have done some good. The
+Japanese are seeking for an excuse to attack us, but they will not
+get it."
+
+"The Manchurian Syndicate?" I ventured to hint, rising to go to the
+bell.
+
+"The Syndicate is wholly in favor of peace," he assured me, watching
+my movement with evident curiosity. "We require it, in fact, to
+develop our mines, our timber concessions, our----"
+
+A waiter entered in response to my ring.
+
+"Bring me some cigarettes--your best," I ordered him.
+
+As the man retreated it was borne in on my guest that he had been
+guilty of smoking in my room without offering me his case.
+
+"A thousand pardons!" he exclaimed. "Won't you try one of mine?"
+
+I took a cigarette from the case he held out, turned it between my
+fingers, and lit it from the end farthest from the maker's imprint.
+
+"If I am satisfied that all danger is removed I should be inclined to
+apply for some shares in your undertaking," I said, giving the
+promoter a meaning look.
+
+From the expression in his eyes it was evident that this precious
+scoundrel was ready to sell Czar, Russia and fellow-promoters all
+together.
+
+While he was struggling between his natural greed and his suspicion
+the waiter reentered with some boxes of cigarettes.
+
+I smelt the tobacco of each and made my choice, at the same time
+pitching the half-smoked cigarette given to me by M. Petrovitch into
+the fireplace, among the ashes.
+
+"Your tobacco is a little too strong for me," I remarked by way of
+excuse.
+
+But the Russian was wrapped up in the thought of the bribe at which I
+had just hinted.
+
+"I shall bear in mind what you say," he declared, as he rose.
+
+"Depend upon it, if it is possible for me to meet your wishes, I
+shall be happy to do so."
+
+I saw him go off, like a fish with the bait in its mouth. Directly
+the door closed behind him I sprang to the fireplace, rescued the
+still burning cigarette and quenched it, and then, carefully brushing
+away the dust, read the maker's brand once more.
+
+An hour later simultaneous messages were speeding over the wires to
+my correspondents in London, Amsterdam and Hamburg:
+
+      Ascertain what becomes of all cigarettes made by
+      Gregorides; brand, Crown Aa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH
+
+
+The next morning at breakfast I found the two invitations already
+promised. That of the head of the Manchurian Syndicate was for the
+same night.
+
+Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason for
+this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the Marquis
+of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager Empress in
+person.
+
+Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty, I
+drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
+livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
+by an equerry.
+
+"I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give to
+her majesty in person," I told him. "Be good enough to let her know
+that the messenger from the Queen of England has arrived."
+
+He went out of the room, and at the end of ten minutes the door
+opened again and admitted--the Princess Y----!
+
+Overpowered by this unlucky accident, as I at first supposed it to
+be, I rose to my feet, muttering some vague phrase of courtesy.
+
+But the Princess soon showed me that the meeting did not take her by
+surprise.
+
+"So you have a message for my dear mistress?" she cried in an accent
+of gay reproach. "And you never breathed a word of it to me. Mr.
+Sterling, I shall begin to think you are a conspirator. _How_ long
+did you say you had known that good Mr. Place? But I am talking while
+her majesty is waiting. Have you any password by which the Czaritza
+will know whom you come from?"
+
+"I can tell that only to her majesty, I am afraid," I answered
+guardedly.
+
+"I am in her majesty's confidence."
+
+And bringing her exquisite face so near to mine that I was oppressed
+by the scent of the tuberoses in her bosom, she whispered three
+syllables in my ear.
+
+Dismayed by this proof of the fatal progress the dangerous police
+agent had already made, I could only admit by a silent bow that the
+password was correct.
+
+"Then come with me, Mr. Sterling," the Princess said with what
+sounded like a malicious accent on the name.
+
+The reception which I met from the Dowager Empress was gracious in
+the extreme. I need not recount all that passed. Her imperial majesty
+repeated with evident sincerity the assurances which had already
+been given me in a different spirit by the two arch-intriguers.
+
+"There will be no war. The Czar has personally intervened. He has
+taken the negotiations out of the hands of Count Lamsdorff, and
+written an autograph letter to the Mikado which will put an end to
+the crisis."
+
+I listened with a distrust which I could not wholly conceal.
+
+"I trust his majesty has not intervened too late," I said
+respectfully, my mind bent on framing some excuse to get rid of the
+listener. "According to the newspapers the patience of the Japanese
+is nearly exhausted."
+
+"No more time will be lost," the Czaritza responded. "The messenger
+leaves Petersburg to-night with the Czar's letter."
+
+I stole a cautious glance in the direction of the Princess Y----. She
+was breathing deeply, her eyes fixed on the Czaritza's lips, and her
+hands tightly clenched.
+
+I put on an air of great relief.
+
+"In that case, your majesty, I have no more to do in Petersburg. I
+will wire the good news to Lord Bedale, and return to England
+to-morrow or the next day. I beg your pardon, Princess!" I pretended
+to exclaim by a sudden afterthought, "_after_ the next day." And
+turning once more to the mother of the Czar, I explained:
+
+"The Princess has honored me with an invitation to dinner."
+
+The Dowager Empress glanced at her attendant in evident surprise.
+
+"I must implore your pardon, Madam," the Princess stammered, in real
+confusion. "I am aware I ought to have solicited your leave in the
+first place, but knowing that this gentleman came from----"
+
+She broke off, fairly unable to meet the questioning gaze of her
+imperial mistress.
+
+I pretended to come to her relief.
+
+"I have a private message," I said to the Empress.
+
+"You may leave us, Princess," the Empress said coldly.
+
+As soon as the door had closed on her, I gave a warning look at the
+Czaritza.
+
+"That woman, Madam, is the most dangerous agent in the secret service
+of your Empire."
+
+I trusted to the little scene I had just contrived to prepare the
+mind of the Czaritza for this intimation. But she received it as a
+matter of course.
+
+"Sophia Y---- has been all that you say, Monsieur V----. I am well
+acquainted with her history. The poor thing has been a victim of the
+most fiendish cruelty on the part of the Minister of Police, for
+years. At last, unable to bear her position any longer, she appealed
+to me. She told me her harrowing story, and implored me to receive
+her, and secure her admission to a convent. I investigated the case
+thoroughly."
+
+"Your majesty will pardon me, I am sure, if I say that as a man with
+some experience of intrigue, I thoroughly distrust that woman's
+sincerity. She is intimate with M. Petrovitch, to my knowledge."
+
+"But M. Petrovitch is also on the side of peace, so I am assured."
+
+I began to despair.
+
+"You will believe me, or disbelieve me as your majesty pleases. But I
+am accustomed to work for those who honor me with their entire
+confidence. If the Princess Y---- is to be taken into the secret of
+my work on your majesty's behalf, I must respectfully ask to be
+released."
+
+As I offered her majesty this alternative in a firm voice, I was
+inwardly trembling. On the reply hung, perhaps, the fate of two
+continents.
+
+But the Dowager Empress did not hesitate.
+
+"What you stipulate for shall be done, Monsieur V----. I am too well
+aware of the value of your services, and the claims you have on the
+confidence of your employers, to dispute your conditions."
+
+"The messenger who is starting to-night--does the Princess know who
+he is?"
+
+"I believe so. It is no secret. The messenger is Colonel Menken."
+
+"In that case he will never reach Tokio."
+
+Her majesty could not suppress a look of horror.
+
+"What do you advise?" she demanded tremulously.
+
+"His majesty the Czar must at once write a duplicate of the despatch,
+unknown to any living soul but your majesty, and that despatch must
+be placed by you in my hands."
+
+The Dowager Empress gazed at me for a moment in consternation.
+
+But the soundness of the plan I had proposed quickly made itself
+manifest to her.
+
+"You are right, Monsieur V----," her majesty said approvingly. "I
+will communicate with the Czar without delay. By what time do you
+want the despatch?"
+
+"In time to catch the Siberian express to-night, if your majesty
+pleases. I purpose to travel by the same train as Colonel Menken--it
+is possible I may be able to avert a tragedy.
+
+"And since your majesty has told me that the Princess Y---- is aware
+of the Colonel's errand, let me venture to urge you most strongly not
+to let her out of your sight on any pretense until he is safely on
+his way."
+
+I need not go into the details of the further arrangements made with
+a view to my receiving the duplicate despatch in secrecy.
+
+I came away from the Palace fully realizing the serious nature of my
+undertaking. I understood now all that had worried me in the
+proceedings of the Princess. It was clear to me that Lord Bedale, or
+the personage on whose behalf he instructed me, had wired to the
+Dowager Empress, notifying her majesty of my coming, and that she had
+shown the message to her lady-in-waiting.
+
+Blaming myself bitterly for not having impressed the necessity for
+caution on the Marquis, I at once set about providing myself with a
+more effectual disguise.
+
+It is a proverb on the lips of every moujik in Petersburg that all
+Russia obeys the Czar, and the Czar obeys the Tchin. Ever since the
+bureaucracy deliberately allowed Alexander II. to be assassinated by
+the Nihilists out of anger at his reforming tendencies, the Russian
+monarchs have felt more real dread of their own police than of the
+revolutionists. The _Tchin_, the universally-pervading body of
+officials, who run the autocracy to fill their pockets, and indulge
+their vile propensities at the expense of the governed, is as
+omnipotent as it is corrupt. Everywhere in that vast Empire the word
+of the Tchinovink is law--and there is no other law except his word.
+
+Taking the bull by the horns, I went straight to the Central Police
+Bureau of the capital, and asked to see a certain superintendent
+named Rostoy.
+
+To this man, with whom I had had some dealings on a previous
+occasion, and whose character was well understood by me, I explained
+that I had accepted a mission from a friendly Power to travel along
+the Siberian Railway and report on its capacity to keep the Army of
+Manchuria supplied with food and ammunition in the event of war.
+
+He expressed no surprise when I told him it was essential that I
+should leave Petersburg that night, and accordingly it did not take
+us long to come to terms.
+
+The service which I required of him was, of course, a fresh passport,
+with a complete disguise which would enable me to pass anywhere along
+the railway or in Manchuria without being detected or interfered with
+by the agents of the Government.
+
+After some discussion we decided that the safest plan would be for me
+to travel in the character of a Russian police officer charged with
+the detection of the train thieves and card-sharpers who abound on
+every great route of travel. I could think of no part which would
+serve better to enable me to watch over the safety of the Czar's
+envoy without exciting suspicion.
+
+I placed in Rostoy's hands the first instalment of a heavy bribe, and
+arranged to return an hour before the departure of the Moscow
+express to carry out my transformation.
+
+It was only as I left his office that I remembered my unlucky
+engagement to dine that very night with the head of the Manchurian
+Syndicate.
+
+I perceived that these hospitalities were well devised checks on my
+movements, and it was with something of a shock that I realized that
+when I went to dinner that evening with the most active promoter of
+the war I should be carrying the Czar's peace despatch in my pocket!
+
+If the enemies of peace had foreseen every step that I was to take in
+the discharge of my mission, their measures could not have been more
+skilfully arranged.
+
+And as this reflection occurred to me I turned my head nervously, and
+remarked a man dressed like a hotel porter lounging carelessly in my
+track.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY
+
+
+Readers of that prince of romancers, Poe, will recollect a celebrated
+story in which he describes the device employed by a man of uncommon
+shrewdness to conceal a stolen letter from the perquisitions of the
+police, and the elaborate argument by which the writer proves that
+the highest art of concealment is to thrust the object to be hidden
+under the very nose of the searcher.
+
+But that argument is one of the many mystifications in which the
+weird genius of Poe delighted. It is easy to see, in short, that the
+theory was invented to suit the story, and not the story to suit the
+theory. I now had before me the practical problem of concealing a
+document of surpassing importance, from enemies who were already on
+my scent, and keeping it concealed during a journey of some thousands
+of miles.
+
+The ordinary hiding-places of valuable papers, such as the lining of
+clothes, or a false bottom to a trunk, I dismissed without serious
+consideration. My luggage would probably be stolen, and I might be
+drugged long before I reached Dalny.
+
+The problem was all the more difficult for me because I have
+generally made it a rule to avoid charging myself with written
+instructions. I am sufficiently well known by reputation to most
+European sovereigns to be able to dispense with ordinary credentials.
+But in approaching the Mikado of Japan, a ruler to whom I was
+personally unknown, it was clearly necessary for me to have something
+in writing from the Russian Emperor.
+
+All at once an idea flashed on my mind, so simple, and yet so
+incapable of detection (as it seemed to me), that I almost smiled in
+the face of the man who was dogging my steps along the street, no
+doubt under instructions from the War Syndicate.
+
+That afternoon I was closeted with the Emperor of All the Russias in
+his private cabinet for nearly an hour.
+
+It is not my habit to repeat details of private conversations, when
+they are not required to illustrate the progress of public events,
+and therefore I will say merely that the Czar was evidently in
+earnest in his desire to avoid war, but greatly hampered and
+bewildered by the difficult representations made to him by, or on
+behalf of, those to whose interests war was essential.
+
+It was melancholy to see the destinies of half Europe and Asia, and
+the lives of scores of thousands of brave men, hanging on the will of
+an irresolute young man, depressed by the consciousness of his own
+infirmity, and desperately seeking for some stronger mind on which to
+lean. Had I not been placed by my Polish sentiment in a position of
+antagonism to the Czardom, perhaps--but it is useless to indulge in
+these reflections.
+
+One thing in the course of the interview struck me as having great
+significance for the future. I found that his majesty, who had
+entertained at one time a strong dislike of the German Emperor, a
+dislike not untinged with jealousy, had now completely altered his
+opinion. He spoke to me of Wilhelm II. in terms of highest praise,
+declared that he was under the greatest obligations to him for useful
+warnings and advice, said that he believed he had no truer or more
+zealous friend.
+
+When I drove to the house of M. Petrovitch that evening I carried,
+carefully sewn between the inner and outer folds of my well-starched
+shirt-front, where no sound of crackling would excite remark, a sheet
+of thin note-paper covered in a very small handwriting with the text
+of the Czar's letter to the ruler of Japan.
+
+M. Petrovitch was not alone. Around his hospitable board he had
+gathered some of the highest and proudest personages of the Russian
+Court, including the Grand Duke Staniolanus, generally believed to be
+the heart and soul of the War Party. His imperial highness was
+well-known to be a desperate gambler, up to the neck in debts
+contracted at the card-table, and bent on recouping himself out of
+the wealth of Korea and Manchuria.
+
+I was duly presented to this royal personage (whom I had met once
+before under widely different circumstances) in the character of a
+Peace Crusader, an emissary of the philanthropists of Great Britain.
+
+At the dinner-table, where I found myself placed on my host's left
+hand, while the Grand Duke was on his right, the conversation
+continued to be in the same strain. That Petrovitch believed me to be
+an English peace fanatic I did not believe any longer, but I could
+not tell if any, or how many, of the others were in his confidence.
+
+As soon as the solid part of the feast was disposed of, Petrovitch
+rose to his feet, and after a bow to the Grand Duke, launched out
+into a formal speech proposing my health.
+
+He commenced with the usual professions in favor of peace, spoke of
+the desire felt by all Russians to preserve the friendship of
+England, eulogized the work done by my friend the editor, and by
+other less disinterested friends of Russia in London, and wound up by
+asking all the company to give me a cordial welcome, and to send a
+message of congratulation and good-will to the British public.
+
+Knowing as I did, that the man was a consummate rogue, who had
+probably invited me to his house in order to keep me under
+observation, and possibly to prevent my getting scent of the
+intrigues pursued by his friend and ally, Princess Y----, I was still
+at a loss to understand the reason for this performance.
+
+I have learned since that an account of the proceedings, with
+abstracts from this hypocritical speech, was telegraphed to England,
+and actually found its way into some of the newspapers under the
+heading, "Peace Demonstration in St. Petersburg: No Russian Wants
+War."
+
+There was one of the guests, however, who made no pretense of
+listening with pleasure to the smooth speech of M. Petrovitch. This
+was a dark young man of about thirty, in a naval uniform. He sat
+scowling while his host spoke, and barely lifted his glass from the
+table at the conclusion.
+
+A minute or two later I took an opportunity to ask the promoter the
+name of this ungracious officer.
+
+"That?" my host exclaimed, looking 'round the table, "Oh, that is
+Captain Vassileffsky, one of our most distinguished sailors. He is a
+naval aide-de-camp to the Czar."
+
+I made a note of his name and face, being warned by a presentiment
+which I could not resist that I should come across him again.
+
+The champagne now began to flow freely, and as it flowed the tongues
+of many of the company were unloosed by degrees. From the subject of
+peace the conversation passed rapidly to the possibilities of war,
+and the Japanese were spoken of in a way that plainly showed me how
+little those present understood the resolution and resources of the
+Island Empire.
+
+"The Japanese dare not fire the first shot and, since we will not,
+there will be no war," declared my left-hand neighbor.
+
+"The war will be fought in Japan, not in Manchuria," affirmed the
+Grand Duke with a condescending air. "It will be a case of the Boers
+over again. They may give us some trouble, but we shall annex their
+country."
+
+M. Petrovitch gave me a glance of alarm.
+
+"Russia does not wish to add to her territory," he put in; "but we
+may find it necessary to leave a few troops in Tokio to maintain
+order, while we pursue our civilizing mission."
+
+I need not recount the other remarks, equally arrogant.
+
+Abstemious by habit, I had a particular reason for refraining from
+taking much wine on this night. It was already past nine o'clock, the
+train for Moscow, which connected there with the Siberian express,
+started at midnight, and I had to be at the police bureau by eleven
+at the latest to make the changes necessary for my disguise.
+
+I therefore allowed my glass to remain full, merely touching it with
+my lips occasionally when my host pressed me to drink. M. Petrovitch
+did not openly notice my abstinence, but presently I heard him give
+an order to the butler who waited behind his chair.
+
+The butler turned to the sideboard for a moment, and then came
+forward bearing a silver tray on which stood a flagon of cut-glass
+and silver with a number of exquisite little silver cups like
+egg-shells.
+
+"You will not refuse to taste our Russian national beverage, Mr.
+Sterling," the head of the War Syndicate said persuasively, as the
+butler began filling the tiny cups.
+
+It was a challenge which I could not refuse without rudeness, though
+it struck me as rather out of place that the vodka should be offered
+to me before to the imperial guest on my host's right.
+
+The butler filled two cups, M. Petrovitch taking the second from the
+tray as I lifted the first to my lips.
+
+"You know our custom," the financier exclaimed smilingly. "No
+heeltaps!"
+
+He lifted his own cup with a brave air, and I tossed off the contents
+of my own without stopping.
+
+As the fiery liquor ran down my throat I was conscious of something
+in its taste which was unlike the flavor of any vodka I had ever
+drunk before. But this circumstance aroused no suspicion in my mind.
+I confess that it never occurred to me that any one could be daring
+enough to employ so crude and dangerous a device as a drugged draft
+at a quasi-public banquet, given to an English peace emissary, with a
+member of the imperial family sitting at the board.
+
+I was undeceived the next moment. Petrovitch, as soon as he saw that
+my cup had been emptied, sat down his own untasted, and, with a
+well-acted movement of surprise and regret, turned to the Grand Duke.
+
+"I implore your pardon, sir. I did not ask if you would not honor me
+by taking the first cup!"
+
+The Grand Duke, whom I readily acquitted of any share in the other's
+design, shrugged his shoulders with an indifferent air.
+
+"If you wish your friends to drink vodka, you should not put
+champagne like this before us," he said laughing.
+
+Petrovitch said something in reply; he turned and scolded the butler
+as well, I fancy. But my brain was becoming confused. I had just
+sufficient command of my faculties left to feign ignorance of the
+true situation.
+
+"I am feeling a little faint. That _pâté_"--I contrived to murmur.
+
+And then I heard Captain Vassileffsky cry out in an alarm that was
+unmistakably genuine--"Look out for the Englishman! He is
+swooning"--and I knew no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED
+
+
+My first thought, as my senses began to come back to me, was of the
+train which was due to leave Petersburg for Moscow at midnight.
+
+I clutched at my watch, and drew it forth. The hands marked the time
+as 9.25. Apparently I had not been unconscious for more than a few
+seconds.
+
+My second glance assured me that my clothes were not disarranged. My
+shirt-front, concealing the Czar's autograph letter, was exactly as
+when I sat down to the table.
+
+Only after satisfying myself on these two points did I begin to take
+in the rest of my surroundings.
+
+I was resting on a couch against the wall in the room where we had
+dined. My host, the head of the Manchuria Syndicate, was standing
+beside me, watching my recovery with a friendly and relieved
+expression, as though honestly glad to see me myself again. A
+servant, holding in his hand a bottle which appeared to contain sal
+volatile, was looking on from the foot of the bed, in an attitude of
+sympathetic attention. The other guests had left the room, and the
+state of the table, covered with half-filled glasses and hastily
+thrown down napkins, made it evident that they had cleared out of the
+way to give me a chance to come to.
+
+The cold air blowing over my forehead told me that a window had been
+opened. A Russian January is not favorable to much ventilation. As a
+rule the houses of the well-to-do are provided with double windows,
+which are kept hermetically sealed while the rooms are in use. The
+fact that the dining-room was still warm was sufficient proof that
+the window could not have been opened for more than the briefest
+time.
+
+It was a singular thing that, in spite of these assurances that my
+swoon had been an affair of moments only, I was seized by an
+overmastering desire to get away from the house immediately.
+
+I heard M. Petrovitch exclaim--
+
+"Thank Heaven--you are better! I began to be afraid that your seizure
+was going to last. I must go and reassure my guests. The Grand Duke
+will be delighted to hear your are recovering. He was most distressed
+at the attack."
+
+I sat upright with an effort, and staggered to my feet.
+
+"I am ashamed to have given you so much trouble," I said. "I can't
+remember ever fainting like this before. Please make my excuses to
+his imperial highness and the rest of the company."
+
+"But what are you doing?" cried M. Petrovitch in dismay. "You must
+not attempt to move yet."
+
+"I shall be better in bed," I answered in a voice which I purposely
+strove to render as faint as possible. "If you will excuse me, I will
+go straight to my hotel."
+
+The promoter's brow wrinkled. I saw that he was trying to devise some
+pretext to detain me, and my anxiety to find myself clear of his
+house redoubled.
+
+"If you will do me a favor, I should be glad if you would let one of
+your servants come with me as far as the hotel," I said. "I am
+feeling rather giddy and weak."
+
+The secret chief of the War Party caught eagerly at the suggestion.
+It was no doubt exactly what he desired.
+
+"Mishka," he said, turning to the servant, and speaking in Russian,
+"this gentleman asks you to accompany him to his hotel, as he has not
+yet recovered. Take great care of him, and do not leave him until he
+is safe in his own bed."
+
+The man nodded, giving his master a look which said--I understand
+what you want me to do.
+
+Thanks to this request on my part, M. Petrovitch raised no further
+objection to my departure. I stumbled out of the room, pretending to
+cling to the servant's arm for support, and let him help me on with
+my furs, while the porter was summoning a sleigh.
+
+There was a hurried consultation in low tones between my host and the
+porter. Rather to my surprise the carriage, when it appeared, was a
+closed one, being a species of brougham on runners instead of wheels.
+I allowed myself to be carried down the steps like a child, and
+placed inside; the door was closed, with the windows carefully drawn
+up, and the jailer--for such he was to all intents and purposes--got
+on the box.
+
+The sleigh swept out of the courtyard and across the city. Directly
+it was in the street, I very softly lowered one of the windows and
+peered out. The streets seemed to me more deserted than usual at such
+an hour. I was idly wondering whether the imminence of war could
+account for this when I heard a church clock beginning to strike.
+
+Once--twice--the chimes rang out. And then, as I was preparing to
+close the window, they went on a third time--a fourth!
+
+I held my breath, and listened with straining ears, as the great
+notes boomed forth from the distant town across the silent streets
+and houses.
+
+One--two--three--four--five--six--seven--eight--nine--ten--ELEVEN!
+
+I understood at last. That drugged sleep had lasted an hour and a
+half, and before I came to myself my watch had been deliberately set
+back to the minute at which I lost consciousness, in order to prevent
+me from suspecting that I had been searched, or that there was
+anything wrong about the affair.
+
+Had I taken time for reflection I should probably have made up my
+mind to lose the Moscow express. In order to lull the suspicions of
+the conspirators, by making them believe I was their dupe, I should
+have let myself be taken to the hotel and put to bed in accordance
+with the kind instructions of my late host. In that case, no doubt,
+my watch would have been secretly put right again while I was asleep.
+
+But I could not bear the idea of all my carefully planned
+arrangements being upset. Above all things, I desired to keep up my
+prestige with the superintendent of police, Rostoy, who regarded me
+as an invincible being possessed of almost magical powers. At the
+moment when the clock was striking I ought to have been walking into
+his room in the bureau of the Third Section.
+
+Grinding my teeth with vexation, I very gently opened the door of
+the carriage, which was traveling noiselessly over the snow, and
+slipped out.
+
+I had taken care to ascertain that no onlooker was near. As soon as
+the sleigh was 'round the corner of the street I hailed a public
+conveyance and directed the driver to take me to the police office.
+
+I was only five minutes late in keeping my appointment. Detecting a
+look of slight surprise on the face of the superintendent, I
+apologized for keeping him waiting.
+
+"It is my habit to be punctual, even in trifling matters like this,"
+I remarked carelessly. "But the fact is I have been drugged and
+kidnapped since I saw you, and it took me five minutes to dispose of
+the rascals."
+
+Rostoy stared at me with stupid incredulity.
+
+"You are joking, Monsieur V----, I suppose," he muttered. "But,
+however, since you have arrived, there is your disguise. You will
+find everything in the pockets complete, including a handkerchief
+marked with the initials of the name you have chosen."
+
+"Monsieur Rostoy, you are an able man, with whom it is pleasure to do
+business," I responded heartily.
+
+The Russian swelled with pride at this compliment. I hastily changed
+clothes, shifting nothing from my discarded costume except a
+cigarette case which I had filled with the hotel cigarettes. My
+inquiry as to the Gregorides brand smoked by M. Petrovitch had not
+yet been answered.
+
+"Surely you are not going to wear that linen shirt of yours right
+across Siberia!" exclaimed Rostoy, who never took his eyes off me.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders.
+
+"It is a whim of mine always to wear linen," I responded. "I am not a
+rheumatic subject. And, besides, I have no time to lose."
+
+The superintendent threw a regretful look at the flannel shirt he had
+provided for me.
+
+As soon as I had finished my preparations I handed a thick bundle of
+ruble notes to the superintendent.
+
+"As much more when I come back safe," was all I said.
+
+Rostoy snatched at his pay, his eyes sparkling with greed.
+
+"Good-by and a good journey!" he cried as I strode out.
+
+Once in the street, I had no difficulty in finding a sleigh, this
+time an open one, to convey me to the railway station. I glanced at
+my watch, which I had set by the church clock, and calculated that I
+should have a few minutes to spare.
+
+But I had not allowed for Russian ideas as to time. As the sleigh
+drew up at the great terminus, and I came in view of the station
+clock, I saw that it was on the stroke of midnight.
+
+Flinging the driver his fare I rushed toward the barrier.
+
+"Moscow!" I shouted to the railway official in charge.
+
+"The train has just left," was the crushing reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE RACE FOR SIBERIA
+
+
+The unnatural strain I had put on my strength, undermined as it had
+been by the drugged vodka, gave way under this depressing failure,
+and for an instant I seriously thought of abandoning my effort to
+catch the Czar's messenger.
+
+I could leave Colonel Menken to pursue his journey, taking care of
+himself as best he could, while I followed by a later train. But I
+had little thought of that, as to adopt such a course would be to
+abandon the gallant officer to his fate. Whatever the War Syndicate
+might or might not know or suspect about myself, there could be no
+doubt that they knew all there was to know about Menken, and that the
+Colonel would never be allowed to reach Dalny with his despatch,
+alive.
+
+"Show me the passenger list," I demanded sternly, determined to use
+to the full the advantages conferred on me by my uniform.
+
+The station inspector hastened to obey. He took me into the booking
+office, opened a volume, and there I read the name and destination of
+every passenger who had left for Moscow that night. It is by such
+precautions that the Russian police are enabled to control the
+Russian nation as the warders control the convicts in an English
+prison.
+
+At the very head of the list I read the name of Colonel Menken,
+passenger to Dalny, on his imperial majesty's service.
+
+It was incredible folly thus publicly to proclaim himself as an
+object of suspicion to the powerful clique engaged in thwarting the
+policy of their nominal ruler.
+
+I glanced my eye down the list in search of some name likely to be
+that of an emissary of the Syndicate. It was with something like a
+shock that I came upon the conspicuous entry--
+
+"The Princess Y----, lady-in-waiting to H. I. M. the Dowager Empress,
+passenger to Port Arthur, on a visit to her uncle, commanding one of
+the forts."
+
+Stamping my foot angrily, in order to impress the railway official, I
+said--
+
+"Order a pilot engine immediately to take me to Moscow. Tell the
+driver he is to overtake the express, and enter the Moscow station
+behind it."
+
+There was some demur, of course, and some delay. But I wore the
+livery of the dreaded Third Section, and my words were more powerful
+than if I had been the young man who wears the Russian crown.
+
+By dint of curses, threats, blows and an occasional ruble note, I got
+my way. Indeed, I managed things so well that the railway officials
+did not even ask me for my name. I showed them my official badge; but
+when they made their report in the morning they would only be able to
+say that an inspector of the Secret Police had ordered a pilot engine
+to take him to Moscow in pursuit of the midnight express.
+
+The impression which I was careful to convey, without putting it into
+words, was that I was on the track of an absconding Nihilist.
+
+Within half an hour of my arrival at the terminus a light but
+powerful locomotive drew up on the main line of rails, with
+everything in readiness for an immediate start.
+
+I leaped into the driver's cab, where I found the driver himself and
+two stokers hard at work increasing the head of steam, and gave the
+order to go.
+
+The driver touched the tap, the whistle rang out once, and the wheels
+began to revolve. Ten seconds later we were beyond the station lights
+and facing the four hundred miles of frozen plain that lay between us
+and Moscow.
+
+Every one has heard the story of this famous piece of road. The
+engineers of the line, accustomed to map out their routes in other
+countries with reference to the natural obstacles and the convenience
+of commerce, waited upon the great autocrat, Nicholas I., a very
+different man from his descendant, and asked him for instructions as
+to laying out the first railway in the Russian Empire.
+
+The Czar called for a map of his dominions, and then, taking a ruler
+in his hand, drew a straight line between the old and new capitals.
+
+And so the line has been made, a symbol to all who travel on it of
+the irresponsible might of the Russian Czardom.
+
+It was not till we were fairly on our way, and the speed had risen to
+something like fifty miles an hour, that I realized what I had done
+in entering on this furious race.
+
+I had never traveled on a detached engine before, and the sensation
+at first was quite unnerving.
+
+Unlike a motor car, in which the hand of the driver has to be
+perpetually on the steering-gear, and his eye perpetually on the
+alert, the pilot engine seemed to be flung forward like a missile,
+guided by its own velocity, and clinging to the endless rails with
+its wheels as with iron claws. With the rush as of wind, with the
+roar as of a cataract, with the rocking as of an earthquake, the
+throbbing thing of iron sprang and fled through the night.
+
+Hour after hour we rushed across the blinding desert of snow, in
+which nothing showed except the flying disk of light cast by the
+engine lamps, and the red and white balls of fire that seemed to
+start, alight, and go out again as we frantically dashed past some
+wayside station.
+
+As the speed increased the light pilot engine, not steadied by a
+long train of coaches, almost rose from the rails as it raced along.
+Over and over again I thanked my stars that there were no curves to
+be taken, and I blessed the memory of that famous ruler wielded by
+the hand of Nicholas I. Here and there, at some slight rise in the
+ground, the engine literally did leave the rails and skim through the
+air for a few yards, alighting with a jar that brought my teeth
+together like castanets, and rushing forward again.
+
+I clung to a small brass hand-rail, and strained my eyes through the
+darkness. I could not have sat down, even had there been a seat
+provided for me--the pace was too tremendous. I was tired and unwell,
+and a slight feeling of headache and sickness began to gain on me,
+engendered by the vibration of the engine, the smell of oil, and the
+fearful heat of the furnace.
+
+It was some hours since we had started, but it was still pitch dark,
+with the wintry blackness of a northern night. I leaned and gazed
+forward with dull eyes, when I was aware of two red sparks that did
+not grow and rush toward us as I expected.
+
+Were we slackening speed by any chance? I turned to the engine
+driver, and pointed with my hand.
+
+The grimy toiler nodded. Then making a trumpet of his hands he
+shouted above the rattle of the wheels--
+
+"The rear-lights of the express!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE CZAR'S MESSENGER
+
+
+I drew out my watch and glanced at it by the light of the flaring
+stoke-hole. It was just half-past eight.
+
+The time taken up on the journey between Petersburg and Moscow varies
+greatly according to the state of the weather and the amount of snow
+on the line. But even in the summer the best trains are allowed
+twelve hours, while the slow ones take nearly twenty-four. The
+special Siberian express was timed to reach the ancient capital of
+the czars at ten o'clock in the morning, and we had overtaken it with
+rather more than an hour to spare.
+
+I ordered the driver to creep up gradually, but not to approach too
+near the hindmost coach of the train in front until Moscow was in
+sight.
+
+Obedient to my instructions, he slackened speed by degrees, till we
+were rolling along at the same rate as the express, with a space of
+three or four hundred yards between us.
+
+Presently a red flag was thrust out from a side window at the rear
+of the last coach and waved furiously. The driver of my engine
+responded with first a green and then a white signal, indication that
+there was no danger though caution was desirable.
+
+The express perceptibly quickened its speed, but of course without
+our allowing it to get farther ahead. At last the spires of the
+Kremlin, and the green copper domes gleamed out across the waste, and
+I nodded to the driver to close up.
+
+He managed the maneuver with the skill of an artist. Inch by inch we
+neared the guard's van in front, and our buffers were actually
+touching as the engine in front blew off steam and we slowed
+alongside the Moscow station.
+
+Before the wheels of the express had ceased to move I was out on the
+platform, and running up to the guard of the express.
+
+"I have come on the pilot engine from Petersburg," I told him
+hurriedly. "Tell no one of my arrival. Do not report the chase. If
+you are questioned, say that you have orders to say nothing. And now
+tell me which is the train for Dalny and Port Arthur, and when does
+it leave?"
+
+The guard, thoroughly cowed, promised implicit obedience. He showed
+me a long corridor train with handsome sleeping cars and dining
+saloons, which was drawn up ready at another platform.
+
+"That is the train which goes to Baikal," he told me. "If the ice on
+the lake will bear, rails may be laid right across it; if not, there
+will be sleighs to transport the passengers to a train on the other
+side. The train leaves at noon."
+
+I thanked him and strolled off down the platform, glancing into the
+carriages of the newly-arrived train as I passed in search of the
+Czar's messenger.
+
+I did not anticipate that any harm could have happened to him so soon
+after leaving Petersburg. The object of the conspirators would be
+defeated if Nicholas II. learned of any accident to his messenger in
+time to send another despatch. It was more likely, at least so I
+argued, that the Princess Y---- would accompany her victim across
+Siberia, gradually worming her way into his confidence, and that only
+at the last moment would she show her hand.
+
+It was with a slight start that I encountered the face of the fair
+emissary of M. Petrovitch, as she came to the door of her sleeping
+compartment and looked out.
+
+I was delighted to observe that this time she did not suspect me. In
+fact, she evidently mistook me for one of the ordinary station
+officials, for she gave me a haughty command:
+
+"Go and see if there is a telegram for the Princess Y----."
+
+Making a respectful salute I hastened off in the direction of the
+telegraph office. On the way I interrupted a man in uniform carrying
+an envelope in his hand.
+
+"For the Princess Y----?" I demanded.
+
+The man scowled at me and made as if to conceal the telegram. I saw
+that it was a case for a tip and handed him a ruble note, on which he
+promptly parted with his trust.
+
+I turned around, and as soon as the messenger had moved off, I tore
+open the envelope and read the message. Fortunately, it was not in
+cipher, the rules against any such use of the wires, except by the
+Government, being too strict.
+
+This is what I read:
+
+     "Our friend, who is now an inspector, will join you at
+     Moscow. Look out for him. He has left his luggage with us,
+     but does not know it."
+
+Accident, which had hitherto opposed my designs, was favoring them at
+last. It was clear that Rostoy had betrayed me, and that Petrovitch
+had sent this wire to the Princess to put her on her guard. But what
+was the "luggage" which I was described as having left in the hands
+of M. Petrovitch?
+
+I thought I knew.
+
+Crumpling up the tell-tale message in my pocket, I darted into the
+telegraph office, and beckoned to the clerk in charge.
+
+"On his majesty's secret service," I breathed in his ear, drawing him
+on one side. I showed him my police badge, and added, "An envelope
+and telegram form, quick!"
+
+Overwhelmed by my imperative manner, he handed me the required
+articles. I hastily scribbled:
+
+     "Our friend has parted with his luggage, though he does not
+     know it. He has been unwell, but may follow you next week.
+     To save trouble do not wire to us till you return."
+
+Slipping this into the envelope, I addressed it to the Princess, and
+hastened back to the carriage where I had left her.
+
+I found her fuming with impatience and scolding her maid, who looked
+on half awake. I handed her the bogus telegram with a cringing
+gesture. She snatched at it, tore off the cover and read, while I
+watched her furtively from under my lowered eyelashes.
+
+The first part of the message evidently gave her the greatest
+pleasure. The second part, it was equally evident, puzzled and
+annoyed her.
+
+"Fool! What is he afraid of now?" she muttered beneath her breath.
+
+She stood gnawing her rose-red lips for a moment--even a night passed
+in the train could not make her look less charming--and then turned
+to me.
+
+"That will do. No answer. Here, Marie, give this man a couple of
+rubles."
+
+I received the gratuity with a look of satisfaction which must have
+surprised the tired waiting maid. In reality I had scored a most
+important point. Thanks to my suppression of the first message and my
+addition to the second, I had completely cut off communication
+between the agent of the Syndicate and its head in Petersburg, for a
+time; while I had lulled the beautiful plotter into a false security,
+by which I was likely to benefit.
+
+My anxieties considerably lightened for the time being, I now renewed
+my search for Colonel Menken.
+
+The train from Petersburg had emptied by this time, so I moved across
+the station to where the luxurious Manchurian express was being
+boarded by its passengers.
+
+I got in at one end, and made my way slowly along the corridors,
+stepping over innumerable bags and other light articles. In a corner
+of the smoking car I came at last upon the man I sought.
+
+Colonel Menken was a young man for his rank, not over thirty, with a
+fine, soldierly figure, handsome face and rather dandified air. He
+wore a brilliant uniform, which looked like that of some crack
+regiment of Guards. A cigar was in his mouth, and he was making a
+little nest for himself with rugs and books and papers, and a box of
+choice Havanas. A superb despatch box, with silver mounts, was
+plainly marked with his initials, also in silver.
+
+I did not dare to choose a seat for myself in the same part of the
+train as the man whom I was anxious to guard. The oppressive powers
+wielded by the police of Russia are tolerated only on one condition,
+namely, that they are never abused to the disparagement of the social
+importance of the aristocracy.
+
+Bearing this in mind, I proceeded to the coach set aside for the
+servants of the rich passengers, and contrived to secure a place
+close to that occupied in the day-time by the maid of the Princess.
+
+Having more than an hour to spare, I now laid in a large stock of
+Turkish tobacco and cigarette papers, so as to have some means of
+beguiling the time on the long, wearisome run across Asia. I also
+bought a second-hand valise, and stocked it modestly with clothes.
+Finally I made a hearty breakfast in the station restaurant, and
+boarded the train a few minutes before it rolled out of Moscow.
+
+Needless to say, I had introduced myself to the superintendent of the
+train, an official of great dignity and importance. As a police
+agent, of course I traveled free on the Government lines. The
+superintendent was good enough to offer me a spare bed in his private
+cabin at the end of the train, and during the run we became the best
+of friends.
+
+But I must be excused from dwelling on the details of the journey,
+not the first I had taken on the great transasiatic line. My whole
+energies were absorbed in two tasks. In the first place, I had to
+gain the confidence of the maid, Marie, and in the second to prevent
+her mistress gaining the confidence of the messenger of the Czar.
+
+"I hope that message I brought to the Princess did not contain any
+bad news?" I said to Marie as soon as I got a chance of addressing
+her.
+
+This was when we were fairly on the way.
+
+After first attending to her mistress, and seeing that she was
+comfortably settled, the maid was at liberty to look after herself,
+and I had seized the opportunity to render her a few trifling
+services with her luggage.
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure," was the answer to my question. "The
+Princess tells me nothing of her secrets."
+
+"Perhaps the Princess Y----"
+
+"Oh, let's call her Sophy," the maid interrupted crossly.
+
+Needless to say I welcomed these symptoms that Marie was no great
+friend of her employer.
+
+"Perhaps she has no secrets," I continued. "Have you been with her
+long?"
+
+"Only six months," was the answer. "And I don't think I shall stay
+much longer. But you're quite mistaken if you think Sophy is one of
+the innocent ones. She's always up to some mischief or other, though
+what it is, I don't know."
+
+"If you stay with her a little longer, you may find out. And then,
+if it is anything political, you may make a good deal of money out of
+her."
+
+The girl's eyes brightened.
+
+"Keep your eyes open," I said. "Look out for any scraps of paper you
+see lying about. Keep a diary of the places Sophy goes to, and the
+people she sees. And when you have anything to tell, let me know. I
+will give you my address in Petersburg. And you may trust me to see
+that you come off well."
+
+Marie readily agreed to all I asked of her. The understanding thus
+arrived at was destined to be of the greatest assistance to me.
+Indeed, it is not too much to say that to this young Russian girl it
+is due that the two greatest Powers in the Old World are not at this
+moment battling on the Afghan frontier.
+
+We had hardly been an hour under way before I saw the two objects of
+my watchfulness seated side by side in the drawing-room car,
+apparently on the friendliest terms.
+
+Dismayed by this rapid progress, as it seemed, on the part of the
+Princess, I reproached myself for not having warned Colonel Menken
+before we started.
+
+I resolved to put him on his guard at the earliest possible moment,
+and with that view I hung about the smoking-car, waiting till I saw
+him return to his corner.
+
+This was not for some hours. Fortunately, owing to the universal
+expectation of war, there were not many passengers proceeding to the
+Far East. The train was practically empty, and so when Colonel Menken
+had seated himself once more in the snug corner he had prepared for
+himself, I was able to approach him without fear of being overheard.
+
+He was just lighting a cigar as I came up, and took no notice of my
+respectful salute till he had inhaled the tobacco smoke two or three
+times and expelled it through his nostrils to test the flavor.
+
+At last he turned to me.
+
+"Well?" he said with some sharpness. "What is the matter?"
+
+"I have seen in the passenger list that you are traveling on the
+service of the Czar," I answered, "and I venture to place myself at
+your orders."
+
+Colonel Menken scowled at me haughtily.
+
+"Does that mean that you want a tip?" he sneered. "Or has some fool
+ordered you to shadow me?"
+
+"Neither, Colonel," I replied. "I am a servant of the Czar, like
+yourself, as you may see from my uniform, and as I have reason to
+fear that there is an enemy of his majesty on the train, I wish to
+put you on your guard."
+
+Menken gave a self-confident smile.
+
+"I am pretty well able to take care of myself, I believe," he said
+boastfully. "As for the Nihilists, I no longer believe in their
+existence. You may point out the man you suspect, if you like, of
+course."
+
+"It is not a man, Colonel, it is a woman."
+
+"In that case the adventure promises to be interesting. I do not know
+any of the women on board except the Princess Y----."
+
+"You know her!" I allowed a note of surprise to appear in my voice.
+
+"The Princess is related to me," the Czar's messenger declared, with
+a rebuking frown. "I presume she is not the object of your
+suspicions?"
+
+"And if she were?"
+
+"If she were, I should tell you that you had made a very absurd
+mistake, my good fellow. The Princess is in the confidence of the
+Dowager Empress; she is perfectly aware of the object of my mission,
+and she has just promised me that if I carry it out successfully she
+will become my wife."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH
+
+
+Colonel Menken regarded me with ironical contempt as I tried to
+apologize for my hinted distrust of his betrothed.
+
+"That will do, my man. I shall tell the Princess of your blunder, and
+I can assure you she will be heartily amused by it."
+
+"At least you will remember that I wear his imperial majesty's
+uniform," I ventured. "And, however much I have been misled as to the
+intentions of her highness, I submit that I am entitled to secrecy on
+your part."
+
+"Am I to understand that some one has given you orders referring to
+the Princess? I thought this was simply some idle suspicion of your
+own?"
+
+"My instructions were to watch over your safety, without letting you
+perceive it, and to take particular note of any one who seemed to be
+trying to form your acquaintance on the journey. If you now denounce
+me to her highness, she will be annoyed, and in any case I shall be
+of no further use to you."
+
+"So much the better," the Colonel said rudely. "I consider your
+being here at all as an act of impertinence. If I engage to say
+nothing to the Princess--who, as you say, might be annoyed--will you
+undertake to leave me alone for the future?"
+
+"I will undertake to leave the train at Tomsk," I replied.
+
+Colonel Menken closed with this offer, which was meant as a delusive
+one. I had selected the first important stopping-place at which the
+train waited sufficiently long for me to procure the materials of a
+fresh disguise.
+
+I took the train superintendent into my confidence, as far as to say
+that I wished to assume a false character for the remainder of the
+journey in order to be better able to play the spy on the object of
+my suspicion. We agreed that one of the train attendants should be
+put off at Tomsk, and that I should take his place.
+
+After my scene with the Colonel, I could not venture to do much in
+the way of overlooking them. But I made the best use of my friendship
+with Marie, and she reported to me regularly what she observed of the
+doings of her mistress.
+
+"It is my belief that Sophy is going to marry that stupid Colonel,"
+she informed me, not long after I had heard of the engagement. "Why?
+I can't think. He has no brains, not much money, and I am certain she
+is not in love with him."
+
+"There has been a quarrel of some kind between those two," she
+reported later on. "Colonel Menken has been questioning Sophy about
+her reason for going to Port Arthur just now, when it may be attacked
+by the Japanese."
+
+All this time the Princess had made no move to possess herself of the
+despatch which Menken was carrying--the real object of her presence
+on board the train.
+
+When Tomsk was reached, I went off into the town and procured
+different hair and beard so as to effect a complete change in my
+appearance. The disguise was clumsy enough, but, after all, neither
+the Colonel nor his companion had had many opportunities of studying
+my personal appearance.
+
+In the little cabin of my friend the superintendent I carried out the
+transformation, and finished by donning the livery of the railway
+restaurant service.
+
+Thus equipped, I proceeded to lay the table at which the betrothed
+pair usually took their meals together.
+
+As soon as the next meal, which happened to be dinner, was ready, I
+proceeded to wait upon them. They noticed the change of waiters, and
+asked me what had become of my predecessor.
+
+"He got off at Tomsk," I told them. This was true--the getting rid of
+the waiter whose place I wished to take had been a simple matter. It
+must be remembered that I found myself everywhere received as an
+inspector attached to the secret police, the dreaded Third Section,
+and, in consequence, my word was law to those I had to deal with.
+
+I added with an assumed air of mysterious consequence, "The Inspector
+of Police also left the train at Tomsk. It is asserted that he is
+going to make an important arrest."
+
+Colonel Menken laughed. Then turning to the beautiful woman who sat
+facing him across the small table, he said smilingly,
+
+"It is lucky the inspector did not arrest you, my dear."
+
+"Why, what do you mean?" she demanded.
+
+"Simply that this officer, according to his own account, was charged
+to watch over and protect your devoted servant, and in the exercise
+of his functions he was good enough to hint to me that you were a
+suspicious character, of whom I should do well to be on my guard."
+
+"Infamous! The wretch! Why didn't you tell me this before?"
+
+"I promised the fellow not to. He was afraid of getting into trouble,
+and as he had only blundered out of zeal, I let him off."
+
+"And he has left the train. Why, I wonder?"
+
+"I ordered him to."
+
+The Princess Y---- looked less and less pleased. A minute later, I
+caught her stealthily glancing in my direction, and realized that her
+keen wits were already at work, connecting my appearance on the scene
+with the disappearance of the inspector.
+
+The next day, Colonel Menken and his betrothed took their seats at a
+different table in the restaurant of the train.
+
+I saw the meaning of this maneuver. It was of course a test by which
+the Princess Y---- sought to learn if I was a spy, appointed to
+replace the inspector. I took care not to assist her by following
+them to the new table; on the contrary, I refused the offer of my
+brother waiter, who was honest enough not to wish to take my tips
+from me.
+
+When we reached Irkutsk, I had another proof that the Princess was
+beginning to feel uneasy. Marie informed me that her mistress had
+ordered her to go into the town and send off a telegram, as she would
+not trust the railway officials.
+
+The message, which my ally faithfully reported to me, was addressed
+to Petrovitch himself and ran as follows:
+
+      Received wire from you at Moscow reporting our friend ill,
+      and telling me not to wire you again till my return. I now
+      fear some mistake. All going well otherwise.
+
+We were carried across the frozen Baikal amid a furious snowstorm.
+Huddled up in thick furs, and fighting to keep our blood circulating
+under the leaden pressure of the cruel frost, there was no time to
+think of conspiracies.
+
+But on resuming the journey on the other side of the lake, I saw that
+the cunning agent of the War Party was maturing some decisive attempt
+on the messenger of peace. The talks of the lovers became closer and
+more confidential, the manner of Colonel Menken grew daily more
+devoted and absorbed, and Marie described her mistress as laboring
+under an extraordinary excitement.
+
+At last, on the very day the train crossed the Chinese frontier on
+the way to Mukden, Marie came to me with a decisive report.
+
+"Sophy has won!" she declared. "I overheard them talking again last
+night. Ever since they left Tomsk they have been having a dispute,
+Sophy declaring that the Colonel did not love her, because he
+suspected her, and he, the stupid creature, swearing that he trusted
+her entirely. It appears she had got out of him that he was carrying
+a paper of some kind, and so she said that unless he gave her this
+paper to keep till they reached Dalny or Port Arthur, she would not
+believe in him, nor have anything more to say to him.
+
+"In the end, she was too many for him. Last night he gave her the
+paper in a sealed envelope, and I saw her take it from her breast
+before she undressed last night."
+
+"Where is it? What has she done with it?" I demanded anxiously.
+
+"I can't tell you that. She had it in her hand when she dismissed me
+for the night. It looked to me as though she meant to break the seal
+and read it."
+
+Full of the gravest forebodings, I hurried to the rear of the train,
+got out my inspector's uniform, though without effecting any change
+in my facial appearance, and made my way to the smoking-car.
+
+Colonel Menken, who had just finished breakfast, was settling himself
+down to a cigar and an illustrated magazine.
+
+He gazed up at me in astonishment, as he perceived the change in my
+costume.
+
+"So the Princess was right!" he exclaimed angrily. "You are another
+policeman."
+
+I bowed.
+
+"And charged, like the last, to protect me from my cousin and future
+wife!"
+
+"From the person who has robbed you of the Czar's autograph letter to
+the Emperor of Japan, yes!"
+
+Menken recoiled, thunderstruck.
+
+"You knew what I was carrying?"
+
+"As well as I know the contents of the telegram which the Princess
+sent from Irkutsk to the head of the Manchurian Syndicate--the man
+who has sworn that the Czar's letter shall never be delivered."
+
+Colonel Menken staggered to his feet, bewildered, angry, half induced
+to threaten, and half to yield.
+
+"You must be lying! Sophy never left my sight while we were at
+Irkutsk!"
+
+"We can discuss that later. Will you, or will you not, reclaim his
+majesty's letter--the letter entrusted to your honor?"
+
+Menken turned white.
+
+"I--I will approach the Princess," he stammered, obviously divided
+between fear of losing her, and dread of myself and any action I
+might take.
+
+"That will not do for me," I said sternly. "I can only make you this
+offer: Come with me at once to this lady's sleeping berth and regain
+the despatch, and I will agree to say no more about it; refuse, and I
+shall report the whole affair to his majesty personally."
+
+"Who are you?" inquired the dismayed man.
+
+"That is of no consequence. You see my uniform--let that be enough
+for you."
+
+He staggered down the car. I followed, and we reached the car where
+the Princess was at the moment engaged, with Marie's aid, in putting
+the last touches to her toilet.
+
+She looked up at our appearance, gave an interrogative glance first
+at Menken and then, at me, and evidently made up her mind.
+
+"What is it, gentlemen?"
+
+"The--the paper I gave--that you offered to--that--in short, I want
+it immediately," faltered my companion.
+
+"I have no paper of yours, and I do not know what you are talking
+about, my friend," said the Princess Y---- with the calmest air in
+the world.
+
+Menken uttered a cry of despair.
+
+"The letter, the letter I gave you last night--it was a letter from
+the Czar," he exclaimed feebly.
+
+"I think you must have dreamed it," said the Princess with extreme
+composure. "Marie, have you seen any letter about?"
+
+"No, your highness," returned the servant submissively.
+
+"If you think there is anything here, you are welcome to look," her
+mistress added with a pleasant smile. "As for me, I never keep
+letters, my own or anybody else's. _I always tear them up._"
+
+And with these words, and another smile and a nod, she stepped
+gracefully past us, and went to take her seat in the part of the
+train reserved for ladies.
+
+Somewhere, doubtless, on the white Manchurian plain we had crossed in
+the night, the fragments of the imperial peacemaker's letter were
+being scattered by the wind.
+
+Menken's face had changed utterly in the last minute. He resembled an
+elderly man.
+
+"Tell the Czar that I alone am to blame," were his last words.
+
+Before I could prevent him, he had drawn a revolver from his pocket,
+and put two bullets through his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO
+
+
+A week later, that is to say, on the 8th of February, 1904, I was in
+Tokio.
+
+The behavior of the Princess Y---- on hearing of the death of her
+victim had been a strange mixture of heartlessness and hysterical
+remorse.
+
+At the first sound of the fatal shots, she came rushing to the scene
+of the tragedy, and cast herself on the floor of the corridor beside
+the dead man, seizing his hands, crying his name aloud, and weeping
+frantically.
+
+When I tried to raise her, so that the body might be removed, she
+turned on me fiercely.
+
+"This is your fault!" she cried. "Who are you, and how dared you
+interfere with me?"
+
+"As you see by my uniform, I am an inspector of police attached to
+the Third Section."
+
+She gazed at me searchingly for a moment, and then, lowering her
+voice, and bringing her lips to my ear, she said with intense energy:
+
+"It is a lie. I am here by the orders of the Minister himself, as you
+must know well. You are acting against us, whoever you are."
+
+"I am acting by order of the Czar," I responded.
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"I expect that is another lie. You could not have got so far as you
+have unless you had some one else behind you. Poor Nicholas!--Every
+one knows what he is, and that he has less power than any other man
+in Russia. Are you Witte's man, I wonder?"
+
+"You are a bold woman to question me," I said. "How do you know that
+I am not going to arrest you for stealing and destroying the Czar's
+letter?"
+
+"I should not remain long under arrest," was the significant answer.
+She gave me another searching look, and muttered to herself, "If I
+did not know that he was safe in the hands of my friends in
+Petersburg I should think you must be a certain Monsieur ----"
+
+She broke off without pronouncing my name, and turned away.
+
+At Mukden, the next stopping place, the Princess Y---- left the
+train, no doubt intending to travel back to Russia and report her
+success.
+
+In the meantime, I had reason to think she had notified her friends
+in Manchuria to keep an eye on me.
+
+All the way to Dalny I felt by that instinct which becomes second
+nature to a man of my profession that I was under surveillance.
+I detected a change in the manner of my friend the train
+superintendent. My trifling luggage was carefully searched. In the
+night when I was asleep some one went through my pockets. I was able
+to see that even the contents of my cigarette case, which I had not
+opened since leaving Petersburg, had been turned out and put back
+again.
+
+As the train neared Dalny I began to feel a little nervous. I had a
+dread of being stopped on my way to embark on board the steampacket
+which was still running to Tokio.
+
+The train drew up at last, at the end of its five-thousand-mile-run,
+and I stepped off it to the platform, carrying my valise in my hand.
+
+The platform was literally swarming with spies, as it was easy for a
+man of my experience to detect. I walked calmly through them to the
+cab-stand, and hailed a droshky.
+
+The driver, before starting off, exchanged a signal almost openly
+with a stout man in plain clothes, who dogged me from the railway
+carriage.
+
+Presently I sighted the steamer, alongside the principal wharf, with
+the smoke pouring out of its funnel, all ready to start.
+
+The cabman whipped his horse and drove straight past the steamer.
+
+"Where are you going?" I shouted.
+
+"To the Custom House first; it is the regulation," was the answer.
+
+Taking out my long neglected case, I placed a cigarette between my
+lips, and asked the driver for some matches.
+
+He passed me a wooden box. I struck several, but each went out in the
+high wind before igniting the tobacco.
+
+I was making another attempt as the droshky drew up outside the steps
+of the Custom House. I dismounted negligently, while one of the
+officials came and clutched my luggage. Then I walked slowly up the
+steps, pausing in the porch to strike a fresh match.
+
+A porter snatched the box from my hand. "Smoking is forbidden," he
+said roughly. "Wait till you are out again."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders, pinched the burning end of the cigarette,
+which I retained in my mouth, and sauntered with an air of supreme
+indifference after the man who was carrying my bag.
+
+He led me into a room in which a severe-looking official was seated
+at a desk.
+
+"Your papers," he demanded.
+
+I produced the papers with which I had been furnished by Rostoy.
+
+The customs official scrutinized them, evidently in the hope of
+discovering some flaw.
+
+"On what business are you going to Tokio?" he demanded.
+
+I smiled.
+
+"Since when have the police of the Third Section been obliged to
+render an account of themselves to the officers of the customs?" I
+asked defiantly.
+
+"How do I know that you are not a Japanese spy?"
+
+I laughed heartily.
+
+"You must be mad. How do I know that you are not a Nihilist?" I
+retorted.
+
+The customs officer turned pale. I saw that my chance shot had gone
+home. The Russian imperial services are honeycombed by revolutionary
+intrigues.
+
+"Well, I shall detain your luggage for examination," he declared.
+
+This time I pretended the greatest agitation. Of course, the more I
+resisted the more he insisted. In the end he allowed me to depart
+without my person being searched. The fact is I had convinced him
+that he held an important prize in my worthless valise.
+
+I was just in time to catch the steamer. As I crossed the gangway, a
+man dressed like a coal-trimmer turned on me a last careful scrutiny,
+and remarked,
+
+"Your cigarette has gone out, Mister."
+
+"Can you give me a light? Thank you!" I struck a match, drew a puff
+of smoke, and handed him back the box. Then I walked on board, the
+gangway was drawn in, and the Japanese steamer headed out to the open
+sea.
+
+On reaching Tokio I experienced some difficulty in obtaining an
+audience of the Japanese ruler.
+
+I was obliged to announce my name. It will hardly be believed, but
+the chamberlain whom I had entrusted with the important secret,
+brought back the answer that the Mikado had never heard of me!
+
+"Tell his imperial majesty that there is no monarch of Europe, and
+only two of Asia, who could say the same. I am here as the
+confidential plenipotentiary of the Czar, with an autograph letter
+addressed to the Mikado, and I respectfully ask leave to present it
+in person."
+
+Such a demand of course could not be refused. But even now the
+haughty Japanese did not receive me in the privacy of his own
+cabinet. On the contrary, I found myself introduced into the State
+Council-Room, in which his majesty was seated at a table surrounded
+by his chief advisers.
+
+In particular I remarked the venerable Yamagata, conqueror of China,
+and the round bullet-head of Oyama, the future overthrower of
+Kuropatkin.
+
+On the table was spread out a large map, or rather plan, of the
+entire theater of war, including Manchuria, Korea, Japan and the seas
+between. A man in naval uniform was standing beside the imperial
+chair, with an expectant look on his face.
+
+All eyes were turned upon me at my entrance. The Mikado beckoned to
+me to approach him.
+
+"Is it true that you bring me a letter from the Russian Emperor?" he
+asked abruptly. "We have received information that such a letter was
+on its way, but that the bearer was murdered on the Manchurian
+railway four days ago."
+
+"Your majesty's information is substantially correct," I answered.
+"The messenger, a Colonel Menken, was seduced into parting with his
+despatch, and committed suicide in consequence."
+
+"Well, and what about yourself?"
+
+"Foreseeing that the unscrupulous men who have been trying to force
+on a war between his Russian majesty and your majesty would leave no
+stone unturned to intercept this despatch, the Czar wrote a duplicate
+with his own hand, which he entrusted to me, in the hope that I might
+baffle the conspirators."
+
+"Where is it?"
+
+"I endeavored to conceal it by unstitching the front of the shirt I
+am wearing, and sewing it up between the folds.
+
+"Unfortunately I was drugged at a dinner party in Petersburg just
+before starting. I was unconscious for an hour and a half, and I fear
+that the opponents of peace have taken advantage of the opportunity
+to find and rob me of the letter. But I will see, with your majesty's
+permission."
+
+The Mikado made no answer. Amid a breathless silence, with all the
+room watching my movements, I tore open my shirt-front and extracted
+a paper.
+
+It was blank.
+
+"So," commented the Japanese Emperor, sternly, "you have no such
+credentials as you boasted of having."
+
+"Pardon me, sire. Anticipating that the War Party would suspect the
+object of my mission, and would resort to some such step to defeat
+it, I purposely provided them with a document to steal, believing
+that when they had robbed me of it they would allow me to proceed
+unmolested. My real credentials are here."
+
+I drew out my cigarette case, found the partially smoked cigarette I
+had had in my mouth when I ran the gauntlet of the spies at Dalny,
+and proceeded to cut off the paper. On the inner surface these words
+were written in the hand of the Czar:
+
+      The bearer of this, M. V----, has my full confidence, and
+      is authorized to settle conditions of peace.
+                         NICHOLAS.
+
+As I respectfully placed the scrap of paper, with its charred edges,
+in the Mikado's hand, I was conscious of a profound sensation in the
+room. Aged statesmen and brilliant commanders bent eagerly across
+the table to learn the character of the message thus strangely
+brought to its destination.
+
+His majesty read the brief note aloud. It was received with a murmur,
+not entirely of satisfaction I was surprised to note.
+
+Seeing that the Mikado made no remark, I ventured to say:
+
+"I hope that the extreme character of the measures adopted by the
+Czar to assure your majesty of his peaceful sentiments will have the
+effect of convincing you that they are genuine."
+
+The Emperor of Japan glanced around his council board as if to
+satisfy himself that he and his advisers were of one mind before
+replying:
+
+"I appreciate the zeal and the extraordinary skill with which you
+have carried out your mission. I regret that I cannot give you a
+favorable answer to take back to your nation."
+
+I was thunderstruck at this exordium. Slightly raising his voice, the
+Mikado went on:
+
+"Tell the Emperor of Russia that I do not distrust his sincerity, but
+I distrust his power. The monarch who cannot send a letter through
+his dominions in safety; who has to resort to stratagems and
+precautions like these to overcome the opposition of his own
+subjects, is not the ruler of his empire.
+
+"Why, sir, do you suppose that if I had a message to send to my
+brother in St. Petersburg I should have to stoop to arts like these?
+That any subject of mine would dare to plot against me, to seduce my
+messengers, to drug and rob them? Incredible! The tale you have told
+me completely confirms everything I and my advisers have already
+heard with regard to the Russian Government. It is a ship without a
+captain, on which the helm is fought for and seized by different
+hands in turn. To-day the real rulers of Russia are the men who are
+bent on war--and who, while we are talking, have actually begun the
+war!"
+
+I gazed around the Council-Room, unable to believe my ears.
+
+"Yes," the stern sovereign continued, "while you, sir, were entering
+the Inland Sea, charged with this offer of peace"--his majesty tossed
+the precious piece of paper on the table with a look of disdain--"a
+Russian gunboat, the _Korietz_, was firing the first shot of the war
+at one of my squadrons off Chemulpo."
+
+The glances directed by those present at the naval officer behind the
+imperial chair convinced me that he had just brought the fatal news
+to the Council.
+
+"And now," added the Mikado, "I will give my reply to the real
+masters of Russia--to the directors of the _Korietz_."
+
+He nodded to the naval officer, who walked across the floor to a box
+on the wall like a telephone receiver, and pressed a button.
+
+"That," his majesty explained, "is the signal for a flotilla of
+torpedo boats to enter the harbor of Port Arthur and blow up the
+Russian fleet."
+
+I think a faint cry of remonstrance or misgiving must have escaped
+me. The Japanese monarch frowned, and his voice took a still sterner
+ring.
+
+"Go back to your unfortunate master, and tell him that when he can
+send me a public envoy, in the light of day, to ask for peace, and to
+undertake the fulfilment of the pledges which his Ministers have
+broken, I will grant his request."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND
+
+
+I left the presence of the Japanese Emperor deeply disheartened.
+
+It is true I had myself foretold this failure, and that his Japanese
+majesty and his advisers had been good enough to compliment me in
+almost extravagant terms on the energy and resourcefulness I had
+shown in baffling the enemies of peace.
+
+But I am unaccustomed to defeat, no matter what are the odds against
+me, and I felt that the first point in the game had been scored
+against by the formidable woman whose beauty and strangely composite
+character had fascinated me, even while I was countermining her.
+
+For my work was not yet over. Indeed, it had but just begun.
+
+I had not succeeded in averting war between the two great Powers of
+Asia. But I hoped to thwart the efforts which I feared would be made
+to extend the conflagration to Europe.
+
+As soon as I had found myself once more on civilized ground, I had
+despatched a cable to my Paris office, announcing my whereabouts and
+asking for information.
+
+The reader may be excused if he has forgotten a little episode which
+marked my stay in Petersburg. I had noticed something peculiar and at
+the same time familiar in the scent of the tobacco smoked by
+Petrovitch, the financial adventurer whose scheme to enrich himself
+and a corrupt clique of courtiers out of the spoils of Korea and
+China was the true cause of the war.
+
+By a ruse I had secured one of the cigarettes, smoked by this
+dangerous plotter, and having ascertained that it bore the mark
+_Gregorides, Crown Aa_, had instructed my staff to ascertain the
+history of this particular make of cigarettes.
+
+While I was resting in my hotel in Tokio, waiting for the reply to my
+cable, I was honored by a visit from no less a personage than Privy
+Councillor Katahashi, President of the Imperial Bank of Japan.
+
+"I have come," the Privy Councillor explained as soon as the door was
+closed, "to express the high sense of your ability and devotion which
+we all possess, and to ask if it is possible for Japan to secure your
+services."
+
+Deeply gratified by this proposal, I was obliged to explain that I
+was already retained in the interest of Russia.
+
+"But what interest?" Mr. Katahashi persisted. "It is clear that you
+are not acting on behalf of that group which has just succeeded in
+its purpose of forcing a war."
+
+"That is so," I admitted. "It is no breach of confidence--in fact, I
+serve my employers by assuring you that my efforts are directed
+toward peace."
+
+"In that case there can be no antagonism between us, surely. Is it
+not possible for you and me--I say nothing about our respective
+Governments--to co-operate for certain purposes?
+
+"I know enough of the conditions which prevail in the Russian Court
+to feel pretty sure that it was not Nicholas II. who originally
+sought you out, and entrusted you with this mission," the Japanese
+statesman added.
+
+"At the close of the last war in this part of the world," the Privy
+Councillor went on, "Japan was robbed of the fruit of her victories
+by an alliance of three Powers, Russia, Germany, and France. This
+time we know that England will support us against any such
+combination. Thanks to King Edward VII. we have nothing to fear. His
+diplomacy, moreover, has secured the powerful influence of France on
+the side of peace. Although nominally allied with the Czar, we know
+that the French Government is determined to limit the area of the
+war, and to take no part against us, except in one event."
+
+"You mean," I put in, "in the event of an attack by England on
+Russia."
+
+"Exactly. And therefore we know that King Edward is making it his
+particular care that no cause of conflict shall arise."
+
+He paused, and glanced at me as though he considered that he had
+sufficiently indicated the source from which my instructions were
+received.
+
+I contented myself with bowing.
+
+"We know, also, that the most restless and ambitious of living
+monarchs has been bending his whole thoughts and schemes, ever since
+he ascended the throne, to one supreme end--the overthrow of the
+British Empire by a grand combination of all the other Powers of the
+world. If that monarch can force on a general strife in which England
+will be involved on the side of Japan, while practically every other
+European Power is leagued against her, M. Petrovitch and his timber
+concessions will have done their work."
+
+I drew a deep breath as I looked at the Japanese statesman with a
+questioning gaze.
+
+As if in answer to my unspoken query, a waiter of the hotel knocked
+at the door in the same moment, and brought me the long-expected
+cable from my agent in Europe.
+
+I tore it open and read:
+
+      Cigarettes Gregorides Crown Aa special brand manufactured
+      to order of Marx, Berlin, tobacconist to German Emperor.
+
+I looked up from reading the telegram to see the eyes of the Japanese
+Privy Councillor fixed upon me with the inscrutable, penetrating gaze
+of the Oriental.
+
+"The message you have just received bears on the subject of our
+conversation, does it not?" he inquired, but in the tone of one who
+does not doubt what the answer will be.
+
+With the caution which has become a habit with me, I read the cable
+through carefully for the second time, and then placed it on the
+fire, where it was instantly consumed.
+
+The Japanese statesman smiled.
+
+"You forget, I think, M. V----, that you have come here as the
+emissary of a sovereign with whom we are at war, and that,
+consequently, we cannot afford to respect your privacy.
+
+"I have a copy in my pocket," he went on urbanely. "You have felt
+some curiosity about a particular brand of cigarettes, and your
+friends have just informed you that they are those supplied to the
+German Emperor."
+
+I looked at Mr. Katahashi with new respect.
+
+"Your secret service is well managed, sir," I observed.
+
+"Such a compliment from such a quarter is an ample reward for what
+little pains I may have taken."
+
+"Then it is you who are----?"
+
+"The organizer of our secret service during the war?--I am."
+
+"But you are a banker?" I turned my eyes to the card by which Mr.
+Katahashi had announced his visit.
+
+The Japanese gave another of his subtle smiles--those peculiar smiles
+of the Oriental which make the keenest-witted man of the West feel
+that he is little better than a blunderer.
+
+"I came here prepared to take you into my confidence," he said
+gravely. "I am well aware that it is the only safe course in dealing
+with the Bismarck of underground diplomacy.
+
+"I am equally well aware," the Privy Councillor added, "that a secret
+confided to Monsieur V---- is as safe as if it had been told in
+confidence to a priest of Buddha, for whom the penalty of betrayal is
+to be flayed alive."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN
+
+
+"Three years ago," Mr. Katahashi proceeded, "when we first recognized
+that Japan would be obliged to fight Russia for her existence as a
+free and independent country, his imperial majesty the Mikado
+appointed me head of the intelligence department.
+
+"I perceived that it would be necessary for me to establish centers
+in the chief European capitals, and to have at my command a corps of
+agents whose comings and goings would not attract the attention that
+is usually given to the movements of persons connected with the staff
+of an embassy.
+
+"In our case precautions were necessary which would not have been
+recognized in the case of another country.
+
+"On the one hand, our Government has laid to heart the profound
+advice of Herbert Spencer, that whatever is done for Japan should be
+done by Japanese.
+
+"On the other hand, our people have characteristic racial features
+which make it practically impossible for a Japanese to disguise
+himself as a Western European, so as to deceive European eyes.
+
+"It was therefore necessary to provide an excuse for distributing
+Japanese agents over the West without the true reason of their
+presence being known.
+
+"I solved this problem by founding the Imperial Bank of Japan."
+
+"But, surely!" I exclaimed, "the Imperial Bank of Japan is a _bona
+fide_ concern? Its shares are regularly quoted on the stock
+exchanges. It negotiates loans, and carries on the ordinary business
+of a bank?"
+
+"Certainly. Why not? You forget that Japan is not a rich country.
+What we lack in gold, we are obliged to make up in ingenuity and
+devotion. Thanks to this idea of mine, the secret service of Japan
+pays for itself, and even earns a small profit."
+
+It gave me something like a cold shock to comprehend the character of
+this people whom the Russians had so recklessly provoked to draw the
+sword.
+
+I thought of the intelligence departments of some Western Powers, of
+the rank corruption that reigned on the Neva, where every secret had
+its price; of the insane conceit of Berlin, which had forgotten
+nothing and learned nothing since the days of Moltke; of the
+luxurious laziness of Pall Mall, where superannuated soldiers dozed
+in front of their dusty pigeon-holes after apoplectic lunches, and
+exercised their wits chiefly in framing evasive answers suited to the
+intelligence of the House of Commons.
+
+And beside these pictures I placed this of the prosperous commercial
+house, founded by the man before me, a man whose salary would
+probably be sniffed at by a deputy-assistant controller in the
+British War Office.
+
+A bank, paying its way, and adding to the revenues of Japan, and yet
+every member of its staff a tireless spy, ready to go anywhere and
+risk everything on behalf of his native country!
+
+Mr. Katahashi seemed to ignore the effect produced on my mind by his
+modest explanation.
+
+"I have told you this," he resumed, "because if I can succeed in
+satisfying you that we are both working for the same ends, or at
+least against the same enemy, I hope it will be agreeable to you to
+co-operate with me."
+
+I drew my brows together in anxious thought. In spite of the flattery
+and deference of the Privy Councillor I could not but feel that I
+should be the junior partner in any such combination as he proposed,
+or, rather, I should find myself an instrument in the hands of one
+whose methods were strange to me.
+
+"Although his imperial majesty was not familiar with your name, you
+must not suppose that your reputation is not known in the right
+quarters. I have a very full report on your work in my office. I had
+intended from the first to engage your services if we required any
+Western aid; and, as a matter of fact, I was on the eve of sending
+you a retainer, when I heard I had been anticipated by----"
+
+"By Lord Bedale," I put in swiftly.
+
+"By Lord Bedale, certainly," the Japanese acquiesced with a polite
+bow and smile.
+
+"After your interview with him, I lost sight of you," my
+extraordinary companion went on. "Your wonderful transformation into
+a Little Englander of the Peace-at-any-Price school threw my agents
+off the scent. But I heard of your interview with Nicholas II."
+
+"You did!"
+
+Mr. Katahashi nodded.
+
+"I recognized you in that transaction. I even guessed that you might
+make an attempt to carry through a message from the Czar. But,
+knowing the influences arrayed against you, I never expected you to
+succeed. Your appearance in our Council-Room was a triumph on which I
+congratulate you warmly.
+
+"And now," the Mikado's Privy Councillor continued, "there remain two
+questions:
+
+"Supposing you are satisfied that the real author of this war is not
+any one in Russia, but a certain monarch who smokes cigarettes made
+by the house of Gregorides--
+
+"And that the same ambitious ruler is now weaving his snares to
+entangle Great Britain, in short your own employer, the----"
+
+"Marquis of Bedale," I again slipped in.
+
+Again the same polite but incredulous bow and smile from the Japanese
+statesman.
+
+"Would you be willing to accept a retainer from us?"
+
+I sat upright, frowning.
+
+The somewhat haughty attitude of the Emperor of Japan still rankled
+within me.
+
+"I will accept a retainer from his majesty the Mikado," I announced
+stiffly. "From no one else."
+
+Mr. Katahashi looked thoughtful.
+
+"I will see what can be done," he murmured. "The second question----"
+
+There was a momentary hesitation in his manner.
+
+"I have just spoken to you of the precept of the great English
+philosopher."
+
+"It was, if I remember rightly, that you should employ only Japanese
+in the service of Japan?"
+
+The Privy Councillor bowed.
+
+"Therefore, you will see, we are obliged to make a proposal which may
+seem to you unusual--perhaps unreasonable."
+
+"And this proposal is?" I asked, with undisguised curiosity.
+
+"That you should become a Japanese."
+
+I threw myself back in my chair, amazed.
+
+"Your Excellency, I am an American citizen."
+
+"So I have understood."
+
+"An American citizen is on a level with royalty."
+
+"That is admitted."
+
+"Even the Dowager Empress of China, when engaging me in her service,
+though she raised my ancestors to the rank of marquises, did not ask
+me to forego my citizenship of the United States."
+
+"That is not necessary," the Privy Councillor protested.
+
+"Explain yourself, if you will be so good."
+
+"A man may be an American citizen, although by birth he is a
+Frenchman, a German, or even a negro. You yourself are a Pole, I
+believe."
+
+I could only bow.
+
+"Now I do not propose that you should relinquish your political
+allegiance, but only that you should exchange your Polish nationality
+for a Japanese one."
+
+"But how, sir?"
+
+"It is very simple. By being adopted into a Japanese family."
+
+I sat and stared at the Japanese statesman, with his mask-like face
+and impenetrable eyes. I seemed to be in some strange dream.
+
+Who shall judge the ways of the Asiatic! This daring organizer, a
+match for the most astute minds of the West, believed that he could
+only make sure of fidelity by persuading me to go through what
+seemed the comedy of a mock adoption, a ceremony like the blood
+brotherhood of an African tribe.
+
+"And suppose I consent, into what family do you purpose to introduce
+me?"
+
+The Privy Councillor's look became positively affectionate as he
+responded:
+
+"If you would honor me by becoming my kinsman?"
+
+I rose to my feet, shaking my head slowly.
+
+"I appreciate the compliment your Excellency pays me. But, as we have
+just now agreed, an American citizen has no equals except royalty.
+Let us return to the German Emperor and his designs. If I cannot
+serve you directly I may be able to do so indirectly."
+
+The Japanese made no attempt to press his proposal.
+
+Instead he plunged into a discussion of the intrigues which radiated
+from Berlin.
+
+"In nearly all the international difficulties and disagreements of
+the last twenty years," he said, "it is possible to trace the evil
+influence of Germany.
+
+"To German sympathy, a secret encouragement, was due the wanton
+invasion of Cape Colony by the Boers. To the Kaiser, and his promises
+of support, was due the hopeless defiance of the United States by
+Spain. The same Power tried to drag Great Britain into collision
+with your Republic over the miserable concerns of Venezuela. For
+years, Germany has been secretly egging on the French to raise
+troubles against the English in Egypt. In the same spirit, the Sultan
+has been abetted, first against England and next against Russia.
+
+"All these schemes have been spoiled by the action of King Edward
+VII. in establishing cordial relations with France, and even to a
+certain extent with Russia.
+
+"Now Wilhelm II. has taken advantage of the attraction of France to
+England, to draw nearer to Russia. He has secured in his interest
+some of the most influential personages at the Russian Court. The
+Anglophobe grand dukes, the fire-eaters of the Admiralty, are all his
+sworn allies.
+
+"But that is not the worst.
+
+"By some means which I have not yet been able to trace, the Kaiser
+seems to have acquired a peculiar hold over Nicholas II.
+
+"The whole policy of Russia seems to be tinged by this influence.
+Even where the instigation of Germany is not directly apparent, yet
+in a hundred ways it is clear that the Russian Government is playing
+the German game. The cause of all this is a riddle, a riddle which it
+is for you to solve."
+
+"For me?"
+
+The words escaped me involuntarily. I had listened with growing
+uneasiness to the Privy Councillor's revelations.
+
+"Undoubtedly. You have facilities which no one else possesses. You
+enjoy the confidence of the Czar. You cannot be suspected of any
+selfish designs, still less of any hostile feeling against Wilhelm
+II., who is understood to be almost your personal friend."
+
+"I never allow personal friendships to influence me in the discharge
+of my duty."
+
+"It is because I believe that, that I am talking to you like this,"
+Mr. Katahashi responded quickly.
+
+"Well!" he added after a short silence, "what do you say?"
+
+"I must have the night to decide."
+
+The Japanese Privy Councillor rose to say good-by.
+
+After he had gone I sat up late into the night considering how far I
+could serve my employer in England by entering into the projects of
+the secret service of Japan.
+
+In the morning, I was still undecided, but on the whole it seemed to
+me that it would be better to act independently.
+
+I was considering how to convey this decision to the Mikado's
+minister, when he again presented himself before me.
+
+His manner was deeply agitated. It was evident that he came to make a
+communication of the highest importance.
+
+Instead of taking the chair I offered him, he stood regarding me with
+an expression that seemed one of awe.
+
+"Monsieur V----," he said at length, "your conditions are accepted by
+his imperial majesty."
+
+"What conditions?" I asked, bewildered for the moment.
+
+"Last night you informed me that an American citizen occupied the
+same rank as royalty."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"The Mikado offers to make you a member of the imperial family by
+adoption, and one of his majesty's cousins has consented to make you
+his son!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS
+
+
+In these days, when princes resign their rank to marry commoners, and
+queens elope with tutors, it is probable that most Western minds will
+see nothing out of the way in the condescension of the Japanese ruler
+in admitting a diplomatic agent to the honor of the imperial
+cousinship.
+
+But the dynasty of Japan is the most illustrious in the world,
+excepting only that of Great Britain. Like Edward VII., the Mikado
+traces his lineage back to pagan gods. From the days of the famous
+Empress Jimmu, an unbroken line of sacred sovereigns has filled the
+throne of the Realm of the Rising Sun during more than two thousand
+years.
+
+Mr. Katahashi was evidently pleased to see that I appreciated to the
+full the tremendous honor accorded to me.
+
+"An imperial carriage is waiting to convey you to the Palace," he
+said. "But it will not be becoming for you to wear that uniform. I
+have brought you a Japanese dress."
+
+An attendant came into the room bearing a gorgeous robe of green silk
+embroidered with golden chrysanthemums.
+
+I put it on like one in a dream. The Privy Councillor with his own
+hands girt around my waist the two weapons, sacred from time
+immemorial to the use of the Japanese noble, the sword with which to
+behead his friend, and the dagger with which to disembowel himself.
+
+Needless to say, I had no expectation that I should ever have
+occasion to regard these magnificently embellished weapons in any
+other light than as ornamental badges of rank.
+
+As we rode to the Palace, I could not forbear contrasting this
+splendid treatment with that which I had been accustomed to receive
+from some of the European sovereigns to whom I had rendered important
+services.
+
+Even the German Kaiser, who trusted me more than the head of his own
+police, who talked to me almost on the footing of an intimate friend,
+had never offered me so much as the coveted "von" before my name--had
+not given me even the pretty Red Eagle which is lavished on
+second-rate generals and lords-in-waiting.
+
+I became well-nigh appalled as I contrasted the sluggish
+conversation, the hide-bound officialism, the stereotyped and sleepy
+methods of the Western Powers with the sleepless energy, the daring
+initiative, the desperate industry and courage of this rejuvenated
+Eastern race.
+
+What could any of these obsolete European Governments effect against
+a nation which was really a vast secret society of forty-five
+millions, directed by a sacred chief, and wielding all the mechanical
+resources of the West with the almost inhuman subtlety and
+ruthlessness of the Orient?
+
+"Anything can be done for money." This maxim, which is forever on the
+lips of Russian statesmen, no longer sounded true in the meridian of
+Tokio.
+
+The ruler of Japan had not offered me so much as a yen. Nay, it
+was clearly expected and intended that I should devote myself
+to the service of my new country without pay, and with the same
+single-hearted devotion as Mr. Katahashi himself. The Mikado was
+going to enroll in his services as an unpaid volunteer the most
+highly-paid, in other words, the most trusted and feared, secret
+service agent of two hemispheres.
+
+And it was to cost him? An embroidered garment and two sentences
+spoken in a private audience!
+
+Such are the methods of Japan!
+
+On our arrival at the Palace we were received by a chamberlain, who
+conducted us by the private staircase to the Hall of the Imperial
+Family.
+
+The Hall is an imposing room, hung with portraits of deceased
+mikados. A single chair, decorated with the emblem of the Rising Sun,
+stood at the upper end.
+
+Almost as soon as we had taken our places, a door behind the chair
+was thrown up, and a number of the officers of the household, all
+wearing the ancient national costume, filed in, and grouped
+themselves around the imperial chair.
+
+Then a silver bell sounded, and his imperial and sacred majesty,
+Mutsuhito CXXI., Mikado, walked slowly forward into the Hall,
+accompanied by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Yoshihito, and an
+elderly man, attired with great richness, who was, as my guide
+whispered to me, his imperial highness Prince Yorimo, second cousin
+to the Emperor, and the man who had consented to be my titular
+father.
+
+The ceremony was brief but impressive. I could not but be struck by
+the contrast between the two Mikados--the one whom I had seen
+yesterday, an alert statesman, wearing Western clothes, and speaking
+French with hardly a trace of accent, and the one before me now, a
+solemn, pontifical figure, in his immemorial robes, moving, speaking
+with the etiquette of a bygone age.
+
+Everything passed in the Japanese language, of which I did not then
+know a single word.
+
+Mr. Katahashi did his best to provide a running translation,
+whispering in my ear, and prompting me with the Japanese words which
+it was necessary for me to pronounce.
+
+As far as I could understand, Prince Yorimo asked permission of the
+Emperor to adopt a son, as he was childless and desired to have some
+one who would sacrifice to his own spirit and those of his father and
+grandfather after he was dead.
+
+The Mikado graciously consenting, I was brought forward, and made to
+renounce my own family and ancestors, and promise to sacrifice
+exclusively to those of my new father.
+
+Prince Yorimo next brought forward a robe embroidered with the
+imperial emblems, the most prominent of which was the Rising Sun. I
+was divested of the dress lent me by Katahashi, and my adoptive
+father flung the imperial garment over my shoulders.
+
+The girding on of the samurai weapon followed, and my father
+addressed me a short exhortation, bidding me hold myself ready at all
+times to obey the will of the Divine Emperor, even to the point of
+committing _seppuku_ at his command.
+
+_Seppuku_ is the correct name of the rite known in the West by the
+vulgar name of _hara-kiri_, or the "happy despatch." It is a form of
+voluntary execution permitted by the ancient laws of Japan to men of
+noble rank, much as European nobles were allowed to be beheaded
+instead of being hanged.
+
+I was then permitted to kiss the hand of Prince Yorimo, who formally
+presented me to the Mikado, whose hand also I had to kiss, kneeling.
+
+That was the whole of the ceremony, at the close of which Mr.
+Katahashi bade me a temporary farewell, and my princely father
+carried me off to a banquet in his own mansion.
+
+Tedious and uninteresting as I fear these details must seem to the
+reader, I have thought it right to record them as an illustration of
+the spirit of Japan, of that country of which I am proud to be an
+adopted son.
+
+The moment we had quitted the Hall of the Imperial Family, Prince
+Yorimo began to talk to me in French.
+
+He proved to be a most fascinating companion. Old enough to remember
+the feudal age, which was still in full vigor in Japan forty years
+ago, he had since mastered most of the knowledge of the West.
+
+I soon found that the Prince was by no means disposed to treat the
+adoption as a mere form. It was evident that the old gentleman had
+taken a strong fancy to me. He gave me a most affectionate welcome on
+the threshold of his house, and immediately calling his servants
+around him, introduced me to them as their future master, and bade
+them obey me as himself.
+
+I was more touched than I care to say by this kind treatment. My own
+parents have long been dead; I know nothing of any other relations,
+if I have any; I have long been a wanderer and an adventurer on the
+face of the earth, and now, at last, I felt as though I had found a
+home.
+
+Something of this I tried to convey to his imperial highness.
+
+"My son," he replied with deep tenderness, "I feel that to me you
+will be a son indeed. You shall learn the language of our beautiful
+country, you shall grow used to our national ways. Before long you
+will let me provide you with a daughter of the Chrysanthemum to be
+your wife, and my grandchildren shall be Japanese indeed."
+
+A sound of bells was heard outside.
+
+"My friends are coming to pay the customary congratulation," the aged
+prince explained. "As it is necessary that you should have a name
+suited to your new rank, I ask you to take that of my father,
+Matsukata."
+
+A few words of direction were spoken to the steward of the chambers,
+who went out. Immediately afterward he returned, throwing open the
+doors widely, and announced:
+
+"The Marquis Yamagata to congratulate his imperial highness Prince
+Matsukata!"
+
+And the Prime Minister of Japan came toward me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SUBMARINE MINE
+
+
+Having told the reader as much as was necessary to enable him to
+understand my subsequent proceedings, and the real forces at work in
+the underground struggle which produced the tragedy of the Dogger
+Bank, I will suppress the remainder of my adventures in Tokio.
+
+When I left the capital of my new country I wore around my neck,
+under the light shirt of chain mail without which I have never
+traveled for the last twenty years, a golden locket containing the
+miniature portrait of the loveliest maiden in the East or in the
+West.
+
+It was a pledge. When little, tender fingers had fastened it in its
+place, little moving lips had whispered in my ear, "Till peace is
+signed!"
+
+I had decided to return to the capital of what was now the country of
+my enemies, by much the same route as I had left it.
+
+To do so, it was necessary to run the blockade of Port Arthur, or
+rather to feign to do so, for the Japanese Minister of Marine had
+been asked by my friend Katahashi to give secret instructions to
+Admiral Togo on my behalf.
+
+In order to ensure a welcome from the Russian commander, and to
+dispel any suspicions, I planned to take in a cargo of Welsh steam
+coal.
+
+Through an agent at Yokohama I chartered a British collier lying at
+Chi-fu, with a cargo for disposal. Leaving the Japanese port on a
+steamer bound for Shanghai, I met the collier in mid-ocean, and
+transferred myself on board her.
+
+As soon as I had taken command, I ordered the skipper to head for
+Port Arthur.
+
+This was the first intimation to him that he was expected to run the
+blockade, and at first he refused.
+
+"I'm not afraid--myself," the sturdy Briton declared, "but I've got a
+mixed crew on board, Germans and Norwegians and Lascars, and all
+sorts, and I can't rely on them if we get in a tight place."
+
+I glanced around at the collection of foreign faces and drew the
+captain aside. He, at least, was an Englishman, and I therefore
+trusted him.
+
+"There is no danger, really," I said. "Admiral Togo has had secret
+orders to let me through. This cargo is merely a pretext."
+
+The rough sailor scratched his head.
+
+"Well, maybe you're telling the truth," he grunted. "But, dang me, if
+I can get the hang of it. You might belong to any country almost by
+the cut of your jib; you say you've fixed things up with the blessed
+Japs, and you're running a cargo of coal for the blessed Rooshians.
+It's queer, mortal queer, that's all I can say. Howsomdever----"
+
+I took out a flask of three-star brandy, and passed it to the
+doubting mariner.
+
+He put it first to his nose, then to his lips.
+
+"Ah! Nothing wrong about that, Mister," he pronounced, as he handed
+back the flask.
+
+"It's a fifty-pound job for yourself, no matter what becomes of the
+cargo," I insinuated.
+
+The worthy seaman's manner underwent a magic change.
+
+"Port your helm!" he yelled out suddenly and sharply to the man at
+the wheel. "Keep her steady nor'-east by nor', and a point nor'. Full
+steam ahead! All lights out! And if one of you lubbers so much as
+winks an eyelid, by George, I'll heave him overboard!"
+
+The crew, who had shown a good many signs of uneasiness since my
+coming over the side, seemed to think this last hint worth attending
+to. They slunk forward to their duties, leaving the captain and
+myself to pace the quarter-deck alone.
+
+We steamed swiftly through the darkness till we began to see the
+search-lights of the Japanese fleet like small white feathers
+fluttering on the horizon.
+
+"Come up on the bridge," the skipper advised. "Got a revolver handy?"
+
+I showed him my loaded weapon.
+
+"Right! I ain't much afraid of the Japs, but we may have trouble with
+some of that all-sorts crew I've got below."
+
+By and by the white plumes became bigger. All at once a ship lying
+dark on the water, scarcely a mile away on the weather-bow, spat out
+a long ribbon of light like an ant-eater's tongue, and we found
+ourselves standing in a glare of light as if we were actors in the
+middle of a stage.
+
+There was a howl from below, and a mixed body of Lascars, headed by
+one of the Germans, rushed toward the helm.
+
+"Back, you milk-drinking swabs!" the skipper roared. "As I'm a living
+man, the first one of you that lays a hand on the wheel, I'll fire
+into the crowd.
+
+"Hark ye here!" their commander said with rough eloquence. "In the
+first place, it don't follow that because you can see a flashlight
+the chap at t'other end can see you. Second place, no ship that does
+see us is going to sink us without giving us a round of blank first,
+by way of notice to heave to. Third place, if we do get a notice, I'm
+going to stop this ship. And, fourth place, you've got five seconds
+to decide whether you'd rather be taken into Yokohama by a prize crew
+of Japs, or be shot where you stand by me and this gentleman."
+
+The crew turned tail. Before five seconds had elapsed, not a head was
+to be seen above decks, except that of the man at the helm, who
+happened to be a Dane, to be first mate, and to be more than
+three-parts drunk.
+
+Needless to say the warning shot was not fired.
+
+We steamed steadily on through the fleet, every vessel of which was
+probably by this time aware of our presence. The search-lights
+flashed and fell all around us, but not once did we have to face
+again that blinking glare which tells the blockade runner that the
+game is up.
+
+But there was another peril in store on which we had not reckoned.
+The sea all around Port Arthur had been strewn with Russian mines!
+
+Unconscious of what was coming, we steamed gaily past the last
+outlying torpedo-boat of Admiral Togo's squadron.
+
+"Through!" cried my friend the skipper, pointing with a grin of
+delight at the Port Arthur lights as they came into view around the
+edge of a dark cliff.
+
+And even as he looked and pointed, there was a terrific wave, a rush,
+a flare and a report, and I felt myself lifted off my feet into
+mid-air.
+
+I fancy I must have been unconscious for a second or two while in the
+air, for the splash of the sea as I struck it in falling seemed to
+wake me up like a cold douche.
+
+My first movement, on coming to the surface again, was to put my hand
+to my neck to make sure of the safety of the precious locket which
+had been placed there by my dear little countrywoman.
+
+My second was to strike out for a big spar which I saw floating amid
+a mass of tangled cordage and splinters a few yards in front of me.
+
+Strange as it may seem, only when my arms were resting safely on the
+spar, and I had time to look about me and take stock of the
+situation, did I realize the extreme peril I had been in.
+
+Most dangers and disasters are worse to read about than to go
+through. Had any one warned me beforehand that I was going to be
+blown up by a mine, I should probably have felt the keenest dread,
+and conjured up all sorts of horrors. As it was, the whole adventure
+was over in a twinkling, and by the greatest good luck I had escaped
+without a scratch.
+
+By this time the forts at the entrance to Port Arthur, attracted, no
+doubt, by the noise of the explosion, were busily searching the spot
+with their lights.
+
+The effect was truly magnificent.
+
+From the blackness of the heights surrounding the famous basin, fiery
+sword after fiery sword seemed to leap forth and stab the sea. The
+wondrous blades of light met and crossed one another as if some
+great archangels were doing battle for the key of Asia.
+
+The whole sea was lit up with a brightness greater than that of the
+sun. Every floating piece of wreckage, every rope, every nail stood
+out with unnatural clearness. I was obliged to close my eyes, and
+protect them with my dripping hand.
+
+Presently I heard a hail from behind me. I turned my head, and to my
+delight saw the brave skipper of the lost ship swimming toward me.
+
+In another dozen strokes he was alongside and clinging with me to the
+same piece of wood, which he said was the main gaff.
+
+He was rather badly gashed about the head, but not enough to threaten
+serious consequences. So far as we could ascertain, the whole of the
+crew had perished.
+
+I confess that their fate did not cost me any very great pang, after
+the first natural shock of horror had passed. They owed their death
+to their own lack of courage, which had caused them to take refuge in
+the lowest part of the ship, where the full force of the explosion
+came. The captain and I, thanks to our position on the bridge, had
+escaped with a comparatively mild shaking.
+
+The steersman would have escaped also, in all probability, had he
+been sober.
+
+In a very short time after the captain had joined me, our eyes were
+gladdened by the sight of a launch issuing from the fort to our
+assistance.
+
+The officer in charge had thoughtfully provided blankets and a flask
+of wine. Thus comforted, I was not long in fully recovering my
+strength, and by the time the launch had set us on shore my comrade
+in misfortune was also able to walk without difficulty.
+
+The lieutenant who had picked us up showed the greatest consideration
+on learning that we had been blown up in an attempt to run a cargo of
+coal for the benefit of the Russian fleet. On landing we were taken
+before Admiral Makharoff, the brave man whom fate had marked out to
+perish two months later by a closely similar catastrophe.
+
+The story which I told to the Admiral was very nearly true, though of
+course I suppressed the incidents which had taken place in Tokio.
+
+I said that I had been charged to deliver a private communication
+from the Czar to the Mikado, sent in the hope of averting war, that I
+had arrived too late, and that, having to make my way back to
+Petersburg, I had meant to do a stroke of business on the way on
+behalf of his excellency.
+
+My inspector's uniform, which I had resumed on leaving Yokohama,
+confirmed my words, and Admiral Makharoff, after thanking me on
+behalf of the navy for my zeal, dismissed me with a present of a
+thousand rubles, and a permit to travel inland from Port Arthur.
+
+Needless to say I did not forget to say good-by to my brave
+Englishman, to whom I handed over the Russian Admiral's reward, thus
+doubling the amount I had promised him for his plucky stand against
+the mutineers.
+
+I have hurried over these transactions, interesting as they were, in
+order to come to the great struggle which lay before me in the
+capital of Russia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE ADVISER OF NICHOLAS II
+
+
+By the second week in March I was back in Petersburg.
+
+On the long journey across Asia, I had had time to mature my plans,
+with the advantage of knowing that the real enemy I had to fight was
+neither M. Petrovitch nor the witching Princess Y----, but the Power
+which was using them both as its tools.
+
+It was a frightful thing to know that two mighty peoples, the
+Japanese and Russians, neither of which really wished to fight each
+other, had been locked in strife in order to promote the sinister and
+tortuous policy of Germany.
+
+So far, the German Kaiser had accomplished one-half of his program.
+The second, and more important, step would be to bring about a
+collision between the Russians and the English.
+
+Thus the situation resolved itself into an underground duel between
+Wilhelm II. and myself, a duel in which the whole future history of
+the world, and possibly the very existence of the British Empire,
+hung in the balance.
+
+And the arbiter was the melancholy young man who wandered through the
+vast apartments of his palace at Tsarskoe-Selo like some distracted
+ghost, wishing that any lot in life had been bestowed on him rather
+than that of autocrat of half Europe and Asia.
+
+It was to Nicholas that I first repaired, on my return, to report the
+result of my mission.
+
+I obtained a private audience without difficulty, and found his
+majesty busily engaged in going through some papers relating to the
+affairs of the Navy.
+
+"So they have not killed you, like poor Menken," he said with a
+mixture of sympathy and sadness.
+
+"Colonel Menken killed!" I could not forbear exclaiming.
+
+"Yes. Did you not hear of it? A Japanese spy succeeded in
+assassinating him, and stealing the despatch, just before Mukden. A
+lady-in-waiting attached to the Dowager Czaritza happened to be on
+the train, and brought me the whole story."
+
+I shook my head gravely.
+
+"I fear your majesty has been misinformed. Colonel Menken committed
+suicide. I saw him put the pistol to his head and shoot himself. His
+last words were a message to your majesty."
+
+The Czar raised his hand to his head with a despairing gesture.
+
+"Will these contradictions never end!" he exclaimed. "Really, sir, I
+hope you have made a mistake. Whom _can_ I trust!"
+
+I drew myself up.
+
+"I have no desire to press my version on you, sire," I said coldly.
+"It is sufficient that the Colonel was robbed, and that he is dead.
+Perhaps Princess Y---- has also given you an account of my own
+adventures?"
+
+Nicholas II. looked at me distrustfully.
+
+"Let us leave the name of the Princess on one side," he said in a
+tone of rebuke. "I have every reason to feel satisfied with her
+loyalty and zeal."
+
+I bowed, and remained silent.
+
+"You failed to get through, I suppose," the Czar continued, after
+waiting in vain for me to speak.
+
+"I beg pardon, sire, I safely delivered to the Emperor of Japan your
+majesty's autograph on the cigarette paper. I was robbed of the more
+formal letter in the house of M. Petrovitch, before starting."
+
+Nicholas frowned.
+
+"Petrovitch again! Another of the few men whom I know to be my real
+friends." He fidgeted impatiently.
+
+"Well, what did the Mikado say?"
+
+I had intended to soften the reply of the Japanese Emperor, but now,
+being irritated, I gave it bluntly:
+
+"His majesty professed to disbelieve in your power to control your
+people. He declared that he could not treat a letter from you
+seriously unless you were able to send it openly, without your
+messengers being robbed or murdered on the way across your own
+dominions."
+
+The young Emperor flushed darkly.
+
+"Insolent barbarian!" he cried hotly. "The next letter I send him
+shall be delivered by the commander of my army on the soil of Japan."
+
+I was secretly pleased by this flash of spirit, which raised my
+respect for the Russian monarch.
+
+A recollection seemed to strike him.
+
+"I hear that you were blown up in attempting to bring some coal into
+Port Arthur," he said in a more friendly tone. "I thank you, Monsieur
+V----."
+
+I bowed low.
+
+"Some of my admirals seem to have been caught napping," Nicholas II.
+added. "I have here a very serious report about Admiral Stark at
+Vladivostok."
+
+"You surprise me, sire," I observed incautiously. "Out in Manchuria I
+heard the Admiral praised on all hands for his carefulness and good
+conduct."
+
+"Carefulness! It is possible to be too careful," the Czar complained.
+"Admiral Stark is too much afraid of responsibility. We have
+information that the English are taking all kinds of contraband into
+the Japanese ports, and he does nothing to stop them, for fear of
+committing some breach of international law."
+
+I began to see what was coming. The Emperor, who seemed anxious to
+justify himself, proceeded:
+
+"The rights of neutrals have never been regarded by the British navy,
+when they were at war. However, I have not been satisfied with taking
+the opinion of our own jurists. I have here an opinion from Professor
+Heldenberg of Berlin, who of course represents a neutral Power, and
+he says distinctly that we are entitled to declare anything we
+please contraband, and to seize English ships--I mean, ships of
+neutrals--anywhere, even in the English Channel itself, and sink them
+if it is inconvenient to bring them into a Russian port."
+
+The insidious character of this advice was so glaring that I wondered
+how the unfortunate young monarch could be deceived by it.
+
+But I saw that comment would be useless just then. I must seek some
+other means of opening his eyes to the pitfalls which were being
+prepared for him.
+
+I came from the Palace with a heavy heart. The next day, Petersburg
+was startled by the publication of a ukase recalling Vice-Admiral
+Stark and Rear-Admiral Molas, his second in command, from the
+Pacific.
+
+Immediately on hearing this news I sent a telegram in cipher to Lord
+Bedale. For obvious reasons I never take copies of my secret
+correspondence, but to the best of my recollection the wire ran as
+follows:
+
+      Germany instigating Russian Navy to raid your shipping on
+      the pretext of contraband. Object to provoke reprisals
+      leading to war.
+
+As the reader is aware, this warning succeeded in defeating the
+Kaiser's main design, the British Government steadily refusing to be
+provoked.
+
+Unfortunately this attitude of theirs played into German hands in
+another way, as English shippers were practically obliged to refuse
+goods for the Far East, and this important and lucrative trade passed
+to Hamburg, to the serious injury of the British ports.
+
+But before this development had been reached, I found myself on the
+track of a far more deadly and dangerous intrigue, one which is
+destined to live in history as the most audacious plot ever devised
+by one great Power against another with which it proposed to be on
+terms of perfect friendship.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+A STRANGE CONFESSION
+
+
+I had last seen the strange, beautiful, wicked woman known as the
+Princess Y---- bending in a passion of hysterical remorse over the
+body of the man she had driven to death, on the snow-clad train
+outside Mukden.
+
+I have had some experience of women, and especially of the class
+which mixes in the secret politics of the European Courts. But Sophia
+Y---- was an enigma to me. There was nothing about her which
+suggested the adventuress. And there was much which tended to support
+the story which had won the belief of her august mistress--that she
+was an involuntary agent, who had been victimized by an unscrupulous
+minister of police, by means of a false charge, and who genuinely
+loathed the tasks she was too feeble to refuse.
+
+I had not been back in Petersburg very long when one afternoon the
+hotel waiter came to tell me that a lady desired to see me privately.
+The lady, he added, declined to give her name, but declared that she
+was well known to me.
+
+I had come back to the hotel, I should mention, in the character of
+Mr. Sterling, the self-appointed agent of the fraternity of British
+peace-makers. It was necessary for me to have some excuse for
+residing in Petersburg during the war, and under this convenient
+shelter I could from time to time prepare more effectual disguises.
+
+I was not altogether surprised when my mysterious visitor raised her
+veil and disclosed the features of the Princess herself.
+
+But I was both surprised and shocked by the frightened,
+grief-stricken look on the face of this woman whom I had come to
+dread as my most formidable opponent in the Russian Court.
+
+"Mr. Sterling!--Monsieur V----?" she cried in an agitated voice that
+seemed ready to break down into a sob. "Can you forgive me for
+intruding on you? I dare not speak to you freely in my own house. I
+am beset by spies."
+
+"Sit down, Princess," I said soothingly, as I rolled forward a
+comfortable chair. "Of course I am both charmed and flattered by your
+visit, whatever be its cause."
+
+With feminine intuition she marked the reserve in my response to her
+appeal.
+
+"Ah! You distrust me, and you are quite right!" she exclaimed,
+casting herself into the chair.
+
+She fixed her luminous eyes on me in a deep look, half-imploring,
+half-reproachful.
+
+"It is true, then, what they have been telling me? You were the man,
+dressed as an inspector of the Third Section who traveled on the
+train with me? And you saw the death"--her words were interrupted by
+a shudder--"of that unhappy man?"
+
+It was not very easy to preserve my composure in the face of her
+emotion. Nevertheless, at the risk of appearing callous, I replied:
+
+"I cannot pretend to understand your question. However, even if I did
+it would make no difference.
+
+"Since you know my name is A. V----, you must know also that I never
+allow myself to talk about my work."
+
+The Princess winced under these cold words almost as though she had
+been physically rebuffed. She clasped her delicately-gloved hands
+together, and murmured as though to herself:
+
+"He will not believe in me! He will not be convinced!"
+
+I felt myself in a very difficult position. Either this woman was
+thoroughly repentant, and sincerely anxious to make some genuine
+communication to me, or else she was an actress whose powers might
+have excited envy in the Bernhardt herself.
+
+I concluded that I could lose nothing by encouraging her to speak.
+
+"You must pardon me if I seem distrustful," I said with a wholly
+sympathetic expression. "I have my principles, and cannot depart from
+them. But I have every wish to convince you of my personal
+friendship."
+
+She interrupted me with a terrible glance.
+
+"Personal friendship! Monsieur, do you know what I have come here to
+tell you?"
+
+And rising wildly to her feet, she spread out her hands in a gesture
+of utter despair:
+
+"They have ordered me to take your life!"
+
+I am not a man who is easily surprised.
+
+The adventures I have passed through, some of them far more
+extraordinary than anything I have recorded in my public revelations,
+have accustomed me to meet almost any situation with diplomatic
+presence of mind.
+
+But on this occasion I am obliged to admit that I was fairly taken
+aback.
+
+As the lovely but dangerous woman whom I had cause to regard as the
+most formidable instrument in the hands of the conspirators, avowed
+to my face that she had been charged with the mission to assassinate
+me, I sprang from my chair and confronted her.
+
+She stood, swaying slightly, as though the intensity of her emotion
+was about to overpower her.
+
+"Do you mean what you say? Do you know what you have said?" I
+demanded.
+
+The Princess Y---- made no answer, but she lifted her violet eyes to
+mine, and I saw the big tears welling up and beginning to overflow.
+
+I was dismayed. My strength of mind seemed to desert me. I have
+looked on without a tear when men have fallen dead at my feet, but I
+have never been able to remain calm before a woman in tears.
+
+"Madame! Princess!" I was on the point of addressing her by a yet
+more familiar name. "At least, sit down and recover yourself."
+
+Like one dazed, I led her to a chair. Like one dazed, she sank into
+it in obedience to my authoritative pressure.
+
+"Come," I said in a tone which I strove to render at once firm and
+soothing, "it is clear that we must understand each other. You have
+come here to tell me this, I suppose?"
+
+"At the risk of my life," she breathed. "What must you think of me!"
+
+I recalled the fate of poor Menken, whom the woman before me had led
+to his doom, though she had not struck the blow.
+
+In spite of myself, a momentary shudder went through me.
+
+The sensitive woman saw or felt it, and shook in her turn.
+
+"Believe me or not, as you will," she exclaimed desperately. "I
+swear to you that I have never knowingly been guilty of taking life.
+
+"Never for one moment did I anticipate that that poor man would do
+what he did," the Princess went on with passionate earnestness. "I
+tempted him to give me the Czar's letter, and I destroyed it--I
+confess that. Are not such things done every day in secret politics?
+Have you never intercepted a despatch?"
+
+It was a suggestive question. I thought of more than one incident in
+my own career which might be harshly received by a strict moralist.
+It is true that I have always been engaged on what I believed was a
+lawful task; but the due execution of that task had sometimes
+involved actions which I should have shrunk from in private life.
+
+"I will not excuse myself, Madame," I answered slowly. "Neither have
+I accused you."
+
+"Your tone is an accusation," she returned with a touch of
+bitterness. "Oh, I know well that men are ready to pardon many things
+in one another which they will not pardon in us."
+
+"I am sorry if I have wounded you," I said with real compunction.
+"Let us say no more about the tragedy that is past. Am I right in
+thinking that you have come to me for aid?"
+
+"I do not know. I do not know why I am here. Perhaps it is because I
+am mad."
+
+I gazed at her flushed face and trembling hands, unable to resist the
+feeling of compassion which was creeping over me.
+
+What was I to think? What was this woman's real purpose in coming to
+me?
+
+Had her employers, had the unscrupulous Petrovitch, or the ruthless
+Minister of Police, indeed charged her to remove me from their path;
+and had her courage broken down under the hideous burden?
+
+Or was this merely a ruse to win my confidence; or, perhaps, to
+frighten me into resigning my task and leaving the Russian capital?
+
+Did she wish to save my life, or her own?
+
+I sat regarding her, bewildered by these conjectures.
+
+I saw that I must get her to say more.
+
+"At least you have come to aid me," I protested. "You have given me a
+warning for which I cannot be sufficiently grateful."
+
+"If you believe it is a genuine one," she retorted. Already she had
+divined my difficulties and doubts.
+
+"I do not doubt that you mean it genuinely," I hastened to respond.
+"There is, of course, the possibility that you yourself have been
+deceived."
+
+"Ah!"
+
+She looked up at me in what I could not think was other than real
+surprise.
+
+"You think so?" she cried eagerly. The next moment her head drooped
+again. "No, no. I have known them too long. They have never trifled
+with me before. Believe me, Monsieur, when they told me that you were
+to be murdered they were not joking with me."
+
+"But they might have meant to use you for the purpose of terrifying
+me."
+
+She stared at me in unaffected astonishment.
+
+"Terrify--_you_!" She pronounced the words with an emphasis not
+altogether unflattering. "You are better known in Russia than you
+imagine, M. V----."
+
+I passed over the remark.
+
+"Still they must have foreseen the possibility that you would shrink
+from such a task; that your womanly instincts would prove too much
+for you. At least they have never required such work of you before?"
+
+Against my will the last words became a question. I was anxious to be
+assured that the hands of the Princess were free from the stain of
+blood.
+
+"Never! They dared not! They _could_ not!" she cried indignantly.
+"You do not know my history. Perhaps you do not care to know it?"
+
+Whatever I knew or suspected, I could make only one answer to such an
+appeal. Indeed, I was desirous to understand the meaning of one word
+which the Princess Y---- had just used.
+
+"Listen," she said, speaking with an energy and dignity which I could
+not but respect, "while I tell you what I am. I am a condemned
+murderess!"
+
+"Impossible!"
+
+"Impossible in any other country, I grant you, but very possible in
+Russia. You have heard, I suppose, everybody has heard, of the deaths
+of my husband and his children. The first two deaths were natural, I
+swear it. I, at all events, had no more to do with them than if they
+had occurred in the planet Saturn. Prince Y---- committed suicide.
+And he did so because of me; I do not deny it. But it was not because
+he suspected me of any hand in the deaths of his children. It was
+because he knew I hated him!
+
+"The story is almost too terrible to be told. That old man had bought
+me. He bought me from my father, who was head over ears in debt, and
+on the brink of ruin. I was sold--the only portion of his property
+that remained to be sold. And from the first hour of the purchase I
+hated, oh, how I loathed and hated that old man!"
+
+There was a wild note in her voice that hinted at unutterable things.
+
+"And he," she continued with a shiver, "he loved me, loved me with a
+passion that was like madness. He could hardly bear me out of his
+sight.
+
+"I killed him, yes, morally, I have no doubt I killed him. He
+lavished everything on me, jewels, wealth, all the forms of luxury.
+He made a will leaving me the whole of his great fortune. But I could
+not endure him, and that killed him. I think," she hesitated and
+lowered her voice to a whisper, "I think he killed himself to please
+me."
+
+Hardened as I am, I felt a thrill of horror. The Princess was right;
+the story was too terrible to be told.
+
+"Then the police came on the scene. From the first they knew well
+enough that I was innocent. But they were determined to make me
+guilty. The head of the secret service at that time was Baron Kratz.
+He had had his eye on me for some time. The Czar, believing in my
+guilt, had ordered him not to spare me, and that fatal order gave him
+a free hand.
+
+"How he managed it all, I hardly know. The servants were bullied or
+bribed into giving false evidence against me. But one part of their
+evidence was true enough; even I could not deny that I had hated
+Prince Y----, and that his death came as a welcome relief.
+
+"There was a secret trial, and I was condemned. They read out my
+sentence. And then, when it was all over, Kratz came to me, and
+offered me life and liberty in return for my services as an agent of
+the Third Section."
+
+"And to save your life you consented. Well, I do not judge you," I
+said.
+
+The Princess glanced at me with a strange smile.
+
+"To save my life! I see you do not yet know our Holy Russia. Shall I
+tell you what my sentence was?"
+
+"Was it not death, then?"
+
+"Yes, death--by the knout!"
+
+"My God!"
+
+I gazed at her stupified. Her whole beauty seemed to be focussed in
+one passionate protest. Knouted to death! I saw the form before me
+stripped, and lashed to the triangles, while the knotted thong,
+wielded by the hangman's hands, buried itself in the soft flesh.
+
+I no longer disbelieved. I no longer even doubted. The very horror of
+the story had the strength of truth.
+
+For some time neither of us spoke.
+
+"But now, surely, you have made up your mind to break lose from this
+thraldom?" I demanded. "And, if so, and you will trust me, I will
+undertake to save you."
+
+"You forget, do you not, that you yourself are not free? You surely
+do not mean that you would lay aside your work for my sake?"
+
+It was a question which disconcerted me in more ways than one. In a
+secret service agent, suspicion becomes second nature. I caught
+myself asking whether all that had gone before was not merely
+intended to lead up to this one question, and I cursed myself for
+the doubt.
+
+"My duty to my present employer comes first, of course," I admitted.
+"But as soon as I am free again----"
+
+"If you are still alive," she put in significantly.
+
+"Ah! You mean?"
+
+"I mean that when they find out that I am not to be depended on, they
+will not have far to look for others."
+
+"It is strange that they should have chosen you in the first place,"
+I said thoughtfully. "You said they _could_ not ask you."
+
+"They did not offer me this mission. I volunteered."
+
+"You volunteered!"
+
+She shook herself impatiently.
+
+"Surely you understand? I heard them deciding on your death. And so I
+undertook the task."
+
+"Because?"
+
+"Because I wished to save you. I had great difficulty. At first they
+were inclined to refuse me--to suspect my motives. I had to convince
+them that I hated you for having outwitted me. And I persuaded them
+that none of their ordinary instruments were capable of dealing with
+you."
+
+"And you meant to give me this warning all along?"
+
+"I meant to save you from them. Do you not see, as long as we are
+together, as long as you are visiting me, and I am seen to be
+following you up, they will not interfere. If I manage the affair
+skilfully it may be weeks before they suspect that I am playing them
+false. I shall have my excuse ready. It is no disgrace to be foiled
+by A. V."
+
+Again there was an interval of silence. The Princess prepared to go.
+
+"Stay!" I protested. "I have not thanked you. Indeed, I do not seem
+to have heard all. You had some reason, surely, for wishing to
+preserve my life."
+
+"And what does my reason matter?"
+
+"It matters very much to me. Perhaps," I gave her a searching look,
+"perhaps the Dowager Czaritza has enlisted you on our side?"
+
+The beautiful woman rose to her feet, and turned her face from me.
+
+"Think so, if you will. I tell you it does not matter."
+
+"And I tell you it does matter. Princess!"
+
+"Don't! Don't speak to me, please! Let me go home. I am not well."
+
+Trembling violently in every limb, she was making her way toward the
+door, when it was suddenly flung open, and the voice of the hotel
+servant announced:
+
+"M. Petrovitch!"
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate walked in with a smile on his
+face, saw the Princess Y---- coming toward him, and stopped short,
+the smile changing to a dark frown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT
+
+
+Whether because he saw that I was watching him, or because he placed
+his own interpretation on the circumstances, the war plotter changed
+his frown into a smile.
+
+"I am glad to see, Princess," he said to the trembling woman, "that
+you have so soon found our good friend Mr. Sterling again."
+
+The Princess Y---- gave him a glance which seemed to enjoin silence,
+bowed with grace, and left the room in charge of the servant who had
+announced M. Petrovitch.
+
+The latter now advanced to greet me with every appearance of
+cordiality.
+
+The last time I had met this well-dressed, delicate scamp, he had
+drugged and robbed me. Now I had just been told that he was setting
+assassins on my track.
+
+But it is my rule always to cultivate friendly intercourse with my
+opponents. Few men can talk for long without exposing something of
+their inner thoughts. I wanted M. Petrovitch to talk.
+
+Therefore I returned his greeting with equal cordiality, and made him
+sit down in the chair from which the Princess Y---- had just risen.
+
+"You will be surprised to hear, no doubt, Mr. Sterling, that I have
+brought you an invitation from the Emperor."
+
+"From what Emperor?" was the retort on the tip of my tongue.
+Fortunately I suppressed it; there is no accomplishment so fatal to
+success in life as wit, except kindness.
+
+I simply answered,
+
+"I am not readily surprised, M. Petrovitch. Neither, I imagine, are
+you."
+
+The financier smiled.
+
+"May I call you M. V----?" he asked. "His majesty has told me who you
+are."
+
+"Were you surprised by that?" I returned with sarcasm.
+
+Petrovitch fairly laughed.
+
+"I hear you have been denouncing me to Nicholas," he said lightly.
+"Can't I persuade you to let our poor little Czar alone. I assure you
+it is a waste of breath on your part, and you will only worry a
+well-meaning young man who has no head for business."
+
+This was plain speaking. It argued no ordinary confidence on the part
+of the intriguer to speak in such a fashion of the Autocrat of All
+the Russias.
+
+Already the interview was telling me something. Petrovitch must have
+some strong, secret hold on Nicholas II.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I answered in my friendliest manner,
+
+"I have no personal feeling against you, my dear Petrovitch. But to
+use drugs--come, you must admit that that was a strong measure!"
+
+"I apologize!" laughed the Russian. "All the more as I find you were
+too many for us after all. I would give something to know how you
+managed to hide the letter you got through."
+
+It was my turn to laugh. I had reason to feel satisfied. Weak as the
+Russian Emperor might be, it was evident that he had not betrayed my
+secret.
+
+"Well, now," the promoter resumed, "all that being over, is there any
+reason why we should not be friends? Be frank with me. What end have
+you in view that is likely to bring us into collision?"
+
+"There is no reason why I should not be frank with you," I answered,
+racking my brain for some story which the man before me might be
+likely to believe, "especially as I do not suppose that either of us
+is likely to report this conversation quite faithfully to his
+imperial majesty. I am a Japanese spy."
+
+Petrovitch gave me a glance in which I thought I detected a mingling
+of incredulity and admiration.
+
+"Really, you are a cool hand, my dear V----!"
+
+"Why, is there anything in that to make us enemies? You are not going
+to pose as the zealous patriot, I hope. I thought we had agreed to be
+frank."
+
+The financier bit his lip.
+
+"Well, I do not deny that I am before all things a man of business,"
+he returned. "If your friends the Japanese can make me any better
+offer than the one I have had from another quarter, I do not say."
+
+"I will see what I can arrange for you," I answered, not wholly
+insincerely. "In the meantime, I think you said something about an
+invitation?"
+
+"Oh, yes, from Nicholas. He wants to see you. He has some scheme or
+other in which he thinks that you and I can work together, and he
+wants us to be friends, accordingly."
+
+"But we are friends, after to-day, I understand?"
+
+"It is as you please, my dear V----," replied the conspirator with a
+slightly baffled air. "You have made a good beginning, apparently,
+with the Princess Y----."
+
+I put on the self-satisfied air of the man who is a favorite with
+women.
+
+"The Princess has been extremely kind," I said. "She has pressed me
+to visit her frequently. Oh, yes, I think I may say we are good
+friends."
+
+Petrovitch nodded. I had purposely prepared his mind for the story
+which I anticipated he would hear from my beautiful protector.
+Evidently it would be necessary for her to tell the Syndicate that
+she was feigning affection for me in order to draw me into a trap.
+
+"Then, as my carriage is outside, may I take you to the Winter
+Palace?"
+
+"That seems the best plan," I acquiesced. "It will convince the Czar
+that we are on good terms."
+
+We drove off together, sitting side by side like two sworn friends. I
+do not know what thoughts passed through his mind; but I know that
+all the way I kept my right hand on the stock of my revolver, and
+once, when one of the horses stumbled, M. Petrovitch was within an
+instant of death.
+
+At the Palace he put me down and drove off. I was admitted to the
+Czar's presence without difficulty, and found him, as usual,
+surrounded by piles of state papers.
+
+Nicholas II. looked up at my entrance with evident pleasure.
+
+"Ah, that is right, M. V----. I hope that, since you have come so
+promptly in response to the message I gave that worthy M. Petrovitch,
+you and he are now good friends."
+
+I could only bow silently. I was a Japanese, related to the sovereign
+with whom he was at war, and I was acting in the service of Great
+Britain. Petrovitch had just forced on the war which Nicholas had
+wished to avert, and he was still acting secretly in the interests
+of Germany. And the Czar was congratulating himself that we were
+friends. It was useless to try to undeceive him.
+
+"Sit down, if you please, M. V----. I have something of the greatest
+importance to tell you. Stay--Perhaps you will be good enough to see
+first that the doors are all secured. I dislike interruptions."
+
+I went to the various entrances of the room, of which there were
+three, and turned the keys in the doors.
+
+"Even M. Petrovitch does not know what I am going to tell you,"
+Nicholas said impressively as I returned to my seat.
+
+"Your majesty does not trust him entirely, then?" I exclaimed, much
+pleased.
+
+"You mistake me. I do not distrust M. Petrovitch; but this is a
+matter of foreign politics, with which he is not familiar. He admits
+frankly that he knows nothing about diplomacy."
+
+I gazed at the benevolent young monarch in consternation. It was the
+spy of Wilhelm II., the agent of the most active diplomatist in the
+world, of whom he had just spoken!
+
+There was no more to be said.
+
+The Emperor proceeded to put a most unexpected question.
+
+"Are you a believer in spirits, M. V----?"
+
+"I am a Roman Catholic, sire. Whatever my Church teaches on this
+subject, I believe. I am rather neglectful of my religious duties,
+however, and do not know its attitude on this subject."
+
+"I honor your loyalty to your communion, M. V----. But as long as you
+do not know what is the attitude of your Church on this subject, you
+cannot feel it wrong to listen to me."
+
+I perceived that if his majesty was no politician, he was at least
+something of a theologian.
+
+The Czar proceeded:
+
+"There is in Petersburg one of the most marvelous mediums and
+clairvoyants who has ever lived. He is a Frenchman named Auguste. He
+came here nearly a year ago--just when the difficulty with Japan was
+beginning, in fact; and he has given me the most valuable information
+about the progress of events. Everything he has foretold has come
+true, so far. He warned me from the first that the Japanese would
+force me into war, just as they have done. In short, I feel I can
+rely on him absolutely."
+
+This was not the first time I had heard of the spiritualist who had
+established such an extraordinary hold on the Russian ruler's mind.
+The common impression was that he was a mystic, a sort of Madame
+Krüdener. At the worst he was regarded as a charlatan of the ordinary
+spirit-rapping type, cultivating the occult as a means of making
+money.
+
+But now, as I listened to the credulous monarch, it suddenly struck
+me what an invaluable tool such a man might prove in the hands of a
+political faction, or even of a foreign Power astute enough to
+corrupt him and inspire the oracles delivered by the spirits.
+
+I listened anxiously for more.
+
+The Emperor, evidently pleased with the serious expression on my
+face, went on to enlighten me.
+
+"Last night M. Auguste was here, in this room, and we held a private
+_séance_. He succeeded in getting his favorite spirit to respond."
+
+"Is it permissible to ask the spirit's name?" I ventured
+respectfully.
+
+"It is Madame Blavatsky," he answered. "You must have heard of her,
+of course. She was practically the founder of rational psychical
+knowledge, though she died a victim to persecution."
+
+I nodded. I had heard of this celebrated woman, who still numbers
+many followers in different parts of the world.
+
+"Last night, as soon as we found that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky
+was present, I asked Auguste to question it about the Baltic fleet.
+
+"I had been holding a preliminary review of the fleet in the morning,
+as you may have seen from the papers. The officers and men seemed
+thoroughly nervous, and very doubtful whether it would ever be in a
+condition to sail. Even the Admiral, Rojestvensky, did not seem
+quite happy, and he found great fault with the stores and equipments.
+
+"I had to authorize a delay of another month, and the Marine
+Department would not promise to have the fleet ready even then.
+
+"Naturally, I wished to know what would become of the fleet when it
+did sail. Auguste questioned the spirit."
+
+His majesty broke off to feel in his pocket for a small slip of
+paper.
+
+"I took down the answer myself, as the spirit rapped it out." And he
+read aloud:
+
+      Baltic Fleet threatened. Japanese and English plotting to
+      destroy it on the way to Port Arthur.
+
+I started indignantly.
+
+"And you believe that, sire! You believe that the British Government,
+which has been straining every nerve to maintain peace, is capable of
+planning some secret outrage against your Navy?"
+
+"It does not say the Government," he announced with satisfaction.
+"The spirit only warns me against the English. Private Englishmen are
+capable of anything. At this very moment, two Englishmen are
+arranging to run a torpedo boat secretly out of the Thames, disguised
+as a yacht, and to bring her to Libau for us."
+
+This piece of information silenced me. It was no doubt possible that
+there might be Englishmen daring enough to assist the Japanese in
+some secret enterprise against a Russian fleet. But I felt I should
+like to have some better authority for the fact than the word of
+Madame Blavatsky's spirit.
+
+"The warning is a very vague one, sire," I hinted.
+
+"True. But I hope to receive a more definite message to-morrow night.
+I was going to ask you if you would have any objection to be present.
+You might then be able to put pressure on the British Government to
+prevent this crime."
+
+Needless to say I accepted the imperial invitation with eagerness.
+
+And I retired to send the following despatch to Lord Bedale:
+
+      When Baltic Fleet starts prepare for trouble. Have all
+      ports watched. It is believed here that attack on it is
+      preparing in England.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN
+
+
+Who was M. Auguste?
+
+This was the question that kept my mind busy after my singular
+interview with the Russian Emperor.
+
+In accordance with my rule to avoid as much as possible mentioning
+the names of the humbler actors in the international drama, I have
+given the notorious medium a name which conceals his true one.
+
+He appeared to be a foreigner, and the Czar's weakness in this
+direction was too well known for his patronage of the quack to excite
+much attention; apparently it had occurred to no one but myself that
+such a man might be capable of meddling in politics.
+
+In his more public performances, so far as I could learn, the
+revelations of the spirits were confined to more harmless topics,
+such as the nature of the future state, or the prospect of an heir
+being born to the Russian crown.
+
+In my quest for further light on this remarkable personage, my
+thoughts naturally turned to the Princess Y----.
+
+I have not concealed that at our first meeting the charming
+collaborator of M. Petrovitch had made a very strong impression on
+me. Her subsequent conduct had made me set a guard on myself, and the
+memory of the Japanese maiden whose portrait had become my cherished
+"mascot," of course insured that my regard for the Princess could
+never pass the bounds of platonic friendship.
+
+But the strange scene of the day before had moved me profoundly.
+Vanity is not a failing of which I am ever likely to be accused by my
+worst detractor, yet it was impossible for me to shut my eyes or ears
+to the confession which had been made with equal eloquence by the
+looks, the blushes and even the words of the beautiful Russian.
+
+Was ever situation more stupid in all the elements of tragedy! This
+unhappy woman, spurred to all kinds of desperate deeds by the awful
+fear of the knout, had been overcome by that fatal power which has
+wrecked so many careers.
+
+In the full tide of success, in the very midst of a life and death
+combat with the man it was her business to outwit and defeat, she had
+succumbed to love for him.
+
+And now, to render her painful situation tenfold more painful, she
+was holding the dagger at his breast as the only means of keeping it
+out of the clutch of some more murderous hand.
+
+Had I the pen of a romancer I might enlarge on this sensational
+theme. But I am a man of action, whose business it is to record
+facts, not to comment on them.
+
+I sought the mansion on the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to see its
+mistress.
+
+Evidently the visit was expected. The groom of the chambers--if that
+was his proper description--led me up-stairs, and into a charming
+boudoir.
+
+A fire replenished by logs of sandalwood was burning in a malachite
+stove, and diffusing a dream-like fragrance through the chamber. The
+walls of the room were panelled in ivory, and the curtains that hung
+across the window frames were of embroidered silk and gold. Each
+separate chair and toy-like table was a work of art--ebony, cinnamon,
+and other rare and curious woods having been employed.
+
+But the rarest treasure there was the mistress of all this luxury.
+The inmate of the sumptuous prison, for such it truly was, lay back
+on a leopard-skin couch, set in the frame of a great silver
+sea-shell.
+
+She had dressed for my coming in the quaint but gorgeous costume of
+ancient Russia, the costume worn by imperial usage at high State
+functions like coronations, weddings and christenings.
+
+The high coif above her forehead flamed with jewels, and big, sleepy
+pearls slid and fell over her neck and bosom.
+
+At my entrance she gave a soft cry, and raised herself on one white
+arm. I stepped forward as though I were a courtier saluting a queen,
+and pressed my lips to her extended hand.
+
+"I expected you, Andreas."
+
+Only two women in my life have I ever allowed to call me by my
+Christian name. One was the ill-starred lady who perished in the
+Konak in Belgrade. The other--but of her I may not speak.
+
+But it was not for me to stand on ceremony with the woman who had
+interposed herself as a shield between me and the enemies who sought
+my death.
+
+"You knew that I should come to thank you," I said.
+
+"I do not wish for thanks," she answered, with a look that was more
+expressive than words. "I wish only that you should regard me as a
+friend."
+
+"And in what other light is it possible for me to regard you, dear
+Princess?" I returned. "Only this friendship must not be all on one
+side. You, too, must consent to think of me as something more than a
+stranger whose life you have saved."
+
+"Can you doubt that I have done so for a long time?"
+
+It needed the pressure of the locket against my neck to keep me from
+replying to this tenderly-spoken sentiment in a way which might have
+led to consequences, for the Russian Empire as well as for the
+Princess and myself, very different to those which have actually
+flowed from our conjunction.
+
+Conquering my impulses as I best could, I sought for a reply which
+would not wear the appearance of a repulse.
+
+"You misunderstand me," I said, putting on an expression of pride.
+"You little know the character of Andreas V---- if you think he can
+accept the humiliating position of the man who is under obligation to
+a woman--an obligation which he has done nothing to discharge. Not
+until I can tell myself that I have done something to place me on a
+higher level in your eyes, can my thoughts concerning you be happy
+ones."
+
+A shade of disappointment passed over Sophia's face. She made a
+pettish gesture.
+
+"Does not--friendship do away with all sense of obligation?" she
+complained.
+
+"Not with me," I answered firmly. "No, Sophia, if you really care for
+me--for my friendship­-you must let me do what I have sworn to do
+ever since I first saw you and heard some rumors of your tragic
+story."
+
+"You mean?"
+
+"You must let me break your odious bondage. I can deliver you, if you
+will only trust me, from the power of the Russian police, or any
+other power, and set you free to live the life of fascination and
+happiness which ought to be yours."
+
+The Princess seemed plunged in meditation. At length she looked
+up----
+
+"You would undertake a hopeless task, my dear Andreas. Not even you
+can fathom all the ramifications of the intrigues in which I find
+myself an indispensable puppet. Those who control my movements will
+never let go the strings by which they hold me, and least of all,
+just now."
+
+I was distressed to see that the Princess was disposed to evade my
+appeal for confidence. I answered with a slightly wounded air:
+
+"I may know more than you think, more even than you know yourself on
+certain points. But of course you are not willing to confide in me
+fully----"
+
+"There can be no perfect trust without perfect"--The Princess, who
+spoke this sentence in Russian, concluded it with a word which may
+mean either friendship or love according to circumstances. As she
+pronounced it, it seemed like love.
+
+"There can be no perfect love without perfect trust," I responded
+quickly, striving to assume the manner of an exacting lover.
+
+And then, a happy thought striking me, I added in an aggrieved voice,
+
+"Do you think it is nothing to me that you should be associated with
+other men in the most secret enterprises, holding private conferences
+with them, receiving them in your house, perhaps visiting them in
+theirs; that you should appear to be on intimate terms with the
+Grand Duke Staniolanus, with M. Petrovitch, with a man like this M.
+Auguste----"
+
+At the sound of this last name, to which I had artfully led up,
+Sophia sprang into a sitting posture and gave me a look of anger and
+fear.
+
+"Who told you anything about M. Auguste?" she demanded in hoarse
+tones. "What has he to do with me?"
+
+"Nay, it is not you who ought to ask me that," I returned. "You may
+be a believer in his conjuring tricks, for aught I know. He may be
+more to you than a comrade, or even a prophet--more to you than I."
+
+"Who told you that he was my comrade, as you call it?" the Princess
+insisted, refusing to be diverted from her point.
+
+"No one," I said quite truthfully. "I should be glad to know that he
+was only that. But it is natural for me to feel some jealousy of all
+your friends."
+
+The Princess appeared relieved by this admission. But this relief
+confirmed all my suspicions. I now felt certain that the medium was
+an important figure in the plot which I was trying to defeat. I saw,
+moreover, that however genuine my beautiful friend might be in her
+love for me and her desire to save my life, she had no intention of
+betraying the secrets of her fellow conspirators.
+
+Her character presented an enigma almost impossible to solve. Perhaps
+it is not the part of a wise man ever to try to understand a woman.
+Her motives must always be mysterious, even to herself. It is
+sufficient if one can learn to forecast her actions, and even that is
+seldom possible.
+
+"Then you refuse my help?" I asked reproachfully.
+
+"You cannot help me," was the answer. "At least, that is, unless you
+possess some power I have no idea of at present."
+
+It was an ingenious turning of the tables. Instead of my questioning
+the Princess, she was questioning me, in effect.
+
+I made what was perhaps a rash admission.
+
+"I am not wholly powerless, at all events. There are few sovereigns
+in Europe whom I have not obliged at some time or other. Even the
+German Emperor, though I have more than once crossed his path in
+public matters, is my personal friend. In spite of his occasional
+political errors, he is a stainless gentleman in private life, and I
+am sure he would hear with horror of your position and the means by
+which you had been forced into it."
+
+Sophia looked at me with an expression of innocent bewilderment which
+I could scarcely believe to be real.
+
+"The German Emperor! But what has he to do with me?"
+
+"He is said to have some influence with the Czar," I said drily.
+
+My companion bit her lip.
+
+"Oh, the Czar!" Her tone was scathing in its mixture of pity and
+indifference. "Every one has some influence with the Czar. But is
+there any one with whom Nicholas has influence?"
+
+It was the severest thing I had ever heard said of the man whom an
+ironical fate has made master of the Old World.
+
+Suddenly the manner of the Princess underwent a sudden change.
+
+She rose to her feet and gave me a penetrating glance, a glance which
+revealed for the first time something of that commanding personality
+which had made this slight, exquisite creature for years one of the
+most able and successful of secret negotiators, and a person to be
+reckoned with by every foreign minister.
+
+"You do not trust me, Andreas V----. It is natural. You do not love
+me. It is possible that it is my fault. But I have sworn to save your
+life, and I will do it in your own despite. In order that I may
+succeed, I will forget that I am a woman, and I will forget that you
+regard me as a criminal. Come here! I will show you into my oratory,
+into which not even my confidential maid is ever allowed to
+penetrate. Perhaps what you will see there may convince you that I
+am neither a traitor nor a Delilah."
+
+With the proud step of an empress, she led the way into the adjoining
+room, which was a bedroom sumptuously enriched with everything that
+could allure the senses. The very curtains of the bed seemed to
+breathe out languorous odors, the walls were hung with ravishing
+groups of figures that might have come from a Pompeiian temple, the
+dressing-table was rich with gold and gems.
+
+Without pausing for an instant the mistress of the chamber walked
+straight across it to a narrow door let into the farther wall, and
+secured by a tiny lock like that of a safe.
+
+Drawing a small key from her bosom, the Princess inserted it in the
+lock, leaving me to follow in a state of the most intense
+expectation.
+
+The apartment in which I found myself was a narrow, white-washed cell
+like a prison, lit only by the flames of two tall wax candles which
+stood on a table, or rather an altar, at the far end.
+
+Besides the altar, the sole object in the room was a wooden step in
+front of it. Over the altar, in accordance with the rule of the Greek
+Church, there hung a sacred picture. And below, between the two
+candlesticks, there rested two objects, the sight of which fairly
+took away my breath.
+
+One was a photograph frame containing a portrait of myself--how
+obtained I shall never know. The portrait was framed with
+immortelles, the emblems of death, and the artist had given my face
+the ghastly pallor and rigidity of the face of a corpse.
+
+The other object on the altar was a small whip of knotted leather
+thongs.
+
+Without uttering a word, without even turning her head to see if I
+had followed, the Princess Y---- knelt down on the step, stripped
+her shoulders with a singular determined gesture, and then, taking
+the knout in one hand, began to scourge the bare flesh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY
+
+
+At the hour appointed by the Czar I presented myself at the Winter
+Palace to assist at the spiritualist experiments of M. Auguste.
+
+I shall not attempt to describe the impression left by the weird
+scene in the Princess Y----'s oratory.
+
+To those who do not know the Slav temperament, with its strange
+mixture of sensuality and devotion, of barbarous cruelty and
+over-civilized cunning, seldom far removed from the brink of
+insanity, the incident I have recorded will appear incredible. I have
+narrated it, simply because I have undertaken to narrate everything
+bearing on the business in which I was engaged. I am well aware that
+truth is stranger than fiction, and I should have little difficulty,
+if I were so disposed, in framing a story, full of plausible,
+commonplace incidents, which no one could doubt or dispute.
+
+I have preferred to take a bolder course, knowing that although I may
+be discredited for a time, yet when historians in the future come to
+sift the secret records of the age, I shall be amply vindicated.
+
+I shall only add that I did not linger a moment after the unhappy
+woman had begun her penance, if such it was, but withdrew from her
+presence and from the house without speaking a word.
+
+The feelings with which I anticipated my encounter with the medium
+were very different. Whatever might be my doubts with regard to the
+unfortunate Sophia--and I honestly began to think that the suicide of
+Menken had affected her brain--I had no doubt whatever that M.
+Auguste was a thoroughly unscrupulous man.
+
+The imperial servant to whom I was handed over at the entrance to the
+Czar's private apartments conducted me to what I imagine to have been
+the boudoir of the Czaritza, or at all events the family sitting
+room.
+
+It was comfortably but plainly furnished in the English style, and
+was just such a room as one might find in the house of a London
+citizen, or a small country squire. I noticed that the wall-paper was
+faded, and the hearth-rug really worn out.
+
+The Emperor of All the Russias was not alone. Seated beside him in
+front of the English grate was the beautiful young Empress, in whose
+society he finds a refuge from his greedy courtiers and often
+unscrupulous ministers, and who, I may add, has skilfully and
+successfully kept out of any entanglement in politics.
+
+Rising at my entrance, Nicholas II. advanced and shook me by the
+hand.
+
+"In this room," he told me, "there are no emperors and no empresses,
+only Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas."
+
+He presented me to the Czaritza, who received me in the same style of
+simple friendliness, and then, pointing to a money-box which formed a
+conspicuous object on the mantel-shelf, he added:
+
+"For every time the word 'majesty' is used in this room there is a
+fine of one ruble, which goes to our sick and wounded. So be careful,
+M. V----."
+
+In spite of this warning I did not fail to make a good many
+contributions to the money-box in the course of the evening. In my
+intercourse with royalty I model myself on the British Premier
+Beaconsfield, and I regard my rubles as well spent.
+
+We all three spoke in English till the arrival of M. Auguste, who
+knew only French and a few words of Russian. I remarked afterward
+that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky, a Russian by birth, who had
+spent half her life in England, appeared to have lost the use of both
+languages in the other world, and communicated with us exclusively in
+French.
+
+The appearance of M. Auguste did not help to overcome my prejudice
+against him. He had too evidently made up for the part of the mystic.
+
+The hair of M. Auguste was black and long, his eyes rolled much in
+their sockets, and his costume was a compromise between the frock
+coat and the cassock.
+
+But it was above all his manner that impressed me disagreeably. He
+affected to be continually falling into fits of abstraction, as if
+his communings with the spirits were diverting his attention from the
+affairs of earth. Even on his entrance he went through the forms of
+greeting his host and hostess as though scarcely conscious of their
+presence. I caught a sly look turned on myself, however, and when I
+was presented to him as "Mr. Sterling" his reception of the name made
+me think that he had expected something else.
+
+The Czar having explained that I was a friend interested in
+spiritualism, in whose presence he wished to hear again from Madame
+Blavatsky, M. Auguste rolled his eyes formidably, and agreed to
+summon the departed theosophist.
+
+A small round table was cleared of the Czaritza's work-basket--she
+had been knitting a soldier's comforter--and we took our seats around
+it. The electric light was switched off, so that we were in perfect
+darkness, except for the red glow of the coal fire.
+
+A quarter of an hour or so passed in a solemn silence, broken only
+by occasional whispers from "Mr. Nicholas" or the medium.
+
+"It is a long time answering," the Czar whispered at last.
+
+"I fear there is a hostile influence," M. Auguste responded in the
+jargon of his craft.
+
+Hardly had the words left his lips when a perfect shower of raps
+seemed to descend on all parts of the table at once.
+
+Let me say here, once for all, that I am not prepared to offer any
+explanation of what happened on this occasion. I have read of some of
+the devices by which such illusions are produced, and I have no doubt
+a practised conjurer could have very easily fathomed the secrets of
+M. Auguste. But I had not come there with any intention of detecting
+or exposing him.
+
+The medium pretended to address the author of the raps.
+
+"If there is any hostile influence which prevents your communicating
+with us, rap twice."
+
+Two tremendous raps nearly drowned the last word. The spirit seemed
+to be quick-tempered.
+
+"If it is a woman, rap once----"
+
+No response. This was decidedly clever.
+
+"If it is myself, rap."
+
+This time, instead of silence, there was a faint scratching under the
+surface of the table.
+
+"The negative sign," M. Auguste explained blandly, for our benefit.
+
+Then, addressing himself once more to the invisible member of the
+party, he inquired:
+
+"If it is Mr. Nicholas, rap."
+
+Silence.
+
+"You must excuse me," the medium said, turning his face in my
+direction. "If it is Mr. Sterling----"
+
+A shower of raps. I really thought the table would have given way.
+
+This was discouraging. The Czar came to my rescue, however.
+
+"I particularly wish Mr. Sterling to be present," he observed with a
+touch of displeasure--whether intended for M. Auguste or the
+spiritual visitant I could not tell.
+
+The hierophant no doubt saw that he must submit. His retreat was
+executed with great skill.
+
+"If the obstacle is one that can be removed, rap once."
+
+A rap.
+
+"Can you spell it for us?"
+
+In the rather cumbrous alphabet in use among the shades, the visitor
+spelled out in French:
+
+"_Son nom._"
+
+"Is there something you object to about his name?"
+
+A rap.
+
+"Is it an assumed name?"
+
+A very loud rap. Decidedly the spirit was indignant.
+
+"Can you tell us his real name? His initials will do?"
+
+"A. V." spelled the unseen visitor.
+
+"Is that right?" M. Auguste inquired with well-assumed curiosity.
+
+"It is marvelous!" ejaculated the Emperor. "You will understand, of
+course, Auguste, that this must be kept a secret among ourselves."
+
+"Ask if it is Madame Blavatsky," said the Czar.
+
+We learned that the apostle of theosophy was indeed present.
+
+"Would you like to hear from any other spirits?" M. Auguste asked the
+company.
+
+"I should be glad of a word with Bismarck," I suggested.
+
+In five minutes the Iron Chancellor announced himself. His rap was
+sharp, quick and decided, quite a characteristic rap.
+
+"Ask if he approves of the present policy of the German Emperor?"
+
+A hearty rap. Evidently the spirit had greatly changed its views in
+the other world.
+
+"Ask if he remembers telling me, the last time I saw him, that Russia
+was smothering Germany in bed?"
+
+"Do you refuse to answer that question?" M. Auguste put in adroitly.
+
+An expressive rap.
+
+"Will you answer any other questions from this gentleman?"
+
+Then the spirit of Bismarck spoke out. It denounced me as a worker of
+evil, a source of strife, and particularly as one who was acting
+injuriously to the Russian Empire. I confess M. Auguste scored.
+
+"In his lifetime he would have said all that, if he had thought I was
+working in the interest of Russia and against Germany," I remarked in
+my own defence.
+
+The spirit of the Iron Chancellor was dismissed, and that of Madame
+Blavatsky recalled.
+
+It was evident that the Czar placed particular confidence in his late
+subject. Indeed, if the issues at stake had been less serious, I
+think I should have made an attempt to shake the Emperor's blind
+faith in the performances of M. Auguste.
+
+But my sole object was to read, if I could, the secret plans and
+intentions of a very different imperial character, whose agent I
+believed the spirit to be.
+
+M. Auguste, I quickly discovered, was distracted between fear of
+offending Nicholas by too much reserve, and dread of enabling me to
+see his game. In the end the Czar's persistence triumphed, and we
+obtained something like a revelation.
+
+"Tell us what you can see, that it concerns the Emperor to know," M.
+Auguste had adjured his familiar.
+
+"I see"--the reply was rapped out with irritating slowness--I quite
+longed for a slate--"an English dockyard. The workmen are secretly at
+work by night, with muffled hammers. They are building a torpedo
+boat. It is to the order of the Japanese Government. The English
+police have received secret instructions from the Minister of the
+Interior not to interfere."
+
+"Minister of the Interior" was a blunder. With my knowledge of
+English politics I am able to say that the correct title of this
+personage should be "Secretary of State for the Domestic Department."
+But few foreigners except myself have been able to master the
+intricacies of the British Constitution.
+
+"For what is this torpedo boat designed?" M. Auguste inquired.
+
+"It is for service against the Baltic Fleet. The Russian sailors are
+the bravest in the world, but they are too honest to be a match for
+the heathen Japanese," the spirit pursued, with some inconsistency.
+
+I could not help reflecting that Madame Blavatsky in her lifetime had
+professed the Buddhist faith, which is that of the majority in Japan.
+
+"Do you see anything else?"
+
+"I see other dockyards where the same work is being carried on. A
+whole fleet of warships is being prepared by the perfidious British
+for use against the fleet of Russia."
+
+"Ask her to cast her eye over the German dockyards," I put in.
+
+"Spirits have no sex," M. Auguste corrected severely. "I will ask
+it."
+
+A succession of raps conveyed the information that Germany was
+preserving a perfectly correct course, as usual. Her sole departure
+from the attitude of strict neutrality was to permit certain pilots,
+familiar with the North Sea navigation, to offer their services to
+the Russian fleet.
+
+"Glance into the future," said the Czar. "Tell us what you see about
+to happen."
+
+"I see the Baltic Fleet setting out. The Admiral has issued the
+strictest orders to neutral shipping to retire to their harbors and
+leave the sea clear for the warships of Russia. He has threatened to
+sink any neutral ship that comes within range of his guns.
+
+"As long as he is in the Baltic these orders are obeyed. The German,
+Swedish and Danish flags are lowered at his approach, as is right.
+
+"Now he passes out into the North Sea. The haughty and hostile
+English defy his commands. Their merchant ships go forth as usual.
+Presuming on their knowledge of international law, they annoy and
+vex the Russian warships by sailing past them. The blood of the brave
+Russian officers begins to boil. Ask me no more."
+
+M. Auguste, prompted by the deeply interested Czar, did ask more.
+
+"I see," the obedient seeress resumed, "torpedo boats secretly
+creeping out from the British ports. They do not openly fly the
+Japanese flag, but lurk among the English ships, with the connivance
+of the treacherous islanders.
+
+"The Baltic Fleet approaches. The torpedo boats, skulking behind the
+shelter of their friends, steal closer to the Russian ships. Then the
+brave Russian Admiral remembers his promise. Just in time to save his
+fleet from destruction, he signals to the British to retire.
+
+"They obstinately refuse. The Russian fleet opens fire.
+
+"I can see no more."
+
+The spirit of the seeress, it will be observed, broke off its
+revelations at the most interesting point, with the skill of a
+practised writer of serials.
+
+But the Czar, fairly carried away by excitement, insisted on knowing
+more.
+
+"Ask the spirit if there will be any foreign complications," he said.
+
+I had already remarked that our invisible companion showed a good
+deal of deference to the wishes of Nicholas II., perhaps in his
+character of Head of the Orthodox Church.
+
+After a little hesitation it rapped out:
+
+"The English are angry, but they are restrained by the fear of
+Germany. The German Michael casts his shield in front of Russia, and
+the islanders are cowed. I cannot see all that follows. But in the
+end I see that the Yellow Peril is averted by the joint action of
+Russia and Germany."
+
+This answer confirmed to the full my suspicions regarding the source
+of M. Auguste's inspiration. I believed firmly that there was a
+spirit present, but it was not the spirit of the deceased
+theosophist, rather of a monarch who is very much alive.
+
+The medium now professed to feel exhausted, and Madame Blavatsky was
+permitted to retire.
+
+I rose to accompany M. Auguste as soon as he made a move to retire.
+
+"If you will let me drive you as far as my hotel," I said to him, "I
+think I can show you something which will repay you for coming with
+me."
+
+The wizard looked me in the face for the first time, as he said
+deliberately:
+
+"I shall be very pleased to come."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE DEVIL'S AUCTION
+
+
+I said as little as possible during the drive homeward.
+
+My companion was equally silent. No doubt he, like myself, was
+bracing himself for a duel of wits.
+
+As soon as we were safe in my private room at the hotel, with a
+bottle of vodka and a box of cigars in front of us, I opened the
+discussion with my habitual directness.
+
+"I need not tell you, M. Auguste, that I have not invited you here to
+discuss questions of psychology. I am a politician, and it matters
+nothing to me whether I am dealing with a ghost or a man, provided I
+can make myself understood."
+
+M. Auguste bowed.
+
+"For instance, it is quite clear that the interesting revelations we
+have had to-night would not have been made without your good will. It
+is to be presumed, therefore, that if I can convince you that it is
+better to turn the Emperor's mind in another direction, you will
+refuse to make yourself the medium of further communications of that
+precise character."
+
+M. Auguste gave me an intelligent glance.
+
+"I am as you have just said, a _medium_," he replied with significant
+emphasis. "As such, I need not tell you, I have no personal interest
+in the communications which are made through me."
+
+I nodded, and took out my pocket-book, from which I extracted a
+hundred ruble-note (about $75).
+
+"I promised to show you something interesting," I remarked, as I laid
+it on the table.
+
+M. Auguste turned his head, and his lip curled slightly.
+
+"I am afraid my sight is not very good," he said negligently. "Is not
+that object rather small?"
+
+"It is merely a specimen," I responded, counting out nine others, and
+laying them beside the first.
+
+"Ah, now I fancy I can see what you are showing me," he admitted.
+
+"There is a history attached to these notes," I explained. "They
+represent the amount of a bet which I have just won."
+
+"Really! That is most interesting."
+
+"I now have another bet of similar nature pending, which I hope also
+to be able to win."
+
+"I am tempted to wish you success," put in the medium encouragingly.
+
+"The chances of success are so great that if you were a betting man I
+should be inclined to ask you to make a joint affair of it," I said.
+
+"My dear M. V----, I am not a bigot. I have no objection to a wager
+provided the stakes are made worth my while."
+
+"I think they should be. Well, I will tell you plainly, I stand to
+win this amount if the Baltic Fleet does not sail for another month."
+
+M. Auguste smiled pleasantly.
+
+"I congratulate you," he said. "From what I have heard the repairs
+will take at least that time."
+
+"But that is not all. This bet of mine is continuous. I win a similar
+stake for every month which passes without the fleet having left
+harbor."
+
+M. Auguste gazed at me steadily before speaking.
+
+"If your bet were renewable weekly instead of monthly, you might
+become quite a rich man."
+
+I saw that I was dealing with a cormorant. I made a hasty mental
+calculation. Half of one thousand rubles was about $375 a week, and
+the information I had led me to believe that Port Arthur was capable
+of holding out for another six months at least. To delay the sailing
+of the Baltic Fleet till then would cost roughly $10,000--say 15,000
+rubles.
+
+I decided that neither England nor Japan would grudge the price.
+
+"I think your suggestion is a good one," I answered M. Auguste. "In
+that case, should you be willing to share the bet?"
+
+"I should be willing to undertake it entirely," was the response.
+
+The scoundrel wanted $20,000!
+
+Had I been dealing with an honest man I should have let him have the
+money. But he had raised his terms so artfully that I felt sure that
+if I yielded this he would at once make some fresh demand.
+
+I therefore shook my head, and began picking up the notes on the
+table.
+
+"That would not suit me at all," I said decidedly. "I do not wish to
+be left out altogether."
+
+M. Auguste watched me with growing uneasiness as I restored the notes
+one by one to my pocket-book.
+
+"Look here!" he said abruptly, as the last note disappeared. "Tell me
+plainly what you expect me to do."
+
+"I expect you to have a communication from your friend Madame
+Blavatsky, or any other spirit you may prefer--Peter the Great would
+be most effective, I should think--every time the Baltic Fleet is
+ready to start, warning 'Mr. Nicholas' not to let it sail."
+
+M. Auguste appeared to turn this proposal over in his mind.
+
+"And is that all?" he asked.
+
+"I shall expect you to keep perfect secrecy about the arrangement. I
+have a friend at Potsdam, and I shall be pretty sure to hear if you
+try to give me away."
+
+"Potsdam!" M. Auguste seemed genuinely surprised, and even
+disconcerted.
+
+"Do you mean to say that you didn't know you were carrying out the
+instructions of Wilhelm II.?" I demanded, scarcely less surprised.
+
+It was difficult to believe that the vexation showed by the medium
+was feigned.
+
+"Of course! I see it now!" burst from him. "I wondered what she meant
+by all that stuff about Germany. And I--a Frenchman!"
+
+It is extraordinary what unexpected scruples will display themselves
+in the most unprincipled knaves. Low as they may descend, there seems
+always to be some one point on which they are as sensitive as a
+Bayard.
+
+M. Auguste, of all men in the world, was a French patriot! It turned
+out that he was a fanatical Nationalist and anti-Semite. He had
+howled in anti-Dreyfusite mobs, and flung stones at the windows of
+Masonic temples in Paris.
+
+I was delighted with this discovery, which gave me a stronger hold on
+him than any bribe could.
+
+But I had noted the feminine pronoun in his exclamation recorded
+above. I did not think it referred to the revealing spirit.
+
+"You have been deceived by the woman who has given you your
+instructions," I remarked to him, when his excitement had subsided a
+little. "I fancy I can guess her name."
+
+"Yes. It is the Princess Y----," he confessed.
+
+Bewildering personality! Again, as I heard her name connected with an
+intrigue of the basest kind, a criminal conspiracy to influence the
+ruler of Russia by feigned revelations from the spirits of the dead,
+I recalled the sight I had last had of her, kneeling in her oratory,
+scourging herself before--my portrait!
+
+There was no longer any fear that M. Auguste would prove obdurate on
+the question of terms. He pocketed his first five hundred rubles, and
+departed, vowing that the Baltic fleet should never get farther than
+Libau, if it was in the power of spirits to prevent it.
+
+Desirous to relieve Lord Bedale's mind as far as possible I
+despatched the following wire to him the next morning:
+
+      Sailing of Baltic Fleet postponed indefinitely. No danger
+      for the present. Watch Germany.
+
+I sent a fuller account of the situation to a son of Mr. Katahashi,
+who was in England, nominally attached to the staff of the Imperial
+Bank, but really on business of a confidential character which it
+would be indiscreet on my part to indicate.
+
+I may say that I particularly cautioned the young Japanese to avoid
+any action calculated to give the least color to the German legends
+about warships being secretly manufactured in British yards to the
+order of the Mikado's Government.
+
+Every reader who has followed the course of the war with any
+attention will recollect the history of the fleet thus detained by my
+contrivance.
+
+Week after week, and month after month, the Baltic Fleet was declared
+to be on the point of departure. Time after time the Czar went on
+board to review it in person, and speak words of encouragement to the
+officers and crew. And every time, after everything had been
+pronounced ready, some mysterious obstacle arose at the last moment
+to detain the fleet in Russian waters.
+
+Journalists, naval experts, politicians and other ill-informed
+persons invented or repeated all sorts of explanations to account for
+the series of delays.
+
+Only in the very innermost circles of the Russian Court it was
+whispered that the guardian spirit of the great Peter, the founder of
+Russia's naval power, had repeatedly come to warn his descendant of
+disasters in store for the fleet, should it be permitted to sail.
+
+M. Auguste was earning his reward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+MY FUNERAL
+
+
+The extreme privacy with which I had managed my negotiation with M.
+Auguste completely baffled the plotters who were relying on the
+voyage of the Baltic Fleet to furnish a _casus belli_ between Russia
+and Great Britain.
+
+They realized, of course, that some powerful hand was interfering
+with their designs, and they were sufficiently intelligent to guess
+that that hand must be mine.
+
+But they were far from suspecting the method of my operations. They
+firmly believed that M. Auguste was still carrying out their
+instructions, and sowing distrust of England in the mind of Nicholas
+II. Indeed, on one occasion he informed me that the Princess Y----
+had sent for him and ordered him not to frighten the Czar to such an
+extent as to make him afraid to let the fleet proceed to sea.
+
+Unable to detect and countermine me, it was natural that they should
+become impatient for my removal.
+
+Accordingly, I was not surprised to receive an urgent message from
+Sophia, late one evening, requesting me to come to her without delay.
+
+By this time our friendship, if such it could be called, had become
+so intimate that I visited her nearly every day on one pretext or
+another.
+
+Her greeting, as soon as I had obeyed the summons, showed me that a
+fresh development had taken place in the situation.
+
+"Andreas, the hour has come!"
+
+"The hour?"
+
+"For your removal. Petrovitch has been here. He suspects something.
+He has rebuked me severely for the delay."
+
+"Did you tell him I was not an easy man to kill?"
+
+"I told him anything and everything. He would not listen. He says
+they have lost confidence in me. He was brutal. He said----"
+
+"Well, what did he say?"
+
+"He said--" she spoke slowly and shamefacedly--"that he perceived it
+took a man to kill a man."
+
+I smiled grimly.
+
+"History tells us differently. But what then?"
+
+"To-morrow I shall no longer be able to answer for your life."
+
+"You think some one else will be appointed to dispose of me?"
+
+"I am sure that some one else has been appointed already. Most likely
+it is Petrovitch himself."
+
+"Well, I shall look out for him." I did not think it necessary to
+tell Sophia that I had been expecting something of this kind, and had
+made certain preparations.
+
+"It will be useless, Andreas. You do not know the man with whom you
+have to deal."
+
+"The ignorance may be mutual," I observed drily.
+
+The Princess became violently agitated.
+
+"You must let me save you," she exclaimed clasping her hands.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"You must let me kill you _here_, to-night.
+
+"Don't you understand?" she pursued breathlessly. "It is absolutely
+necessary for your safety, perhaps for the safety of both of us, that
+they should think I have carried out my instructions. You must appear
+to die. Then they will no longer concern themselves about you, and
+you will be able to assume some other personality without being
+suspected."
+
+The scheme appealed to me strongly, all the more that it seemed as
+though it could be made to fit in very well with my own plans.
+
+"You are a clever woman, Sophia," I said cautiously. "How do you
+purpose to carry out your scheme? They will want to see my corpse, I
+suppose."
+
+She drew out the little key I have already described.
+
+"Come this way."
+
+I followed her through the bedroom as before to the door of the
+locked oratory.
+
+She opened the door and admitted me.
+
+By the light of the wax candles I saw what was surely one of the
+strangest sights ever presented to mortal eyes.
+
+It was myself, lying in state!
+
+On a high bier draped in white and black cloth, I lay, or, rather, my
+counterpart presentment in wax lay, wrapped and shrouded like a dead
+body, a branch of palm in the closed hands, and a small Russian coin
+resting on the lips, in accordance with a quaint custom which
+formerly prevailed in many lands.
+
+In spite of my habitual self-command I was unable to repress a cold
+shiver at this truly appalling spectacle.
+
+"Your stage management is perfect," I observed after a pause. "But
+will they be satisfied with a look only?"
+
+"I do not think so. It will be necessary for you to put on the
+appearance of death for a short time, till I have satisfied them.
+Afterward I can conceal you in here, while this--" she pointed to the
+ghastly figure--"is buried under your name."
+
+"Let us get back to the other room, before we talk about it," I
+urged. "This is not altogether a pleasant sight."
+
+As we passed out of the oratory I stealthily took note of the
+fastening of the door. The lock was on the outside only; in other
+words, if I permitted myself to be immured in the cell-like chamber,
+I should be a prisoner at the mercy of my charming friend.
+
+"And now, by what means do you purpose that I shall assume the
+appearance of death?" I inquired as soon as we had returned to the
+boudoir.
+
+The Princess opened a small cabinet, and produced a tiny stoppered
+bottle.
+
+"By swallowing this medicine," she answered. "I have had it specially
+prepared from a recipe given me ten years ago at a time when I
+thought of resorting to the same contrivance to escape from my
+taskmaster."
+
+I took the bottle in my hand, and examined it carefully. It bore no
+label, and the contents appeared perfectly colorless.
+
+"In five minutes after you have swallowed the contents of the
+bottle," Sophia explained, "you will begin to turn cold, at first in
+the feet and hands. As the cold mounts to the brain you will
+gradually lose consciousness, and become rigid. You will look as pale
+as if you were actually dead, and your heart will cease to beat."
+
+"And how long will this stupor last?"
+
+"About twenty-four hours, more or less, according to your
+constitution."
+
+I looked carefully and steadily into her eyes. She flushed and
+trembled violently, but did not quail.
+
+"What does it taste like?" I asked.
+
+"It is a little bitter."
+
+"I will take it in water, then."
+
+"You can take it in wine, if you like. I have some here."
+
+She moved to a small cupboard in the wall.
+
+"I shall tell them that I gave it to you in wine, in any case," she
+added.
+
+"I prefer water, thank you. May I fetch some from the next room?"
+
+"I will fetch it," she said hastily, going to the bedroom.
+
+On an ebony stand beside me there was a large china bowl containing a
+flowering plant in its pot. In a second I had removed the stopper,
+emptied the bottle into the space between the flower-pot and the
+outer bowl, and put the stopper back again.
+
+"Tell me," I said to the Princess as she hurried back with a carafe
+and tumbler, "have you thought how I am to get away from this house
+without exciting attention?"
+
+"It will be easy for me to procure you a dozen disguises. I am always
+going to masked balls. But are you in such a hurry to leave me?"
+
+"I shall find the air of your oratory rather confined, I am afraid."
+
+She hung her head in evident chagrin.
+
+"But where will you go?" she demanded.
+
+"Oh, that is all arranged. I have taken a small house and furnished
+it, in another name."
+
+"Where?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"Perhaps I had better not tell you till this excitement is over. I
+must not burden you with too many of my secrets."
+
+Sophia's eyes filled with tears.
+
+"You distrust me still!" she cried. "But, after all, what does it
+matter? I have only to ask Petrovitch."
+
+"That will be quite unnecessary as well as useless. I pledge myself
+to tell you before I leave this place, and I have not favored M.
+Petrovitch with my new address."
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"And do you believe that you have succeeded in taking a house in
+Petersburg without his knowledge? You do not know him, I tell you
+again. He has had you watched every hour of the day while you have
+been here."
+
+"Please credit me with a little resource, as well as your friend," I
+answered with some slight irritation. "I have no doubt the spies of
+M. Petrovitch have watched me pretty closely, but they have not been
+able to watch every person who has come in and out of the hotel. Two
+of my most capable assistants have been in Petersburg for the last
+month--since the day you hinted that my life was not quite safe, in
+fact."
+
+The woman before me looked completely overwhelmed.
+
+"One of them," I proceeded with cutting severity, "has taken the
+house I speak of. The other is watching over my personal safety at
+this moment."
+
+The Princess fairly gave way. Sinking on the couch behind her, she
+exclaimed in a faint voice:
+
+"You are a demon, not a man!"
+
+It was the finest compliment she could have paid me.
+
+"And now," I said carelessly, "to carry out your admirable little
+idea."
+
+The unhappy woman put up her hands, and turned away her head in sheer
+terror.
+
+I splashed some water into the tumbler, and then trickled in a small
+quantity afterward, to imitate the sound of adding the poison. This
+done I respectfully handed the bottle to my companion.
+
+"To our next meeting!" I called out lightly, as I lifted the tumbler
+to my lips and drained it.
+
+It was the Princess who swooned.
+
+Although I had not foreseen this weakness on her part I took
+advantage of it to draw the tiny key of the oratory from her bosom,
+and hide it in my mouth.
+
+I then touched the bell twice, the signal for the Princess's maid to
+appear.
+
+"Fauchette," I said, when she entered--for this was the assistant I
+had alluded to as watching over my personal safety--"Madame has just
+given me the contents of that stoppered bottle. Do you know anything
+about them?"
+
+Fauchette had made good use of her time since obtaining her
+situation. These things are so easily managed that I am almost
+ashamed to explain that a bribe to the former maid had brought about
+a convenient illness, and the recommendation of Fauchette as a
+temporary substitute.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur," she said quietly. "I filled the bottle with water
+this afternoon, in case of accident. I have preserved the previous
+contents, in case you should care to have them analyzed."
+
+"You have done well, very well, my girl."
+
+Fauchette blushed with pleasure. I do not often say so much to my
+staff.
+
+"Madame does not know that I had just emptied the bottle into that
+china bowl," I added carelessly.
+
+"It is useless to try to serve Monsieur; he does everything himself,"
+murmured the poor girl, mortified.
+
+"Nonsense, Fauchette, I have just praised you. It is always possible
+that I may overlook something."
+
+Fauchette shook her head with an incredulous air.
+
+I have found it good policy to maintain this character for
+infallibility with my staff. It is true, perhaps, that I do not very
+often blunder.
+
+"And now," I went on, "it is time for the poison to take effect! As
+soon as I am dead, you will awake Madame."
+
+I lay down on another couch, and composed myself in a rigid attitude
+with my eyes closed. I did not believe, of course, that it would be
+possible to deceive a close observer, but I trusted to the wild
+emotions of the Princess to blind her to any signs of life.
+
+I heard Fauchette dart on her mistress with a well-acted scream, and
+sprinkle her face and neck with cold water.
+
+Sophia seemed to revive quickly.
+
+"Andreas!" I heard her gasp. "Where? What has become of him?"
+
+"M. Sterling has also fainted," the maid replied with assumed
+innocence.
+
+"Ha!"
+
+It was more like a shriek than a sob. I heard a hasty rustling of
+skirts, and then Sophia seemed to be kneeling beside me, and feeling
+for the beat of my heart.
+
+"Go, Fauchette! Send Gregory instantly to M. Petrovitch to inform him
+that M. Sterling has been taken ill in my house, and that I fear he
+is dead."
+
+The Princess began loosening my necktie.
+
+Had Fauchette been present I should have been able to point to this
+as a proof that I was not incapable of an occasional oversight.
+
+As a matter of fact, I had not anticipated this very natural action
+on Sophia's part. Yet it should have been evident that, were it only
+to keep up appearances before any one who might come to view my
+supposed corpse, she would be bound to free my neck.
+
+And I was wearing the locket which contained the portrait of my
+promised bride!
+
+I lay, really rigid with apprehension, while Sophia's caressing
+fingers tenderly removed the necktie, and began unfastening my collar
+and shirt.
+
+Suddenly I heard an ejaculation--at first striking the note of
+surprise and curiosity merely, but deepening to fear.
+
+In a moment the locket was lifted from my chest, and forced open with
+a metallic click.
+
+"Ah!--Ah!"
+
+She let the open locket drop from her fingers on my bare throat.
+
+Instantly it was clutched up again. I could picture the frenzied gaze
+of jealousy and hate in those burning eyes of deepest violet; I could
+actually feel the passionate breathing from between the clenched
+teeth of whitest ivory.
+
+"Miserable child!" she hissed, the hand that held the locket
+trembling so that I could feel it against my neck. "So _you_ have
+robbed me of him!"
+
+She paused, and then added, forcing out each word with a passion of
+distilled hate----
+
+"But you shall never have him! He shall be mine! Mine! Mine, in the
+grave!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A PERILOUS MOMENT
+
+
+I lay with every nerve strained to its utmost tension, listening for
+the least movement on the part of the maddened woman which might
+indicate she was about to stab me then and there.
+
+In the silence that followed, if she did not hear the beating of my
+heart it was only because her own stormy emotions had rendered her
+deaf and blind to everything else.
+
+For a time her rapid breathing continued to warm my uncovered neck.
+Then she snapped-to the locket and let it fall, and rose from my side
+to pace the floor of the room with swift, irregular steps.
+
+Fauchette, who must have been anxious to know how I was faring, now
+came back without waiting to be summoned.
+
+"Well?" the Princess demanded, halting in her promenade.
+
+"Gregory has gone for M. Petrovitch, Madame. Is there anything I can
+do?"
+
+"I have tried every restorative," came the answer. "See if you can
+detect any signs of life."
+
+The last command seemed to come as an afterthought. No doubt, Sophia
+wished to test her work before Petrovitch arrived.
+
+I was encouraged to think that she had no immediate intention of
+killing me; and as the maid bent over me I contrived to give her hand
+a reassuring squeeze.
+
+"He is quite dead, Madame," the girl said, turning away. "Would you
+like to have the body carried into another room?"
+
+"No. Wait till M. Petrovitch comes," her mistress replied. "You can
+go."
+
+As my assistant withdrew I again became on the alert for any
+dangerous move on the part of the Princess.
+
+It was not long before I was conscious that the room had grown
+darker.
+
+I gathered that Sophia had switched off some of the lights in order
+to make it more difficult for Petrovitch to detect her fraud, and
+again I took courage.
+
+Some muttered words helped me to understand the plan of the desperate
+woman.
+
+"I will give him one chance. He shall choose. Men do not die for love
+in these days."
+
+There was little doubt that she intended to lock me up in her oratory
+and hold me a prisoner till I consented to sacrifice my faith to her
+Japanese rival.
+
+Satisfied that there was little risk of any immediate violence, I
+waited calmly for the arrival of Sophia's colleague, or master.
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate lost no time on the way. Very
+soon I heard the door open and the familiar voice, with its slightly
+affected accent, saying,
+
+"Permit me to offer you the expression of my sincere regrets, dear
+Princess!--And my sincere congratulations," he added in a more
+business-like tone, as the door closed again.
+
+A sigh was the only audible response.
+
+"It has cost you something, I can see," the man's voice resumed
+soothingly. "That fact gives you a still stronger claim on our
+gratitude. I confess I began to fear seriously that you were
+deceiving us, and that would have been very dangerous."
+
+Another obscure sound, between a sigh and a sob, from the woman.
+
+"Now we can proceed with light hearts. Within three months from now
+Russia and Great Britain will be at war. I do not mind answering for
+it. There was only one man in Europe who could have prevented it, and
+he lies there!"
+
+"You would have it so! I still say it would have been enough to
+imprison him somewhere."
+
+"You talk foolishly, believe me, Princess. A man like that is not to
+be imprisoned. There is no jailer in the world who would venture to
+undertake to keep the famous A. V. under lock and key."
+
+"I would have undertaken it," came the answer. "I would have locked
+him in my oratory, the key of which never leaves my bosom."
+
+"Nevertheless if it was important to that man to steal it from you,
+it would not remain in your bosom very long."
+
+A startled cry interrupted the speaker, and told me that Sophia had
+made the fatal discovery of the loss of her key.
+
+I held my breath in the most dreadful suspense. Everything now
+depended on this woman. If she allowed the least hint, I knew that
+Petrovitch would never leave the room without at least an attempt to
+change my supposed trance into death.
+
+Fortunately the Princess was equal to the emergency. I heard her give
+a slight laugh.
+
+"I am punished for my assurance," she confessed. "I am not quite
+hardened, as you know; and when I realized that M. V---- was actually
+dead, I was obliged to pray for him. I have left the key in the
+door."
+
+"Go and fetch it, then."
+
+The tone in which these words were spoken was harsh. I heard Sophia
+going out of the room, and in an instant, with a single bound, as it
+seemed, the man was leaning over me, feeling my pulse, listening for
+my heart, and testing whether I breathed.
+
+"If I had brought so much as a knife with me, I would have made
+sure," I heard him mutter to himself.
+
+Fortunately Sophia's absence did not last ten seconds. She must have
+snatched up the first key that came to hand, that of a jewel-box most
+likely, and hurried back with it.
+
+Petrovitch seemed to turn away from me with reluctance.
+
+"You doubt me, it appears," came in angry tones from the Princess.
+
+"I doubt everybody," was the cool rejoinder. "You were in love with
+this fellow."
+
+"You think so? Then look at this."
+
+I felt the locket being picked up, and heard the click of the tiny
+spring.
+
+A coarse laugh burst from the financier.
+
+"So that is it! Woman's jealousy is safer than her sworn word, after
+all. Now I believe he _is_ dead."
+
+The Princess made no reply.
+
+Presently the man spoke again.
+
+"This must be kept a secret among ourselves, you understand. The
+truth is, I have exceeded my instructions a little. A certain
+personage only authorized detention. It appears he is like you in
+having a certain tenderness for this fellow--why, I can't think. At
+any rate his manner was rather alarming when we hinted that a coffin
+made the safest straight-jacket."
+
+It was impossible for me to doubt that it was the Kaiser whom this
+villain had insulted by offering to have me assassinated. I thanked
+Wilhelm II. silently for his chivalrous behavior. M. Petrovitch could
+have known little of the proud Hohenzollern whom he tempted.
+
+At the same time, it was a source of serious concern for me to know
+that, just as I had learned that my real opponent was my friend the
+Kaiser, so he in turn had acquired the knowledge that he had me
+against him.
+
+It had become a struggle, no longer in the dark, between the most
+resourceful of Continental sovereigns and myself, and that being so,
+I realized that I could not afford to rest long on my oars.
+
+From the deep breathing of the Princess, I surmised that she was
+choking down the rage she must have felt at the other's cynical
+depravity. For Sophia, though capable of committing a murder out of
+jealousy perhaps, was yet incapable of killing for reward.
+
+"Well," I heard Petrovitch say in the tone of one who is taking his
+leave, "I must send some one 'round to remove our friend."
+
+"Do not trouble, if you please. I will see to the funeral," came in
+icy tones from the Princess.
+
+"What, still sentimental! Be careful, my good Sophia Y----, you will
+lose your value to us if you give way to such weaknesses."
+
+I heard his steps move across the carpeted floor, and then with
+startling suddenness, the words came out:
+
+"Curse me if I can believe he _is_ dead!"
+
+My blood ran cold. But it turned out to be only a passing
+exclamation. At the end of what seemed to me minutes--they can only
+have been seconds--the footsteps moved on, and the door opened and
+closed.
+
+"Thank God!" burst from Sophia.
+
+Her next words were plainly an apostrophe to myself.
+
+"So you did not trust me after all!"
+
+I was within an ace of opening my eyes on the supposition that she
+had found me out, when I was reassured by her adding, this time to
+herself,
+
+"He must have done it when I fainted!"
+
+I saw that she was referring to my theft of the key.
+
+There was a soft rustle of silk on the floor, and I felt her hands
+searching in my pockets for the stolen key.
+
+"Fool! To think that I could outwit him!" she murmured to herself at
+last.
+
+She had taken some time to learn the lesson, however.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST
+
+
+It was soon evident that the Princess Y---- had taken her new maid
+into her confidence to a certain extent.
+
+She must have rung for Fauchette without my hearing anything, for
+presently the door opened again, and I heard my assistant's voice.
+
+As the result of a hurried consultation between the two women, in
+which Fauchette played to perfection the part of a devoted maid who
+is only desirous to anticipate the wishes of her mistress, it was
+decided to wheel the sofa on which I lay into the oratory, and to
+bring the wax dummy into the Princess's bedroom, to lie in state till
+the next day.
+
+The arrangement did not take long to carry out.
+
+Partly from what I was able to overhear, and partly from the report
+afterward furnished to me by Fauchette, I am able to relate
+succinctly what took place.
+
+To begin with, I was left in the oratory, while the counterfeit
+corpse was duly arranged in the adjoining room.
+
+Unable to lock me in the smaller apartment, Sophia declared her
+intention of locking both the outer doors of the bedroom, one of
+which gave on a corridor, while the other, as the reader is aware,
+opened into the boudoir where the previous scene had taken place.
+
+The Princess retained one of these keys herself, entrusting the other
+to the maid, of course with the strictest injunctions as to its use.
+
+To keep up appearances before the household, the Princess arranged to
+pass the next few nights in another room on the same floor, which
+usually served as a guest chamber.
+
+It was explained to the servants that the death which had occurred
+had upset the nerves of their mistress, and rendered her own suite of
+rooms distasteful to her for the present.
+
+Fauchette, who thus became my jailer, brought me a supply of cold
+food and wine during the night. I had part of this provision under
+the altar of the oratory, to serve me during the following day.
+
+My cataleptic condition was supposed to endure for nearly twenty-four
+hours. The enforced seclusion was intensely irritating to a man of my
+temperament; but I could not evade it without revealing to Sophia
+that I had heard her confession, and thereby inflicting a deadly
+wound on a woman who loved me.
+
+Meanwhile the arrangements for my funeral had been pressed on.
+
+Already a telegram had appeared in the London papers announcing the
+sudden and unexpected death from heart-failure of the well-known
+English philanthropist, Mr. Melchisedak Sterling. One or two of the
+journals commented on the fact of Mr. Sterling's death having taken
+place while he was on a mission of peace to the Russian capital, and
+expressed a hope that his death would have a chastening effect on the
+War Party in Petersburg.
+
+My friend, the editor of the Peace Review, very generously sent a
+wreath, which arrived too late for the funeral but was laid on my
+grave.
+
+Unfortunately these newspaper announcements were taken seriously by
+my exalted employers, as well as by the enemies whom I wished to
+deceive, but this could not be helped.
+
+By noon the undertaker's men had arrived with my coffin. The Princess
+played upon their ignorance of English customs and burial rites to
+pretend that the work of coffining must be done by women's hands. In
+this way she and Fauchette were able to enclose the dummy in its
+wooden shell, leaving to the men only the task of screwing down the
+lid.
+
+The burial took place in the English cemetery. I am glad to say that
+the Princess contrived to avoid the mockery of a religious service by
+alleging that Mr. Sterling had belonged to a peculiar sect--the
+Quakers, I fancy--which holds such ceremonies to be worldly and
+unnecessary.
+
+I may add that I have since visited my grave, which is still to be
+seen in a corner of the cemetery. It is marked by a stone slab with
+an inscription in English.
+
+In the afternoon the faithful Fauchette persuaded her mistress to go
+out for a drive, to soothe her over-strained nerves.
+
+Before quitting the house, the Princess came in to take a last look
+at me.
+
+She lingered minute after minute, as though with some premonition
+that our next meeting would be under widely different circumstances.
+
+To herself, I heard her whisper, sighing softly:
+
+"Andreas! O Andreas! If I could sleep, or thou couldst never wake!"
+
+She crept away, and the better to secure me locked both the bedroom
+doors herself, and carried off the keys.
+
+On her return, two hours later, Sophia, with a look that told the
+watchful Fauchette of her uneasiness, hurried straight up-stairs,
+toward the door of the little oratory.
+
+She found it locked from the outside, with the key in the door.
+
+It had cost me something to break my pledge to the Princess Y----
+that I would give her my new address before leaving her.
+
+But her unfortunate discovery of the portrait I wore around my neck
+and her plainly-declared intention to hold me a prisoner till she
+could shake my fidelity, had rendered it necessary for me to meet
+treachery with treachery.
+
+The secret service, it must always be borne in mind, has its own code
+of honor, differing on many points from that obtaining in other
+careers, but perhaps stricter on the whole.
+
+For instance, I can lay my hand on my heart and declare that I have
+never done either of two things which are done every day by men
+holding high offices and high places in the world's esteem. I have
+never taken a secret commission. And I have never taken advantage of
+my political information to gamble in stocks.
+
+The manner of my escape was simplicity itself.
+
+My assistant had not come to live with the Princess without making
+some preparations for the part she was to play, and these included
+the bringing with her of a bunch of skeleton keys, fully equal to the
+work of opening any ordinary lock.
+
+As soon as her mistress was safely out of the way, Fauchette came to
+receive my instructions.
+
+I told her that I did not intend to wait for my jailer's return. We
+discussed the best way for me to slip out, without obstruction from
+the servants, and I decided to take advantage of the superstition of
+the Russian illiterate class, by enacting the part of my own ghost.
+
+The report that I had been buried without any funeral service had
+already reached the household, and had prepared them for any
+supernatural manifestation.
+
+Fauchette first brought me a little powdered chalk, with which I
+smeared my face. I then put on a long flowing cloak and a sombrero
+hat, part of the wardrobe accumulated by the Princess in the course
+of her gaieties.
+
+I slipped a damp sponge into my pocket and directed the girl to lead
+the way.
+
+She went down-stairs a few yards in front of me, turned into the
+servants' part of the house and threw open the back door, which led
+out into a courtyard giving on a street used only by tradesmen's
+carts. At this hour of the day it was deserted.
+
+I followed cautiously in Fauchette's wake, and got as far as the back
+door without meeting any interruption.
+
+But at that point, the porter, who must have been roused by an
+unfamiliar step--though I understand he swore afterward that the
+passage of the ghost had been absolutely noiseless--came out and
+stood in the doorway.
+
+Without hesitating for an instant I assumed an erect posture and
+advanced swiftly toward him with my whitened face well displayed.
+
+The fellow gave vent to a half-articulate call which died down in his
+throat, and bolted back into his room uttering yell after yell.
+
+Fifteen seconds later I was out in the street, sponging the chalk
+from my face.
+
+And five minutes after that I was comfortably seated in a hired
+droshky, on my way to a certain little house in the seafaring quarter
+of the city, which possessed, among other advantages, that of
+commanding an exceedingly fine view of the Admiralty Pier.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A SECRET EXECUTION
+
+
+I now come to a part of my chronicle which I plainly foresee must
+expose me to grave criticism.
+
+To that criticism it is no part of my purpose to attempt any reply.
+
+In the long run, I have found, men's minds are not much affected by
+argument and advocacy. Facts tell their own story, and men's
+judgments are usually the result of their personal prejudices.
+
+For that reason I shall confine myself to relating facts. I have
+already told the story of my murder--for such it was in the
+intent--by Petrovitch. I shall now tell the story of the justice
+meted out by me on the assassin.
+
+As soon as I was safely lodged in my house on the Alexander Quay, I
+despatched my assistant, a clever young Frenchman named Breuil, with
+a message to the promoter of the Manchurian Syndicate--the real
+moving spirit of that War clique in which even the bellicose grand
+dukes had only secondary parts.
+
+The wording of the message had been carefully calculated to arouse
+curiosity, but not apprehension.
+
+"The agent of a foreign Power," Breuil was instructed to say to this
+self-styled patriot, "with very large funds at his disposal, desires
+to see you in strict secrecy."
+
+The bait took. Petrovitch, naturally concluding that he was to be
+offered a heavy bribe for some act of treachery to Russia, greedily
+accepted the invitation.
+
+The infatuated man did not take even the ordinary precaution of
+asking for guarantees. He consented to accompany Breuil at once,
+merely asking how far he had to go. This recklessness was the result
+of his supposed triumphant crime. Believing that I was safely
+interred in the English cemetery, he thought there was no one left
+for him to fear.
+
+On the way he did his best to extract some information out of my
+assistant. But Breuil returned the same answer to all his questions
+and hints:
+
+"I am under orders not to converse with you, monsieur."
+
+The doomed man was in good spirits as the droshky put him down at the
+door of my house.
+
+"Decidedly an out-of-the-way retreat!" he commented gaily. "I should
+hardly be able to find my way here again without your assistance!"
+
+The silent Breuil merely bowed, as he proceeded to open the street
+door with a latch key.
+
+Perhaps Petrovitch had been a little more nervous than he allowed to
+appear. When he noticed that his escort simply closed the door on the
+latch, without locking or bolting it further, he said in a tone of
+relief:
+
+"You are not much afraid of being visited by the police, I see."
+
+Breuil, as silent as ever, led the way into a back parlor,
+overlooking the Neva, where I was waiting to receive my visitor.
+
+The room was plainly furnished as a study, and I had placed myself in
+an arm-chair facing the window, so that my back was turned to the
+door as Petrovitch entered.
+
+I pretended to be writing furiously, as a pretext for not turning my
+head till the visitor had seated himself.
+
+Breuil said quietly, "M. Petrovitch is here," and went out of the
+room.
+
+As the door closed I tossed away my pen and turned around, facing my
+assassin.
+
+"I am pleased to see you, M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Monsieur V----!"
+
+I thought he would have lost his senses. His whole countenance
+changed. He clung to his chair, and his eyes were fixed on me with an
+expression of panic.
+
+So complete was his collapse that he did not attempt to speak or
+excuse himself. I saw that he was hardly in a condition to listen to
+anything I had to say.
+
+"I fear you are unwell, M. Petrovitch. Allow me to offer you a little
+brandy."
+
+The wretched man watched me with bewildered looks, as I took a bottle
+and glasses from a cupboard and helped first him and then myself.
+
+"It is quite wholesome, I assure you."
+
+As I said the words I raised my own glass to my lips and sipped.
+
+A choking cry escaped from the author of the war. He seized the glass
+I had set before him and feverishly drained it.
+
+I saw that he was burning to know by what means I had escaped the
+fate prepared for me. But I had no object in gratifying his
+curiosity, and mere boasting is not a weakness of mine.
+
+Steadfastly preserving the tone of a business interview between men
+who understand each other, I went on to say:
+
+"I am here, as you know, in the joint interests of England and
+Japan."
+
+My murderer nodded faintly. I could see him making a tremendous
+effort to control his nerves, and enter into conversation with me on
+my own terms.
+
+"I think I should be glad of a little more brandy. Thank you!--I am
+not at all myself."
+
+I shook my head compassionately.
+
+"You should be careful to avoid too much excitement," I said. "Any
+sudden shock is bad for a man with your nerves."
+
+The promoter gasped. The situation was clearly beyond him.
+
+"You," I went on in my most matter-of-fact tone, "on the contrary,
+are acting on behalf of Germany."
+
+"Who says so!" He was beginning to speak fiercely; but his eye met
+mine, and the words died on his lips.
+
+"We will say I dreamed it, if you like," I responded drily. "I have
+very remarkable dreams sometimes, and learn a great deal from them.
+
+"To confine ourselves to business. I have caused the sailing of this
+Baltic Fleet to be put off, because----"
+
+"You--have caused it!"
+
+The interruption burst from him in spite of himself.
+
+I affected to shrug my shoulders with a certain annoyance.
+
+"Your opinion of my powers does not seem to be a very high one,
+unfortunately," I remarked with irony. "It would be better if you
+accepted me as a serious antagonist, believe me."
+
+Petrovitch lowered his eyes in confusion, as he muttered,
+
+"I apologize, Monsieur V----. I have blundered, as I now perceive."
+
+"Let us resume. I was about to say that I had prevented the sailing
+of this fleet, because I feared that its voyage might be marked by
+some incident likely to bring Great Britain and Russia into
+collision."
+
+The financier raised his head and watched me keenly.
+
+"You, yourself, M. Petrovitch, have been active, I believe, in
+preparing the mind of the Czar and the Russian public for something
+of the sort. Doubtless you have not done so without very good
+grounds."
+
+"My information leads me to think that a flotilla of torpedo boats is
+being kept ready in the English ports for a night attack on our fleet
+during its progress through the North Sea."
+
+I smiled disdainfully.
+
+"That is a false report. I have asked you to call here in the hope
+that I might find you ready to assist me in discrediting it."
+
+The Russian continued to watch me out of his narrow eyes.
+
+"And, also," I added, "to assist me in preventing any attempt to give
+color to it."
+
+"I am not sure that I understand you, Monsieur V----."
+
+"That is quite possible. I will speak more plainly. There are some
+prophets who take a little trouble to make their prophesies come
+true. I wish to know whether you and your friends have determined
+that this particular prophesy shall come true--perhaps to fulfill it
+yourselves?"
+
+Petrovitch frowned and compressed his lips.
+
+"So that is why you got me here?"
+
+"I wished to see," I said blandly, "if it was possible for me to
+offer you terms which might induce you to alter your views
+altogether--in short, to stop the war."
+
+The financier looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Monsieur V----, you don't know what you ask! But you--would a
+million rubles tempt you to come over, to be neutral, even?"
+
+"I am a member, by adoption, of the imperial family of Japan," I
+replied laconically.
+
+Petrovitch was past surprise. If I had informed him that I was the
+Mikado in disguise, I think he would have taken it as a matter of
+course.
+
+"This war is worth ten millions to me," he confessed hoarsely.
+
+I shook my head with resignation.
+
+"The price is too high. We must be enemies, not friends, I perceive."
+
+The author of the war, who had regained his self-possession, did not
+blanch at these words.
+
+"I regret it," he said with a courteous inclination.
+
+"You have reason to."
+
+He gave me a questioning glance.
+
+"Up to the present I have been on the defensive," I explained. "I
+dislike violent measures. But from this moment I shall hold myself at
+liberty to use them."
+
+"I am afraid I have gone rather too far," the promoter hesitated.
+
+"You have drugged me. You have robbed me. You have murdered me."
+
+"You are alive, however," he ventured to retort with an impudent
+smile.
+
+"Unfortunately," I went on sternly, "in murdering me you exceeded
+your instructions."
+
+"How----"
+
+"I dreamed that I heard you tell your accomplice so," I put in,
+without giving him a chance to speak.
+
+He ceased to meet my gaze.
+
+"You are therefore not even a political criminal. You are a common
+felon. As such I warn you that I shall execute you without notice,
+and without reprieve."
+
+The Russian scowled fiercely.
+
+"We will see about that," he blustered. "I have a loaded revolver in
+my pocket."
+
+I waved my hand scornfully.
+
+"Undeceive yourself, George Petrovitch. I am not proposing a duel. I
+cannot be expected to fight with a condemned murderer. I sentence you
+to death--and may the Lord have mercy on your soul."
+
+"By what right?" he demanded furiously.
+
+"I am accredited by the Emperor of Japan to the Emperor of Russia.
+This house is Japanese soil. Farewell!"
+
+Petrovitch rose from his chair, wavering between indignation and
+alarm.
+
+"I shall defend myself!" he exclaimed, edging slowly toward the door.
+
+"You will do better to confess yourself. Is there no prayer that you
+wish to say?"
+
+The Russian smiled incredulously.
+
+"You seem very confident," he sneered.
+
+I saw that it was useless to try to rouse him to a sense of his
+peril. I pointed to the door, and pressed a knob on the wall.
+
+The murderer made two steps from me, laid his fingers on the
+door-handle--and dropped dead instantly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+A CHANGE OF IDENTITY
+
+
+I now approach the crucial portion of my narrative.
+
+The incidents already dealt with, though not without a certain
+interest, perhaps, for those who value exact information about
+political events, are comparatively unimportant, and have been given
+here chiefly in order to inspire confidence in what follows.
+
+At all events, their truth is not likely to be disputed, and I have
+not thought it necessary, therefore, to insist on every corroborative
+detail.
+
+But I am now about to enter on what must be considered debatable
+ground.
+
+I had taken the little house on the Alexander Quay, as the reader
+will have guessed, as a post of observation from which to watch the
+proceedings of the Russian Ministry of Marine, more particularly with
+regard to the fleet under the command of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+It is my subsequent observations and discoveries which compel me,
+greatly to my regret, to give a direct contradiction to the gallant
+Admiral's version of what took place in the North Sea on the night
+of Trafalgar Day, 1904.
+
+It is for that reason that I desire to exercise particular care in
+this part of my statement.
+
+Such care is the more incumbent on me, inasmuch as I was requested by
+the British Government to furnish a confidential copy of my evidence
+in advance, for the use of the members of the international court
+which sat in Paris to inquire into this most mysterious affair.
+
+The following chapters should be read, therefore, as the sworn
+depositions of a witness, and not as the carelessly worded account of
+a journalist or popular historian.
+
+The electrocution of the murderer, Petrovitch, already described,
+furnished me with a valuable opportunity which I was quick to seize.
+
+I have not extenuated this act, and I will not defend it. I content
+myself with recording that this man had been the principal instrument
+in promoting the Russo-Japanese war, and the principal obstacle to
+peace. In this he was acting as the paid agent of a foreign Power,
+and was therefore guilty of high treason to his own country. On these
+grounds my execution of him, although irregular at the time, has
+since been formally ratified by the highest tribunal of the Russian
+Empire, the Imperial Council of State.
+
+A justification which I value still more, consists in the fact that
+the removal of this man proved the turning point in the history of
+the war.
+
+Within a month of his death I had the satisfaction to be made the
+medium of an informal overture for peace. The negotiations thus
+opened have proceeded with great secrecy, but before these lines meet
+the public eye, I have every hope that the calamitous struggle in
+Manchuria will have been suspended indefinitely.
+
+To return:
+
+Owing to the secret life led by the deceased man, it was some time
+before his absence from his usual haunts excited remark.
+
+When it became evident that something must have happened to him,
+people were still slow to suspect that he had come to a violent end.
+Many persons believed that he had been ruined by the ill-success of
+the war, and had gone into hiding from his creditors. Others supposed
+that he had been secretly arrested.
+
+Some of his fellow-plotters in the Russian capital imagined that he
+had fled to Germany to escape the penalty of his treason. In Germany,
+on the other hand, I afterward learned, he was supposed to have been
+sent to Siberia by order of the Czar.
+
+For weeks the "Disappearance of M. Petrovitch" was the general topic
+of discussion in the newspapers and in private circles; but no one
+came near guessing the truth.
+
+There was one person who must have divined from the first what had
+happened. But she held her tongue.
+
+So far as I could gather from the reports which continued to reach me
+from Fauchette, the Princess Y---- had sunk into a lethargy after my
+evasion. She seemed to wish only to be left alone to brood, perhaps
+to mourn.
+
+The only sign she gave was by depositing a wreath on the empty grave
+in the English cemetery, a wreath which bore the solitary word,
+"Remembrance."
+
+In the meanwhile I had gratifying evidence that the loss of the chief
+conspirator had completely disorganized the schemes of the plotters
+in the Ministry of Marine.
+
+My first proceeding, after disconnecting the powerful battery which I
+had installed in my house for the purpose of the execution, was to
+summon my assistant Breuil.
+
+With his aid, the corpse was stripped and sewn up in a sheet,
+together with some heavy weights. In the middle of the night it was
+committed to the waters of the Neva, almost within sight and sound of
+the fleet.
+
+The papers which we found in his clothes were not numerous or
+important. But there was one which I thought worth preserving.
+
+It was a passport, made out in the name of the deceased, issued by
+the Russian Foreign Office, and viséd by the German Ambassador. This
+passport I still have in my possession.
+
+I now disclosed to my assistant a plan which had been in my own mind
+for some time, though, true to my principle of never making an
+unnecessary confidence, I had not previously mentioned it to him.
+
+"I have decided," I told him, "to assume the personality of
+Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil stared at me in consternation. It is only fair to say that he
+had not been with me very long.
+
+I could see that some objection was trembling on the tip of his
+tongue. He had learned, however, that I expect my staff not to
+criticize, but to obey.
+
+"You may speak," I said indulgently, "if you have anything to say."
+
+"I was about to remark, sir, that you are not in the least like
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Think again," I said mildly.
+
+He gave me an intelligent look.
+
+"You are much about the same height!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"But his friends, who see him every day--surely they cannot be
+deceived? And then his business--his correspondence--but perhaps you
+are able to feign handwriting?"
+
+I smiled. The good Breuil had passed from one extreme to the other.
+Instead of doubting me, he was crediting me too much.
+
+I proceeded to explain.
+
+"No, as you very properly suggest, I could not hope to deceive
+Petrovitch's friends, nor can I imitate his hand. But remember, that
+in a few days Petrovitch will have disappeared. What will have become
+of him, do you suppose?"
+
+Breuil was still puzzled. I had to make my meaning still plainer.
+
+"He will be in concealment--that is to say, in disguise."
+
+Breuil threw up his hands in a gesture of admiration.
+
+"As the disguised Petrovitch I may manage to pass very well, more
+particularly as I shall be meeting people who have never seen the
+real Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil did not quite understand this last observation.
+
+"I am going," I exclaimed, "on board the Baltic Fleet."
+
+"Sir, you are magnificent!"
+
+I frowned down his enthusiasm. Compliments are compliments only when
+they come from those who pay us, not from those whom we pay.
+
+"Go and procure me the uniform of a superintendent of naval stores.
+And ascertain for me where Captain Vassileffsky usually passes his
+evenings."
+
+Captain Vassileffsky was the naval officer who had been present on
+the occasion when I was drugged at Petrovitch's table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+TRAPPED
+
+
+The clock was striking eight as I entered the restaurant of the
+Two-Headed Eagle, in the seaport of Revel on the Gulf of Finland,
+about a week after the mysterious disappearance of Petrovitch had
+become the talk of Petersburg.
+
+Picking out a table at which an officer in the uniform of a Russian
+naval captain was already seated, I went up to it, and sat down in
+front of him with the formal bow prescribed by etiquette in the
+circumstances.
+
+The ships intended to sail to the relief of Port Arthur were lying at
+this time some at Revel and others at Libau on the Baltic. From time
+to time their departure was officially announced for a certain date,
+reviews were held, and one or two preliminary trips had been
+undertaken.
+
+But each time some unseen obstacle was interposed, and M. Auguste
+continued to draw his weekly stipend.
+
+Nevertheless it was beginning to be evident that the game of see-saw
+could not go on forever. Autumn was approaching, the nation was
+becoming impatient, and the scoffs of the foreign press were severely
+galling the naval pride of Russia.
+
+I had picked up a certain amount of information in the capital
+itself, where a great number of the officers were on leave. But I
+wished to get in direct touch with the one man who, I believed, was
+most likely to be in the confidence of Petrovitch, and, finding there
+was no chance of his coming to Petersburg, I had been obliged to make
+the journey to Revel.
+
+Vassileffsky acknowledged my bow with cordiality, at the same time
+fixing his dark, wicked eyes on me with a look which I well
+understood.
+
+I was wearing the uniform which I had ordered my assistant to provide
+me with, and the Captain had been quick to take note of it.
+
+It may be said that the most valuable part of a naval officer's
+income in Russia is derived from the peculation of government stores.
+To carry on this lucrative system of plunder there is always a good
+understanding between officials of the Stores Department and the
+combatant officers.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky now studied my face like a man expecting to
+receive some proposal of the kind. I, on my side, made it my business
+to say as little as possible to him till dinner was over.
+
+Then I called for a magnum of champagne, and invited my companion to
+fill a tumbler.
+
+He did so readily enough, and I gave him the toast,
+
+"To the Emperor who wishes us well!"
+
+Vassileffsky started, and gave me a penetrating look.
+
+He did not venture to put a question to me, however, and contented
+himself with drinking the toast in silence.
+
+Determined not to say anything as long as the Captain remained sober,
+I plied him with champagne in increasing quantities, while taking as
+little as possible myself.
+
+On his side Vassileffsky was equally reserved. He saw, of course,
+that I had a special object in courting his friendship, and was
+cunning enough to let me make the first advance.
+
+As soon as I thought the wine had had time to confuse his faculties,
+I leaned forward and whispered,
+
+"I've got something to say to you about Petrovitch."
+
+The Captain looked at me eagerly.
+
+"Do you know where he is?"
+
+"Not so loud. Yes. He has had to disguise himself."
+
+I spoke in a muffled tone, which Vassileffsky imitated in his
+response.
+
+"Where is he? I want to see him very badly."
+
+"I know. He wants to see you. He is here in Revel."
+
+"In Revel! Isn't that dangerous?"
+
+"It would be if he weren't so well disguised. You, yourself, wouldn't
+know him."
+
+Vassileffsky looked incredulous.
+
+"I bet I should."
+
+"Done with you! What in?"
+
+"A dozen magnums."
+
+"Pay for them, then. _I'm Petrovitch._"
+
+The Captain started, shook himself, and peered drunkenly into my
+face.
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"Read that then."
+
+I drew out the passport, and spread it before him. The Russian
+spelled his way through it, and nodded solemnly at the end.
+
+"Yes, that's all right. You must be Petrovitch, I suppose. But you
+don't look like him."
+
+"Didn't I tell you I was disguised. I had to clear out in a hurry.
+Some one's been denouncing me to Nicholas."
+
+Vassileffsky looked frightened. His eye sought the door, as though he
+no longer felt at ease in my company.
+
+"You needn't be afraid," I assured him. "No one suspects you."
+
+"Well, what do you want?" he asked sullenly.
+
+"I want you to take me on board your ship."
+
+An angry frown crossed his face.
+
+"You want me to hide you from the police!"
+
+"Nonsense. The police are all right. They want me to get away. They
+could have put their hands on me long ago if they had wanted to."
+
+"Then why have you come here?"
+
+"I told you. I want to have a talk with you about our plans."
+
+"The plan is all right. But I want to know when we're to sail."
+
+"I'm doing all I can. It's only a question of weeks now."
+
+Vassileffsky looked hard at me again, bent across the table, and
+whispered a word which I failed to understand.
+
+Something in his face warned me that it was a password. I recovered
+myself from my momentary confusion and smiled.
+
+"The word's changed," I said with an air of authority. "It's _North
+Sea_ and _Canal_."
+
+The Russian seemed satisfied.
+
+"Well," he said, stumbling to his feet, "if we're going on board we'd
+better go."
+
+"Don't forget the magnums," I put in, as I rose in my turn.
+
+The reckoning was settled, and the champagne ordered to follow us
+down to the boat.
+
+Vassileffsky nearly lost his footing as we got out into the fresh
+air, and caught hold of my arm.
+
+"You'll have to lead me," he said, speaking thickly. "Straight along
+the street, and down the first turning on the quay."
+
+We walked along, arm-in-arm, my companion appearing to become more
+helpless every minute.
+
+As we emerged from the narrow lane which conducted us to the
+waterside, the lights of the harbor burst into view. There on the
+tide lay a long line of stately battleships, cruisers and dark,
+low-lying torpedo boats, their riding lights flashing and twinkling
+in a thousand reflections on the waves.
+
+A drunken hail from the Captain was responded to by a respectful hail
+from a Russian petty officer, who was lounging at the head of some
+stone steps.
+
+He came forward and assisted his commanding officer down and into the
+launch which waited below. I followed, and the bottles of champagne
+were handed in afterward.
+
+Vassileffsky seized the tiller with more energy than he had seemed
+capable of, and headed the launch for a great battleship, the
+_Beresina_.
+
+In a few minutes we were alongside. A smart landing stage and ladder
+brought us up on to the deck, and as soon as our feet touched it,
+Captain Vassileffsky, suddenly drawing himself up, said in distinct
+and sober tones,
+
+"Consider yourself under arrest, if you please----"
+
+I was a prisoner on board a Russian man-of-war!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE BALTIC FLEET
+
+
+Fortunately I am accustomed to face emergencies without losing my
+presence of mind.
+
+The manner of Vassileffsky had prepared me for some display of
+suspicion on his part, though I hardly anticipated his procedure
+would be so theatrical.
+
+Fixing him with my sternest look, I responded,
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky, I do not think you quite understand what you
+are doing. I will talk to you in the morning, when you are more
+yourself."
+
+He drew back, considerably disconcerted.
+
+"Very well, I will listen to what you have to say in the morning. In
+the meantime you will be under a guard."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders with a disdainful smile.
+
+"Be good enough to let me see my quarters," I said.
+
+More and more abashed, the Captain summoned one of his officers, and
+gave him some instructions.
+
+"Follow me, sir," said the lieutenant. I walked after him with
+perfect self-possession.
+
+"I do not wish to make a fuss to-night, as Captain Vassileffsky is
+not himself," I said haughtily, as we drew out of hearing. "But you
+will understand that unless I receive an apology in the morning, I
+shall complain to his majesty the Czar, by whose orders I am here."
+
+The lieutenant looked badly frightened.
+
+"It is not my fault, as you can see, sir. I am only obeying orders.
+Will you accept my own berth for the night, sir?"
+
+I thanked him and entered a small, comfortably-fitted state-room.
+With profuse apologies, he turned the key and left me to my own
+reflections.
+
+I slept soundly, rocked by the tide of the Finland Gulf.
+
+In the morning my jailer came to wake me.
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky presents his compliments, and asks you to
+breakfast with him in his cabin, in half an hour."
+
+This message was a welcome proof to me that my bluff had produced the
+desired effect. I accepted the invitation as if it was a matter of
+course.
+
+I dressed, and went to the cabin where Vassileffsky awaited me.
+
+"Are we friends or foes this morning?" I called out with a
+good-humored laugh, as I greeted him.
+
+The Russian looked dull and nervous.
+
+"I hope all will be well," he muttered. "Let us have something to eat
+before we talk."
+
+He might have said, something to drink, for his own breakfast was
+mainly of champagne. I, myself, made a point of eating heartily, and
+drank only coffee.
+
+"Now, Vassileffsky," I said in authoritative tones, "to business.
+First of all, you want some money."
+
+It was a guess, but a fairly safe one. Without waiting for the
+astonished man to reply, I took out my pocket-book.
+
+"How much can you do with till the fleet sails?" I asked, still in
+the same matter-of-fact tone.
+
+Fairly nonplussed, the Captain blurted out,
+
+"I should like two thousand."
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"I can let you have only a thousand now, but you shall have the
+balance this day week." I counted the thousand rubles, and handed
+them to him. "They are grumbling, rather, in Berlin over the
+expense."
+
+It was, of course, my object to give Vassileffsky no opening for a
+cross-examination, but to take it for granted that we were on
+confidential terms.
+
+At the word "Berlin" he opened his eyes pretty wide.
+
+"Does this money come from Germany?" he exclaimed, half-withdrawing
+his hand.
+
+I affected surprise in my turn.
+
+"You have not received any information at all, apparently! My message
+must have miscarried. Didn't the Princess see you?"
+
+Vassileffsky looked still more surprised. His demeanor taught me a
+good deal. I saw that Petrovitch had not trusted him very far. The
+financier had evidently kept all the threads of the intrigue in his
+own hands, as far as possible.
+
+So much the better, I reflected. His removal would disorganize
+matters even more thoroughly than I had ventured to hope.
+
+"What Princess?" the Captain asked.
+
+"The Princess Y----, of course."
+
+He brightened up a little, as though this name, at all events, was
+familiar.
+
+"No, she has not been here."
+
+"One can never trust these women," I muttered aloud. "She has not
+been at all the same since the death of her Englishman."
+
+"Of Sterling, do you mean?"
+
+"Yes. You heard of it, I suppose?"
+
+Vassileffsky grinned.
+
+"Rather sudden, wasn't it?"
+
+I smiled meaningly, as I retorted,
+
+"You remember he fainted rather unexpectedly that night he dined with
+me."
+
+A look of relief broke out on Vassileffsky's face, as I thus
+referred to an incident which he naturally supposed could be known
+only to Petrovitch.
+
+"My dear fellow, I beg a thousand pardons for my stupid conduct last
+night," he burst out. "But you must admit that your disguise is
+extraordinary."
+
+"Not a word!" I returned. "It is always better to err on the side of
+distrust. Besides, I wished to spend a night on your ship in any
+case. Your crew can be thoroughly depended on, if I am any judge."
+
+"They would bombard the Tower of London, if I gave the word," boasted
+Vassileffsky.
+
+It is extraordinary how widely the belief prevails on the Continent
+of Europe that the London Tower is still a fortress, charged with the
+protection of the British capital.
+
+"At all events, they will not be frightened by the sight of the Union
+Jack?" I returned.
+
+The Russian officer gave me an alarmed glance.
+
+"You do not mean--you are not asking us to fire on the British
+fleet?"
+
+"No, no," I reassured him.
+
+"Ah, that is all right. For the moment I confess you frightened me.
+They say we shall have to pass Admiral Beresford!"
+
+"What are you prepared to do?" I asked, concealing my deep interest
+in the reply.
+
+Vassileffsky's manner became slightly reproachful.
+
+"You did not bargain with me to attack an armed ship," he said in
+the tone of one who reminds another of his agreement. "It was
+understood that we were to attack merchantmen, like the
+Vladivostockers."
+
+At last I had a direct confirmation of my suspicions.
+
+"And what is the tone of the fleet generally?" I inquired.
+
+"I have done my best to make them all of the same mind. They will do
+their best, depend on it. I think there will be a few English vessels
+mysteriously lost at sea during the next two or three months! The
+prize courts cannot always be depended on."
+
+By an effort I restrained my indignation at these atrocious hints.
+The Baltic Fleet was about to seek the open sea, secretly intending
+to miss no chance of sinking a British merchantman that should be
+unlucky enough to cross its path.
+
+It was with a feeling of chagrin that I perceived it would be useless
+to send any message to Lord Bedale of what was in preparation. On
+certain subjects the British people are deaf and blind. They believe
+that all foreign statesmen are as high-minded as a Gladstone, and all
+foreign officials as scrupulous and truthful as the Chevalier Bayard
+himself.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky continued,
+
+"Our men are badly scared by reports of the Japanese plans. It is
+supposed that they have torpedo boats lurking in the English ports.
+Hull is said to be full of them."
+
+"Why, Hull?"
+
+Vassileffsky gave me a wink.
+
+"Hull is the great fishing center. Whole fleets of traders come out
+from there to the fishing banks in the North Sea. We are going to
+stir them up a bit."
+
+The outlines of the plot became every moment more clear.
+
+"On what pretext?" I asked.
+
+The Russian answered me without noticing that I was not so well
+informed as himself.
+
+"Oh, we shall find pretexts enough, you bet. For one thing, we shall
+signal them to clear out of the way, and when they have their trawl
+nets down and can't move! That will be lively. There will be a
+collision or two, I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"But isn't that against the rule of the road?"
+
+Though not a seaman, I had always heard that a vessel in motion is
+bound to avoid one that is at rest. I knew, moreover, that a
+steamship was bound to make way for a sailing vessel.
+
+Vassileffsky cursed the rule of the road.
+
+"It will be a question of evidence," he exclaimed. "My word against a
+dirty fisherman's. What do you say?"
+
+I pretended to be thoroughly satisfied. Still, knowing what I did of
+the Russian character, I had some hope that the Captain was boasting
+in order to impress me, and that he would not really dare to run down
+a British vessel within reach of the shores of England.
+
+Our conversation was interrupted by a gun.
+
+As the report died away, a junior officer ran down the companionway,
+helter-skelter, and burst into the cabin.
+
+"Something's up, sir," he cried to his commander. "They are signaling
+from the Admiral's ship."
+
+Vassileffsky darted up the steps and on to the bridge, and I
+followed.
+
+The Baltic fleet presented a striking spectacle. Every vessel was
+busily reporting the signals from the flag ship, the launches were
+dashing to and fro, and there was every sign of bustle and activity.
+
+The signal officer read out Admiral Rojestvensky's order:
+
+"The fleet will proceed to Libau to-day _en route_ to the East.
+Anchors will be weighed at noon. By order of the Czar."
+
+M. Auguste had failed me at last!
+
+With the frightful boasts of Vassileffsky still ringing in my ears, I
+felt that I must make one effort to stay its departure.
+
+"This news compels me to return to Petersburg immediately," I told
+the Captain. "Have the goodness to put me ashore at once."
+
+For a moment or two the Russian made no answer. I glanced at him
+curiously.
+
+His face had gone suddenly livid. His limbs were trembling. He gave
+me the dull look of a man stupefied by fear.
+
+"The Japanese!" he ejaculated in a thick voice.
+
+I seized him by the arm.
+
+"Are you pretending?" I whispered.
+
+He gave me a savage glance.
+
+"It's true!" he said. "Those devils will be up to something. It's all
+over with the fleet. No one believes we shall ever see Port Arthur."
+
+Grave and pre-occupied, I went ashore and caught a fast train to
+Petersburg.
+
+It was late when I got to the little house on the Alexander Quay. The
+faithful Breuil received me with a serious face.
+
+"Fauchette is here," he announced.
+
+"Fauchette?"
+
+"Yes. She has some news for you."
+
+"Let me see her."
+
+I strode in front to my study, where I was immediately joined by the
+maid, who appeared not a little alarmed.
+
+I never like to see my assistants agitated.
+
+"Sit down, my good girl," I said soothingly. "Do not be afraid; I
+know what pains you take to serve me. Now, what is it?"
+
+"Madame has dismissed me."
+
+I had feared as much.
+
+"On what grounds?"
+
+"She gave none, except that she was leaving home."
+
+I pricked up my ears.
+
+"Did she tell you where she was going?"
+
+"Yes, to her estates in the country."
+
+"It was a lie, I suppose. She had come to suspect you, had she not?"
+
+"Since Monsieur's escape, I fear yes."
+
+"And have you ascertained----?"
+
+"The Princess has left Petersburg by the midday train for----"
+
+"For?" I broke in impatiently.
+
+"For Berlin."
+
+I rang the bell. Breuil appeared.
+
+"Have you got the tickets?" I asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And my dress as a pilot of the Kiel Canal?"
+
+"It is packed."
+
+"And what time does the next train leave?"
+
+"In two hours from now."
+
+"Good. And now, my children, we will have supper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+ON THE TRACK
+
+
+As the really exciting moment of the protracted struggle drew near, I
+summoned all my energies to meet it.
+
+I alighted in Berlin armed only with two weapons, the passport made
+out in the name of Petrovitch, and a fairly accurate knowledge of the
+schemes, or at all events the hopes, of the German Government.
+
+From the first beginning of my long investigation, all the clues I
+had picked up had led steadily in one direction.
+
+The great disorganized Empire of the Czar's, with its feeble-willed
+autocrat, its insubordinate grand dukes, its rival ministers pulling
+different ways, and its greedy officials whose country was their
+pocket, had been silently and steadily enfolded in the invisible web
+of German statecraft.
+
+The brilliant personality of Wilhelm II had magnetized the
+vacillating, timorous Nicholas. Count Bülow had courted the Russian
+Foreign Office with the assiduous arts of a lover, and his wooing had
+been crowned by complete success. Through Petrovitch the grand dukes
+had been indirectly bribed, and the smaller fry like M. Auguste had
+been bought outright. Even the Army and Navy had been cajoled, or
+bought, or terrorized by pretended revelations of Japanese designs.
+
+Russia had become a supple implement in the hands of the German
+Kaiser, the sovereign who for nearly twenty years had been striving
+toward one goal by a hundred different crooked paths.
+
+It was evident that the unexplained disappearance of Petrovitch must
+have struck consternation into his employers. I suspected that the
+Princess Y---- had been summoned to Berlin to throw light on the
+event, and possibly to be furnished with instructions which would
+enable her to take over the dead man's work.
+
+My position was now peculiarly difficult. I wished to get in touch
+with the principals for whom Petrovitch had acted, but to avoid, if
+possible, meeting any one who had known him personally.
+
+Above all, I was determined not to risk an encounter with Sophia. She
+knew that I was still alive, and I feared that her feminine
+intuition, quickened by love, would penetrate through whatever
+disguise I might adopt.
+
+Under these circumstances I decided to begin by approaching Herr
+Finkelstein, the head of the imperial Secret Service in Berlin.
+
+This man was an old crony of mine. While a magnificent organizer of
+espionage, he was a poor observer himself, and I had already
+succeeded on one occasion in imposing myself on him under a false
+identity.
+
+I had brought with me the papers which I had obtained by bribery from
+the police agent Rostoy, representing me as an inspector in the
+secret police of the Russian Empire.
+
+Wearing my pilot's dress, but carrying these and other papers in my
+pocket, I presented myself at Finkelstein's office, and asked to see
+him.
+
+I was shown in first, as I had expected, to Finkelstein's secretary,
+who asked me my business.
+
+"I can tell that only to the Herr Superintendent himself," I said.
+
+"If you will let him know that I have just come from Petersburg, I am
+sure he will receive me."
+
+The secretary seemed to think so too. He went straight into his
+chief's room and came out immediately to fetch me in.
+
+As soon as I found myself alone with the head of the German service,
+I said quietly,
+
+"I have brought you a message from M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Petrovitch!" exclaimed the Superintendent, surprised out of his
+usual caution. "But he is dead!"
+
+"You have been misinformed," I replied in an assured tone.
+
+Finkelstein looked at me searchingly.
+
+"My informant does not often make mistakes," he observed.
+
+"The Princess is deceived this time, however," was my retort.
+
+It was a fresh surprise for the Superintendent.
+
+"The Princess! Then you know?" He broke off short, conscious that he
+was making an admission.
+
+"The Princess Y---- having left Petersburg, it was natural to suppose
+that she had come here to consult you," I answered modestly, not
+wishing to appear too well informed.
+
+Finkelstein frowned.
+
+"You have not yet told me who you are," he reminded me.
+
+I produced the forged papers.
+
+"I am an inspector attached to the Third Section, as you will see. I
+must inform you, however, that I am not here with the knowledge of my
+superiors."
+
+The German gave a glance at the papers, which were similar to others
+which he must have had presented to him from time to time.
+
+"That is all satisfactory," he said, as he returned them to me. "But
+you say that you have a message from M. Petrovitch?"
+
+"He had no opportunity of giving me any but this," I responded,
+producing the passport.
+
+This time Finkelstein seemed really satisfied.
+
+"It is clear that you know something about him, at least," he
+remarked. "I will listen to what you have to say."
+
+"M. Petrovitch is confined in Schlüsselburg."
+
+The name of the dreaded fortress, the last home of so many political
+prisoners, caused Finkelstein a shock.
+
+"_Gott im Himmel!_ You don't say so! How did he get there? Tell me
+everything."
+
+"He does not know from what quarter the blow came. The only person he
+can think of who might have denounced him is the Princess herself."
+
+"The Princess Y----?"
+
+"Exactly."
+
+The German looked incredulous.
+
+"But they were hand in glove. The Princess was his best agent."
+
+"True. Unfortunately there is always one source of danger where a
+woman is concerned--she cannot control her affections. It appears
+that M. Petrovitch ordered her to remove a certain Englishman, a spy
+of some kind, who was giving trouble, and Madame Y---- was attached
+to the fellow. She carried out her orders, but M. Petrovitch fears
+that she has taken revenge on him."
+
+Finkelstein gave a superior smile.
+
+"I can dispose of that suspicion," he said confidently. "The
+Princess did _not_ carry out her orders. The man you speak of--who is
+the most dangerous and unprincipled scoundrel in the world--has
+escaped, and we have lost all trace of him."
+
+It was my turn to show surprise and alarm.
+
+"What you tell me is appalling! I ought to see the Princess as soon
+as possible. If what she says is true, it must be the Englishman who
+has brought about Petrovitch's arrest."
+
+"He is no Englishman," the Superintendent returned. "He is an
+American, a Pole, a Frenchman, whatever you please. That man has been
+at the bottom of all the troubles in Europe for the last twenty
+years. I have employed him myself, sometimes, so I ought to know
+something about him."
+
+I listened with an interest that was not feigned to this character of
+myself. It was, all the same, a lie that Finkelstein had ever
+employed me; on the contrary, I had been called in by his imperial
+master to check his work.
+
+"Then what is to be done?" I asked, as the German finished speaking.
+"M. Petrovitch sent me here to warn you against the Princess, and to
+demand your influence to secure his release."
+
+"That will be a difficult matter. I shall have to consult the
+Minister. In the meantime, where can I find you?"
+
+I mentioned the name of a hotel.
+
+"And the Princess Y----? Where can I see her?"
+
+"I expect that she has left for Kiel," said the Superintendent. "She
+has volunteered to carry out the plan originally proposed by
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Then in that case you will not require my services?" I said, with an
+air of being disappointed. "M. Petrovitch thought you might find me
+useful in his place."
+
+"I must consult others before I can say anything as to that," was the
+cautious reply.
+
+He added rather grudgingly,
+
+"I did not know M. Petrovitch myself, you see. It was thought better
+that he should not come to Berlin."
+
+This statement relieved me of a great anxiety. I now saw my way to
+take a bolder line.
+
+"So I understood, sir. But I did not venture to approach his majesty
+except through you."
+
+Finkelstein started again, and gave me a new look of curiosity.
+
+"Who authorized you to mention the Emperor?"
+
+I tried to play the part of a man who has made an unintentional slip.
+
+"I spoke too quickly. Petrovitch informed me--that is to say, I
+supposed--" I broke down in feigned confusion.
+
+I knew inquisitiveness to be the Superintendent's besetting sin,
+and, up to a certain point, I had an interest in tempting him on.
+
+"You appear to be more in the confidence of M. Petrovitch than you
+are willing to admit," he said sagely. "Up to the present you have
+not explained how he came to make you his messenger."
+
+I leaned back with a faint smile.
+
+"I imagine you are quite astute enough to guess my secret, if you
+choose, Herr Finkelstein. But you must excuse me if I am a little
+careful whom I trust, especially after the behavior of Princess
+Y----."
+
+"You are M. Petrovitch himself! Of course! I thought as much all
+along," Finkelstein said with a smile of triumph. "Well, you are
+certainly right to be cautious; but, as you see, it is not easy to
+deceive an old hand like myself."
+
+"At all events you will be at least equally cautious, I hope. What
+you tell me about this international spy being still at large has
+disturbed me a good deal, I confess."
+
+"Make your mind easy," the German returned with a patronizing air.
+"We are in Berlin here, not in Petersburg. This gentleman will not
+venture within my reach, I assure you."
+
+I professed every satisfaction with this guarantee, and took my
+leave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+AN IMPERIAL FANATIC
+
+
+I was now to face Wilhelm II.
+
+It was solely for this purpose that I had come to Berlin. But I knew
+the great advantage of getting myself vouched for in advance by a
+third party, and therefore I had been anxious to convince Finkelstein
+of my identity in the first place, so that his master might accept me
+without inquiry as to whether I was the man I claimed to be.
+
+I dined quietly in my hotel, a small tavern in a back street. It was
+getting late, and I was on the point of going to bed, when I heard
+the noise of a motor rushing up and stopping suddenly outside the
+little inn.
+
+An aide-de-camp burst in upon me.
+
+"Your name, sir?" he demanded in a whisper.
+
+"Petrovitch," I replied in the same tone.
+
+"Come this way, if you please."
+
+In less than a minute I was seated in the car, which was dashing at a
+really dangerous pace through the nearly deserted streets.
+
+"I am taking you to Potsdam," was all the explanation my companion
+thought necessary.
+
+It did not take us long to reach the famous palace of Frederick the
+Great, which the growth of Berlin has almost turned into a suburban
+residence.
+
+My conductor brought me past all the sentries and servants, and led
+me down some steps into what seemed to be a subterranean hall. It was
+decorated with statues and paintings of the ancestors of Wilhelm II.,
+together with weapons, suits of armor, and banners of the successive
+periods in which they lived.
+
+But the most striking object in the hall or crypt--for it might have
+been either--was a trophy erected on a species of altar at one end,
+exhibiting a variety of crowns.
+
+At the foot were a number of small coronets, representing those worn
+by the former Margraves of Brandenburg, in whom the Hohenzollern
+family took its rise. Above were ranged the crowns of the Kings of
+Prussia, that of Frederick the Great being in the center. Still
+higher rose the three imperial crowns of Germany, those of William
+I., Frederick III., and the present Emperor. And then, right on the
+summit, came a still more gorgeous object, whose like I had never
+seen before.
+
+It was a colossal miter, somewhat after the fashion of the Papal
+tiara, wrought out of pure gold, thickly studded with great pearls,
+and surmounted by a cross.
+
+But I had barely time to notice this singular display. As my guide
+left me on the threshold of the hall, I was aware that I stood in the
+presence of the German Emperor.
+
+This extraordinary monarch, whose great and far-reaching views are
+combined with a type of extravagance which has long made him looked
+upon as the _enfant terrible_ of Europe, was about to teach me a new
+side of his character.
+
+He received me seated in a small ivory chair like a throne, and
+attired in a garment of pontifical design.
+
+"Advance, M. Petrovitch," he commanded in a loud voice.
+
+As I stood in front of him, he said theatrically,
+
+"I receive you in the Hall of the Hohenzollerns. You see around you
+the sacred memorials of the family which Providence has raised up to
+be the saviors of Europe, and the future rulers of the world."
+
+In response to this invitation I took a longer and more comprehensive
+view of the various objects already described. The Kaiser
+condescended to point some of them out to me with a long two-handed
+sword which he held.
+
+I began to suspect seriously that the megalomania which has always
+formed one of Wilhelm's characteristic traits, was overpowering his
+good sense.
+
+"M. Petrovitch," my august cicerone proceeded, "you see there the
+crowns which have been won and worn by my illustrious and
+never-to-be-forgotten ancestors. Can you guess the meaning of the
+diadem above--which I have designed myself?
+
+"That," declared the last and most remarkable of the Hohenzollerns,
+"is intended to be worn by that member of my Family who shall be
+called by the united voice of the other sovereigns to the supreme
+world monarchy. It is destined to be our Planetary Crown."
+
+I bowed in stupefaction. The Kaiser seemed pleased with the
+impression he had made.
+
+"And now," he said, "since it is necessary that I should be sure of
+you before I trust you with my plans, kneel down."
+
+I knelt, feeling as if I were in a dream. Wilhelm II. solemnly held
+out the hilt of his two-handed sword:--
+
+"You swear to yield faith, loyalty and utter obedience now and
+henceforth to Almighty God, and the Head of the Hohenzollerns!"
+
+It being impossible to refuse the oath in the circumstances, I kissed
+the sword, with a mental reservation.
+
+Wilhelm II. surprised me by thereupon laying it across my shoulders.
+
+"I dub thee knight of the Sacred Order of the Hohenzollerns! Arise."
+
+I got up, thoroughly confused. The Emperor invited me to be seated,
+and proceeded to deliver a harangue--for it was nothing less.
+
+"Bismarck had not sufficient genius to see the destiny of the
+Hohenzollerns. With the vision of a mere German Junker, he looked on
+Russia as the enemy.
+
+"It is I who have changed all that. I have taught the Czar to look to
+me for guidance and protection. Should the present revolutionary
+movement become dangerous, I shall march at the head of my army to
+the rescue, and reinstate the Romanoffs as my vassals.
+
+"The only obstacle in the path of the Hohenzollerns is an island
+which two of my Army Corps could subdue in a fortnight. But in order
+to invade it with safety, I must have France on my side.
+
+"It is for this end that I have been working. France cherishes a
+grudge against me because of the glorious exploits of my immortal
+grandfather. Moreover, my uncle, Edward VII., has contrived to win
+the friendship of the Republicans.
+
+"But France is the ally of Russia, and if Russia is attacked, France
+must draw the sword on her behalf.
+
+"You understand?--with the first shot which is fired by a British
+warship on the Russian flag, I shall be able to invade England."
+
+I understood indeed. Briefly and plainly Wilhelm II. had summed up
+the result of my own inquiries and reasonings.
+
+"It is you," the Emperor proceeded, "who have undertaken to secure
+this result."
+
+I bowed, intensely desirous to know exactly what it was that
+Petrovitch had pledged himself to do.
+
+"I have just rewarded you for the services you have already rendered,
+by admitting you to my Family Order, an order which I intend shall
+take precedence of the Golden Fleece, and even the Garter. Should you
+carry out your present task to my satisfaction I shall consider no
+reward too great for you."
+
+I trembled as I listened to this wild vaporing. If such were the
+private thoughts of the Kaiser, no wonder some of his public
+utterances smacked of the visionary.
+
+I could not doubt that he was thoroughly in earnest. Long brooding on
+the greatness of his ancestors, and his own importance as the sole
+European ruler who has kings for his satellites, had filled him with
+the fanatical spirit of a Mohammed or a Hildebrand. He believed,
+firmly and sincerely believed, that Providence had called him to the
+sovereignty of the globe, and authorized him to sweep every rival out
+of his path.
+
+"Your majesty overwhelms me," I murmured. "Consider, sire, that to be
+your servant is in itself an honor so great that no other reward is
+necessary."
+
+The Kaiser smiled graciously.
+
+"Well, now, M. _de_ Petrovitch----" his majesty emphasized the
+particle by way of reminding me that I was now a knight of the
+important Order of Hohenzollern--"let us discuss your next step."
+
+I seized the opportunity to obtain the information I was so anxious
+to secure.
+
+"I should feel it presumptuous to enter into anything like a
+discussion with you, sire. If your majesty will be gracious enough to
+impart your criticism on my proposal?"
+
+Wilhelm II. looked at me as though he found me to be a person of much
+good sense.
+
+"Your idea, my dear de Petrovitch, as I understand it, is to provoke
+the British to reprisals by some outrage on the part of the Baltic
+Fleet during its passage to the Far East.
+
+"Unfortunately, as you must see, the British are determined not to be
+provoked. Remember what has been done already. You have captured and
+sunk their ships, in violation of international law; you have sent
+out volunteer cruisers from the Black Sea in defiance of treaties,
+and turned back their mail steamers with government stores on board.
+
+"What has been the result? The English Government has complained to
+yours; the Czar has ordered explanations to be given, and the thing
+has blown over.
+
+"This time there must be something more than that. There must be
+something which cannot be explained away. We must if possible place
+Nicholas II., as well as Great Britain, in a position from which
+neither can retreat without loss of honor.
+
+"To this end it is necessary that the Baltic Fleet should commit an
+act of war, and that the Czar should be convinced that the
+provocation has come from the English side. Do you understand?"
+
+I recalled the hints dropped by Captain Vassileffsky at Revel.
+
+"Your majesty has been informed perhaps that I have caused the
+officers and men of the Fleet to believe that they will find Japanese
+torpedo boats lying in wait for them among the English fishing
+vessels in the North Sea. In consequence, they will be ready to fire
+without waiting to see if the torpedo boats are really there,
+especially if the fishermen fail to retire as the Fleet approaches."
+
+The Kaiser shook his head.
+
+"All that is leaving too much to chance, my good de Petrovitch. What
+is required is something more positive. In short, the torpedo boats
+must really be there."
+
+I lifted my eyes to his.
+
+"There is not a Japanese torpedo boat within ten thousand miles of
+the North Sea, unfortunately."
+
+Wilhelm II. smiled a meaning smile.
+
+"If that is all, we must so far forget the duties of neutrality as to
+allow the friends of Japan to procure a craft suitable for the
+purpose from our dockyard at Kiel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+THE STOLEN SUBMARINE
+
+
+As the full extent of this audacious plot was laid bare before my
+eyes I had a difficulty in believing in its reality.
+
+I was obliged to remind myself of some of the maneuvres which have
+marked German statecraft in the recent past, of the forgeries and
+"reinsurance" treaties of Bismarck, of the patronage extended to
+Abdul Hamid, of the secret intrigue that brought about the disasters
+of Greece.
+
+If I had had any scepticism left, the Emperor would have dispelled it
+by the clear and business-like explanations which followed.
+
+His majesty produced a chart of the North Sea, showing the coasts of
+Great Britain and Germany, with the Kiel Canal and so forth. Half-way
+between the opposite shores a dotted outline marked the situation of
+the great shoals which attract the fish, and from which the harvests
+of the sea are gathered by the brave and industrious toilers of
+Grimsby, Hull, and many another port.
+
+From the northern point of Denmark, two lines in red ink were drawn
+right down the map to where the North Sea narrows into the Straits of
+Dover.
+
+The first of these lines was fairly direct, passing about thirty
+miles to the eastward of the great fishing grounds.
+
+The second line took a wide curve to the west, and crossed right over
+the center of a shoal marked "Dogger Bank."
+
+The Kaiser proceeded to explain.
+
+"This is a duplicate of the charts used by the pilots of the North
+Sea. I have offered my brother Nicholas as a special favor the
+services of German pilots, and they will board the vessels of the
+Baltic Fleet as soon as it leaves Danish waters.
+
+"As you see, the right course would take the fleet a long way off the
+English fishing-boats. But the pilots who go on board will receive
+secret orders at the last moment to take the Russian ships over the
+Dogger Bank, and, if possible, into the very midst of any fishing
+fleet that may be there.
+
+"Then all that is required is that you should be on the spot, and
+should fire the first shot from the midst of the fishing-boats."
+
+I endeavored to preserve a calm demeanor.
+
+"May I suggest to your majesty that the presence of a torpedo boat
+among them is likely to arouse suspicion beforehand. The English
+sailors have keen eyes."
+
+"I have thought of that. It will be necessary for you to have a
+submarine."
+
+"A submarine, sire!"
+
+"Certainly. I have had six submarine torpedo boats built by my own
+designs at Kiel since this war broke out, for use in defending the
+approaches to the Canal.
+
+"These boats are now lying in the inner harbor, all fitted out and
+ready for sea.
+
+"You will take one, with a crew of your own, whom you must enlist
+secretly, and slip out through the Canal into the North Sea.
+
+"You will proceed, keeping under the surface, till you reach the
+Dogger Bank, and find yourself among the trawl nets of the English
+fishermen.
+
+"There you will wait till such time as the Russian ships come up.
+
+"As soon as the right moment has arrived, you will rise to the
+surface and discharge a torpedo. As soon as you have drawn the fire
+of the Russians, and have seen an English fishing-boat struck, you
+can go beneath the surface again, and make the best of your way back
+to Kiel."
+
+"Your plan is perfection itself, sire!" I exclaimed with an
+admiration which was not wholly pretended, since the idea really was
+not lacking in cleverness.
+
+The Kaiser nodded good-humoredly.
+
+"The Russians will never be persuaded they were not attacked first,
+and the English will never pass over such an outrage in their own
+waters," his majesty remarked complacently. "Lord Charles Beresford
+will do the rest."
+
+"I am ready to carry out your orders, sire. All I require is an
+authority to take the submarine from Kiel."
+
+The Kaiser frowned.
+
+"Have you had any authority from me for anything you have done up to
+the present, sir?" he demanded harshly.
+
+As an answer in the negative was clearly expected, I gave it.
+
+"Understand me, M. de Petrovitch, I repose every confidence in you;
+but I should not have held this conversation with any man, even my
+Chancellor, if I thought it could ever be used against me. If I gave
+you the authority you ask for, I should not be able to deny that I
+had ever employed you, in case of trouble."
+
+"Then you propose, sire----?"
+
+"I intend you to take this vessel secretly, without authority from me
+or from any one else."
+
+"And if I am caught in the act of taking it? If any of the naval
+authorities question my movements?"
+
+"You will not be caught. Your movements will not be questioned. I can
+assure you of so much."
+
+"I thank you, sire. That is quite sufficient."
+
+I retired from the imperial presence, though not, as I have had some
+reason to suspect, from the imperial observation. In other words, I
+felt pretty well convinced that there would be a watch on my
+movements till my task was over.
+
+The same aide-de-camp awaited me outside the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, and carried me back to my obscure hotel with the same
+speed and silence as he had brought me.
+
+The next morning I arose to find the papers filled with the news of
+the departure of the Baltic Fleet from Libau.
+
+The Russian Admiral, as if in obedience to the secret promptings of
+Berlin, was reported as having issued a preposterous and illegal
+warning that he should fire on any ship of any nation that presumed
+to venture within reach of his guns. I could not help wondering what
+would be thought of this proclamation in the British Admiralty.
+
+There being no more for me to do in Berlin, I took the first train to
+Kiel, the Portsmouth of Germany. Kiel itself, it will be remembered,
+stands at the Baltic end of the famous canal which the present Kaiser
+has had constructed for his warships to pass out to the North Sea
+without going around Denmark.
+
+It was late when I arrived, but I determined to lose no time in
+seeing how far the secret orders of the Kaiser extended.
+
+Accordingly, as soon as I had dined, I went out and took my way
+toward the government dockyard.
+
+The entrance to the dockyard was guarded by a sentry with fixed
+bayonet. Behind him I saw a large iron gate which appeared to be
+heavily barred, with a small postern at one side, which was also
+closed.
+
+I advanced toward the sentry, expecting every moment to hear a
+challenge ring out. To my genuine astonishment, nothing of the kind
+occurred. The sentry did not pay the slightest attention to me, but
+went on pacing to and fro as though I had been wearing a cap of
+invisibility.
+
+I went up to the postern door, and tried the handle. It opened at a
+touch, and I found myself alone in the deserted dockyard.
+
+For some time I groped my way forward by the light of the few
+scattered electric lights, till I reached the edge of a large basin
+which appeared to communicate with the outer harbor of Kiel.
+
+Turning the opposite way, I went along the edge of the wharf, picking
+my way among timber balks, stacks of iron sheeting, chains, ropes,
+and all the other things that are found scattered about a naval
+dockyard.
+
+At the head of the great basin I found a lock giving access to a
+small inner dock, in which a number of vessels were moored.
+
+I made my way around, searching everywhere for the vessels I had been
+told I should find.
+
+At last, in the farthest and most secluded corner, I perceived a row
+of small craft, shaped much like a shark, with a long narrow tube or
+funnel rising up from the center of each.
+
+They lay low in the water, without being submerged. Alone among the
+shipping they carried no riding-lights. They appeared dark, silent,
+and deserted.
+
+Almost unconsciously I ran my eye along them, counting them as they
+lay. Suddenly I was aroused to keen attention.
+
+One--two--three--four--five. The Kaiser had assured me that I should
+find six submarines to choose from!
+
+I counted once more with straining eyes.
+
+_One_--_two_--_three_--_four_--_five_.
+
+One of the mysterious craft had been taken away!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+THE KIEL CANAL
+
+
+It was impossible to resist the conclusion suggested by the absence
+of the sixth submarine.
+
+I was not the only person who had been authorized, or rather
+instructed, to carry out the design against the Baltic Fleet. My
+august employer had thought it better to have two strings to his bow.
+
+Who, then, was the person by whom I had been anticipated?
+
+To this question an answer suggested itself which I was tempted to
+reject, but which haunted me, and would not be dismissed.
+
+The Princess Y---- had arrived in Berlin twelve hours before me. She
+had come, fully believing that Petrovitch was dead, and prepared to
+take his place.
+
+She had interviewed Finkelstein, as I knew. Was it not possible that
+she, also, had been received in the crypt at Potsdam, had been shown
+the chart of the North Sea, with its ominous red lines, and had
+accepted the task of launching one of the submarines on its fatal
+errand?
+
+In spite of all the stories which had been told me of Sophia's daring
+and resource, in spite of my own experiences of her adventures and
+reckless proceedings, I did not go so far as to credit her with
+having proceeded to sea in the missing craft.
+
+But it struck me as altogether in keeping with her character that she
+should have arranged for the withdrawal of the boat, provided it with
+a crew, and despatched it fully instructed as to the work to be done.
+
+But whether these suspicions were well founded or otherwise, of one
+thing there could be no doubt. A submarine had been taken by some
+one, and was now on its way to the North Sea, to lie in wait for the
+ships of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+This discovery entirely changed the position for me.
+
+I had come down to Kiel intending to take a submarine out to sea, to
+watch for the approach of the Russian fleet, and to take whatever
+steps proved practicable to avert any collision between it and the
+fishing-boats on the Dogger Bank.
+
+I now saw that the chance of my preventing a catastrophe depended
+entirely on the movements of the boat which had left already. This
+boat had become my objective, to use a strategical phrase.
+
+Somewhere in the North Sea was a submarine boat, charged with the
+mission of provoking a world-wide war. And that boat I had to find.
+
+There was no time to be lost. I hastened back by the most direct way
+I could find, to the dockyard gates. The little postern was still
+unlocked, and I passed out, the sentry again taking no notice of my
+passage.
+
+But at the first street corner I saw a man in seafaring dress who
+fixed a very keen gaze on me as I came up, and saluted me by touching
+his cap.
+
+"Good-night," I said in a friendly voice, slowing down in my walk.
+
+"Good-night, sir. Beg pardon, Captain,"--he came and moved along
+beside me--"but you don't happen to know of a job for a seafaring
+man, I suppose?"
+
+I stopped dead, and looked him straight in the eyes.
+
+"How many men do you estimate are required to navigate a submarine?"
+I asked.
+
+"Fifteen," was the prompt answer.
+
+"How soon can you have them here?" was my next question.
+
+The fellow glanced at his watch.
+
+"It's half-past eleven now, Captain. I could collect them and bring
+them here by half-past one."
+
+"Do it, then," I returned and walked swiftly away.
+
+The whole thing, it was evident, had been prearranged, and I did not
+choose to waste time in mock negotiations.
+
+I went back to my inn to wait, but there was nothing for me to do,
+except examine the cartridges in my revolver. I was not quite sure
+how much my crew had been told, and I thought it just possible that I
+might have some trouble with them when they found out the nature of
+my proceedings.
+
+Punctually at the hour fixed I returned to the street outside the
+dockyard, where I found fifteen men assembled.
+
+Glancing over them, I formed the opinion that they were picked men,
+on whom I could have relied thoroughly for the work I had been
+ordered to do, but who might be all the more likely to mutiny if they
+suspected that I was playing false.
+
+I stood in front of them in the silence of the street.
+
+"Now, my men, if there is any one of you who is not prepared to obey
+me, even if I order him to scuttle the ship, let him fall out before
+we start."
+
+Not a man stirred. Not an eyelash quivered. The German discipline had
+done its work.
+
+"I give you notice that the first man who hesitates to carry out my
+orders will be shot."
+
+The threat was received with perfect resignation.
+
+"Follow me."
+
+I turned on my heel, and led the way to the dockyard gates, the men
+marching after me with a regular tramp which could only have been
+acquired on the deck of a man-of-war.
+
+The sentry was, if possible, more indifferent to our approach than
+he had been when I had been alone. I threw open the wicket, and bade
+the last man close it.
+
+Then we marched in the same order to the place where the five
+submarines were moored.
+
+"I am going on board one of these boats," I announced. "Find
+something to take us off."
+
+The man whom I had engaged originally, taking on himself the part of
+mate, repeated my directions. A large whale-boat was found tied up in
+a convenient spot beside the wharf.
+
+We all got in, and I took the tiller. The mate, who answered to the
+Russian name of Orloff, though the only language I heard him speak
+was German, said nothing till I brought the whale-boat alongside of
+the nearest submarine.
+
+"I beg pardon, Captain, but I have a fancy that the boat at the far
+end is in better trim, if you have no choice."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me so at once?" I returned sharply, not too well
+pleased to find him so well informed.
+
+We boarded the submarine pointed out, and found it, of course,
+provided with everything necessary for an immediate departure,
+including provisions for a week.
+
+"You understand the navigation of the Canal, I suppose?" I inquired
+of Orloff.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Very good. Take the boat through. And ascertain all that you can
+about another submarine which must have passed through yesterday.
+Wake me if you hear or see anything."
+
+I lay down in the captain's berth and tried to sleep. But the
+excitement and, I may say, the romantic interest of the adventure
+proved too strong for me.
+
+I rose again, and came to where my deputy was seated, carefully
+conning the boat out of the dockyard basin into the Baltic end of the
+great Canal.
+
+We were already submerged, only the tip of our conning staff being
+out of the water. But by an ingenious system of tiny mirrors the
+steersman was able to see his way as plainly as if he had been on
+deck above the surface.
+
+On approaching the lock by which the basin opened into the Canal, no
+signal appeared to be given. Silently, as if of their own accord, the
+huge sluices opened and shut, and we glided out into the great
+waterway which has made the German Navy independent of Danish
+good-will.
+
+The voyage along the Kiel Canal in the silence of the night was
+deeply interesting, and were I not obliged to restrict myself
+severely to the naked outline of such facts as bear directly on the
+catastrophe, I should like to attempt a description of the weird and
+picturesque scene.
+
+Keeping steadily just under the surface, we proceeded swiftly past
+ports and villages and lonely wharves, till the stars paled and
+disappeared and a faint flush overspreading the sky in front warned
+us that day was breaking behind us.
+
+I searched the banks for anything resembling the craft of which I was
+in search, but in vain. We passed many other ships, chiefly
+merchantmen bound for Lubeck and Dantzig and other Baltic ports, but
+of course without being perceived ourselves.
+
+When we reached the mouth of the Canal, I ordered Orloff to stop.
+
+"I must go ashore here, and inquire about the other boat," I
+explained.
+
+I saw from the expression of his face that this step was not quite to
+his liking, but he did not venture on any remonstrance.
+
+He brought the boat alongside the bank, and raised her gently to the
+surface, to enable me to step on shore.
+
+But my quest proved useless, as perhaps I ought to have foreseen.
+
+The harbor-master, or port captain, to whom I addressed myself,
+affected the most entire ignorance of the exit of any submarine
+within the last week or more.
+
+"What you suggest is impossible," he assured me. "Every submarine is
+well known and carefully guarded, and if one had been permitted to
+leave Kiel by way of the Canal, I should have been notified in
+advance. No such notification has reached me, and therefore, as you
+will see, no such boat can possibly have left."
+
+I suspected that he was lying, but I thought it unsafe to persist.
+
+It occurred to me too late that I had been guilty of some imprudence
+in showing so much anxiety on the subject. It was only too probable
+that my inquiries would be reported to the Kaiser, who would draw his
+own inferences in the event of anything going wrong.
+
+I returned on board my own boat, saying nothing to Orloff, and gave
+the order to proceed.
+
+Orloff had handed over the wheel to one of his subordinates, who
+steered the submarine out into the blue waters of the North Sea.
+
+As soon as we were well out of reach of the Slesvig shore, I said to
+the steersman,
+
+"Now I will take the helm."
+
+Instead of promptly relinquishing it to me, the man turned his head
+in search of Orloff, saying at the same time,
+
+"Do you understand the course, sir?"
+
+I saw that if I meant to be master of the vessel, I must prove that
+my words of the night before were spoken in earnest. I drew my
+revolver, and put a bullet through the mutineer's head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+THE DOGGER BANK
+
+
+The sound of the explosion reverberated through the little craft like
+thunder. Orloff and half a dozen more men came rushing up.
+
+"This man disobeyed me," I said, quietly, slipping a fresh cartridge
+into the smoking chamber of my revolver. "Throw the body overboard,
+and return to your duties."
+
+What instructions Orloff and his men had received it was impossible
+for me to guess. But they clearly did not authorize any breach of
+discipline at this stage of the voyage.
+
+Without the slightest demur they lifted up the body, and carried it
+off. I had learned the way to manage the submarine by watching Orloff
+during the night, and I now pressed a lever which brought us swiftly
+to the surface. There was a sound of trampling feet overhead,
+followed by a splash, and I saw the mutineer's body drift past.
+
+It would be idle to seek for words in which to describe the
+overpowering anxiety which racked my nerves as we tore through the
+water. The peace of Europe, the safety of Japan and Great Britain,
+perhaps the future of the world, might be at stake.
+
+Everything depended on my finding the other submarine before it had
+launched its bolt against the great war fleet which was even now
+steaming through the Danish Belts, officered by men, some of whom I
+knew to be ready to take advantage of any pretext for outraging the
+peace of the seas.
+
+It did not take me long to decide that the neighborhood of the Dogger
+Bank was the most likely place, in fact the only place, for my
+search.
+
+I am not wholly unskilled in navigation, having given up a good deal
+of my spare time to yachting. With the aid of a chart which was on
+board, I had little difficulty in keeping a fairly straight course
+for the famous fishing ground.
+
+On the way I did not neglect the opportunity of acquiring a complete
+command over the movements of the submarine.
+
+It was driven by electricity, and so designed that by means of
+various knobs, one man could control it entirely, steering it,
+raising or lowering it in the water, increasing or slackening speed,
+stopping, backing, and even discharging the torpedo which was its
+only weapon of attack--with the exception of a small sharp ram at the
+bow.
+
+Having asserted my authority, and acquired the practical knowledge I
+needed, I at last called Orloff to me, and gave him the wheel.
+
+"Take me to the Dogger Bank. Warn me as soon as we get near any
+fishing-boats, and above all keep a careful lookout for our consort."
+
+It was by this name that I thought it most prudent to refer to the
+object of my search.
+
+Orloff took the wheel, and said immediately with an air of great
+respect,
+
+"You have laid a marvelously straight course, Captain. I was not
+aware that you were familiar with these waters. The Dogger Bank is
+right ahead, and we shall reach it in less than an hour."
+
+An hour later I was conscious of a light shock as the submarine
+stopped.
+
+We had grounded on the sandy shoal of the Dogger, in twenty fathoms
+of water, and overhead I could see great black shadows sweeping
+slowly past.
+
+They were cast by the trawlers of the Gamecock fleet.
+
+It being still daylight I did not venture to let the submarine show
+itself on the surface of the sea.
+
+Hugging the bottom, I steered in and out among the great trailing
+nets of the fisher fleet.
+
+At the same time I ordered my crew to keep a sharp watch for the
+first submarine, promising fifty marks[B] to the man who sighted her.
+
+[Footnote B: A silver mark is about twenty cents of our money.]
+
+The rest of that day passed without anything happening.
+
+As soon as darkness fell I brought my boat up to the surface, partly
+in order to renew the air supply, and partly to scan the horizon in
+search of the oncoming Russian fleet.
+
+But thanks to the promptness with which I had gone out to sea I had
+anticipated Rojestvensky by twenty-four hours. The Baltic Fleet was
+still in Danish waters, waiting to pick up the German pilots who were
+to lure it from its course.
+
+Finding there were no signs of the Russians, I submerged the
+submarine, all except the little conning tube, which was invisible in
+the darkness, and ran in among the English smacks.
+
+As I heard the brave, hardy fishermen talking to one another, the
+temptation was a strong one to disclose myself, and warn them of the
+coming peril.
+
+Only my experience of the uselessness of such warnings restrained me.
+I knew that these simple, law-abiding citizens would laugh me in the
+face if I told them that they were in danger from the warships of a
+foreign Power.
+
+As my unseen vessel glided softly past the side of one fishing-boat,
+whose name I could just make as the _Crane_, I overheard a few scraps
+of conversation, which threw a pathetic light on the situation.
+
+"We shall have the Rooshians coming along presently," said one voice.
+
+"No," answered another, "they won't come anywhere near us. 'Tis out
+of their course."
+
+"They do say the Rooshians don't know much about seamanship," a third
+voice spoke out. "Like as not we'll see their search-lights going
+by."
+
+"Well, if they come near enough, we'll give the beggars a cheer; what
+d'ye say?"
+
+"Aye, let's. Fair play's what I wishes 'em, and let the best man
+win."
+
+The words died away along the water, as I drew off and let my craft
+sink under once again.
+
+That night I slept soundly, making up for the vigil of the night
+before. The submarine rested on the sea floor, in a hollow of the
+undulating Bank, and one of the crew kept watch in case a "trawl"
+should come too close.
+
+But there was no sign of the mysterious companion which had come out
+of Kiel Harbor in front of me, and was even now prowling somewhere in
+the dark depths around.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+TRAFALGAR DAY
+
+
+In the morning I was conscious of a certain stir and display on board
+some of the fishing boats among which I continued to lurk.
+
+At first I supposed that the Baltic Fleet must have been sighted. But
+in the course of the day I gathered from various cries and shouts
+which were borne across the water, that the fishermen were keeping
+the anniversary of the most glorious day in the history of England,
+the day on which the immortal Nelson annihilated the united fleets of
+France and Spain, and shattered the dream of the great Napoleon that
+he could tame the haughty Island Power.
+
+As long as daylight lasted I scoured the sea for a distance of five
+miles all around the devoted fishing fleet, without coming on the
+slightest trace of the other submarine.
+
+A delusive hope assailed me that some accident might have overtaken
+it. But I did not relax my vigilance, and when night fell I took up a
+station about a mile in front of the English smacks, in the
+direction from which I had reason to expect the approach of
+Rojestvensky.
+
+A few hours elapsed, then my watchfulness was rewarded.
+
+Away down on the horizon toward the northeast, there glittered out a
+row of twinkling lights, one behind the other, as though a lamp-lit
+thoroughfare had got afloat and drifted out to sea.
+
+The sinuous streak of lights, shifting as they approached like the
+coils of some great water-snake, glided toward us at what seemed a
+fearful speed, and as they drew near the white lights were
+interspread with green and crimson points, like rubies and emeralds
+set between rows of diamonds. And ever and anon the swift electric
+tongues of the search-lights spat forth and licked the dark face of
+the waters like hungry things.
+
+Keeping my upper deck just awash, I lay still and beheld at last the
+great black sides of the battleships tower up, pierced with
+illuminated windows.
+
+My heart began to throb wildly. If only the other submarine failed to
+appear; if only the English fishermen would realize their danger and
+flee in time, disaster might be averted.
+
+The hope had scarcely formed itself in my mind when Orloff, who had
+come to repose confidence in me, respectfully touched my arm and
+pointed ahead.
+
+Not two hundred yards from me, stealing along about a mile in advance
+of the Russian fleet, I perceived a small dark object, showing hardly
+a foot above the surface of the waves.
+
+It was the rival submarine!
+
+Instead of proceeding direct to the Dogger Bank, as I had done, the
+other boat must have joined Admiral Rojestvensky's squadron, and come
+on before it like a jackal pointing out the lion's prey.
+
+"Go forward," I commanded the German mate. "Let no one disturb me
+till this business is over."
+
+Orloff gave me a wondering look, but obeyed without an instant's
+hesitation.
+
+As soon as his back was turned, I swung the wheel around, put on the
+full power of the engines, and went after the craft I had been
+searching for during the last forty-eight hours.
+
+Had the commander of the other submarine noticed mine, and did he
+suspect my intention to frustrate his design? It almost seemed so.
+His boat, scarcely visible in the gloom, fled in front of me to where
+the foremost fishing boats were riding lazily over the shoals,
+dragging their nets along the bottom.
+
+It was a weird chase. Neither of us showed a glint of light, or made
+the smallest sound. Like two great shadowing fish we darted through
+the depths of the sea, hunter and hunted.
+
+In between the sagging nets with their load of cod and flounders,
+shot the phantom boat I was pursuing, and I followed, obliged to
+slacken speed as we twisted in and out under the keels of the
+unconscious fishermen.
+
+And all this time the huge warships in two lines astern were plunging
+through the seas, heading straight for the unfortunate smacks.
+
+The chase seemed to be aware that it was a case of now or never. I
+was catching up with it fast; I was able to mark its course by the
+broken water churned up by its propeller; when, all at once, I saw it
+rise with the swift motion of a bird.
+
+I had no alternative but to do the same.
+
+As I emerged upon the surface I found my boat in the very center of
+the full glare of a search-light which lit up the whole scene with
+dazzling radiance.
+
+Fresh from the depths below, where all had been dark, my eyes fairly
+blinked in the sudden splendor of light.
+
+Then, for what might have been from three to five seconds, I saw
+everything that passed.
+
+The foremost vessels of the Russian fleet had already gone past the
+group of drifting trawlers. One large cruiser was passing within a
+stone's-throw of the nearest fishing-boat, and the English fishermen
+were playfully holding up some of their freshly-caught fish, as
+though offering it to the Russian sailors.
+
+Another line of warships was coming up behind, with its search-lights
+thrown out in front.
+
+And then, right across the range of lights, and in a straight line
+between the Russian battleships and the English smacks, I saw the
+phantom torpedo boat pass deliberately, as high out of the water as
+she could show.
+
+What happened next took place so swiftly, and with such confusion
+that I cannot pretend to describe it with accuracy.
+
+Shouts rang out on some of the Russian ships, the submarine headed
+around as though to seek refuge among the trawlers, and then a gun
+was fired, and a cannon-ball struck the water within a few feet of
+me.
+
+All at once, it seemed to me, and as though by some preconcerted
+plan, half the ships of the Baltic Fleet opened fire on the English
+fishermen, who seemed too surprised and horrified to do anything. I
+saw ball after ball crash into one luckless smack, which quickly
+began to fill and sink. But, generally speaking, the marksmanship of
+the Russians was too wild for the firing to have serious effect.
+
+As soon as I realized that I had become a mark for the Russian guns I
+sank beneath the surface. It is no doubt this voluntary move on my
+part which has given rise to the belief cherished by some of the
+officers of the Baltic Fleet, and indorsed by Admiral Rojestvensky,
+that a torpedo boat was sunk by their fire.
+
+But I knew that the massacre--for it was nothing less--would go on as
+long as the other submarine remained on the surface, mixing among the
+luckless fishing boats with the deliberate intention of drawing on
+them the Russian fire.
+
+I marked her course, put my engines to their fullest speed one more,
+and rushed after her.
+
+This time my coming was not watched by the hostile commander. Like
+Admiral Rojestvensky, he may have believed that my boat had been sunk
+by the ball which had come so close. Or else, perhaps, in his
+exultation at having brought about an event which seemed to make war
+inevitable, he had forgotten his former fears.
+
+But the truth will never be known.
+
+I brought my own boat right under the demon craft, and then, tilting
+her up at a sharp angle, rammed the other in the center of her keel.
+
+There was a concussion, a muffled sound of tearing iron, and as I
+backed away at full speed astern, I saw the waters of the North Sea
+pour through a long jagged rent in the bottom of the doomed
+submarine, and watched her go down staggering like a wounded vulture
+through the air.
+
+The shock of the collision had brought Orloff and the rest of my crew
+running aft.
+
+"An accident," I explained coolly. "I have sunk some boat or other in
+the dark."
+
+The men exchanged suspicious glances.
+
+"It was the other submarine, sir," said Orloff, still preserving his
+respectful tone. "Will you permit us to see whether it is possible to
+save any of the crew?"
+
+"Do as you please," I returned, leaving the helm. "My work here is
+done, and I am ready to go back."
+
+I intended them to think I referred to the attack on the
+fishing-boats. The cannonade died away as I spoke.
+
+We went down through the water to where the wrecked submarine was
+lying half over on her side. Some frightened faces peered at us out
+of the upper portholes, where a supply of air still lingered.
+
+It was impossible to do anything for them down there without being
+swamped ourselves. We could only invite them by signs to forsake
+their own craft and let us carry them up to the surface where it
+would be safe for us to take them inside.
+
+In order to receive them on our upper deck we circled slowly around
+to the opposite side of their vessel. And there I beheld a sight
+which will haunt me for years to come.
+
+The whole side of the submarine had been wrenched open, revealing the
+interior of the cabin. And on the floor, lying in the peaceful
+attitude of one who had just resigned herself to sleep, I beheld the
+drowned form of the beautiful, desperate, perhaps wicked, but
+unhappy, woman from whose mad love I had fled.
+
+So, in the midst of the wild North Sea, in their strange coffin, the
+bones of Sophia, Princess Yernoloff, lie and rock on the incessant
+tides that sweep across the Dogger Bank.
+
+_Requiescat in pace!_
+
+As our boat, laden with the rescued survivors, shot up again to the
+surface, I felt a noosed rope drawn tightly around my throat and
+heard the voice of Orloff hiss in my ear,
+
+"I arrest you in the name of the Kaiser!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+THE FAMILY STATUTE
+
+
+My task is done. At last the reader knows all that ever will be
+known--all there is to know, in short--concerning the tragedy of the
+North Sea.
+
+My personal adventures can possess little interest after the
+all-important transactions I have had to describe. But in case there
+should be a reader here and there who is good enough to feel any
+curiosity as to my fate, I will briefly tell what followed on my
+arrest.
+
+My revolver was taken from me and I was conducted under a strict
+guard back to Kiel.
+
+Off the mouth of the Canal we were boarded by a despatch-boat flying
+the German naval ensign, and a police officer with three men took me
+off the submarine.
+
+The first proceeding of my new captor was to handcuff me. He then
+warned me,
+
+"If you speak a single word to me or any one else till you are in the
+imperial presence, my orders are to shoot you through the head."
+
+I nodded. I had as little wish to speak as the Emperor could have to
+let me. My thoughts were busy with the memory of the woman of whose
+tragic death I had been the unwitting cause, and with the measures
+that remained to be taken to extenuate, so far as extenuation was
+possible, the fatal action of the Baltic fleet.
+
+As for myself, I can say truly that I had become almost indifferent
+to what was in store for me. My feeling toward the unfortunate
+Princess had not been such as that which makes a man desire a woman
+for his wife; it had not deserved the name of love, perhaps; and it
+was certainly free from any taint of a less noble passion.
+
+Nevertheless it had been a powerful sentiment, colored and
+strengthened by my knowledge of her love for me.
+
+Sophia had loved me. She had saved my life. And I had taken hers in
+return.
+
+Must I accuse myself of weakness for feeling as if happiness for me
+were over, and the best fate I could wish would be to lie there
+beside my victim on the lonely Dogger sands?
+
+When I came before Wilhelm II. he was not in the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, indulging his vein of extravagant romance, but in his
+private cabinet and in his most stern and business-like mood.
+
+"Give the prisoner a chair, and wait outside," his majesty commanded
+briefly.
+
+I sat down, still handcuffed, and the guards withdrew.
+
+"Now," said the Kaiser, fixing me with an eagle glance, "be good
+enough to explain your proceedings."
+
+I met his look with a steadfast one in return.
+
+"I have carried out your majesty's orders scrupulously. I have taken
+out the submarine torpedo boat, engaged a crew, proceeded to the
+Dogger Bank, and drawn the fire of the Baltic Fleet on the
+fishing-boats from Hull. I have not seen a newspaper since, but I
+assume that the British Navy has already arrested Admiral
+Rojestvensky and his squadron, and that the two Powers are at war."
+
+The Kaiser gnawed his moustache.
+
+"Things have not gone quite so well as you pretend, M. Petrovitch.
+
+"The Russian cannonade ceased after a few minutes," the Emperor
+resumed. "You did not remain on the surface after the first shot; you
+did not launch your torpedo, neither did you permit the other
+submarine to do so. In fact you sunk her."
+
+"I had no orders with respect to another submarine, sire. I was
+entitled to treat it as an enemy."
+
+"Nonsense, you know that it had left Kiel before you, on the same
+errand."
+
+"On the contrary, sire, I could not possibly know anything of the
+kind."
+
+"Why, you saw it had disappeared from the dock. You inquired after
+it along the Canal. When you got out to the Dogger you were searching
+for it the whole time."
+
+"And when I found it, sire, it was leading the Russian squadron, of
+which it appeared to form part. I had every right to assume that it
+was a Russian man-of-war."
+
+"A German boat!" thundered the Kaiser.
+
+"A boat not flying any flag must be presumed to belong to the country
+of those who are in control of it. I found this submarine under the
+control of a Russian subject."
+
+"The Princess was my agent."
+
+"Your majesty had not told me so. On the contrary, I understood that
+you wished my own boat to be considered a Russian vessel, in case of
+any question. I shipped a Russian crew therefore."
+
+Wilhelm II. frowned angrily.
+
+"Do not play with me, M. Petrovitch. I know all about your crew.
+Explain why you, a Russian subject, should have attacked what you are
+pleased to pretend was a Russian ship."
+
+"I regret to have to say that your majesty is laboring under a
+mistake. I am not a Russian subject."
+
+This time the Kaiser was fairly taken aback.
+
+"What subject are you?"
+
+"A Japanese."
+
+Wilhelm looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Japanese!" was all he could say.
+
+"If your majesty pleases. That being so, as soon as I took possession
+of the submarine, with your permission, of course it became a
+Japanese ship."
+
+"What you tell me is monstrous--ridiculous. Your name is Russian,
+your face is at least European."
+
+"My name, sire, is Matsukata. I received it in Tokio at the
+commencement of the war, on being adopted into a Japanese family.
+
+"If your majesty doubts my statement, I ask to be confronted with the
+Japanese Ambassador in Berlin."
+
+The Kaiser looked as if he would have liked to doubt it, but found
+himself unable to do so.
+
+"Then on your own showing you are a Japanese spy," he pronounced
+slowly. "As such I am entitled to have you shot."
+
+"Pardon me again, sire. In Petersburg I admit, that was my character.
+In Germany I have been your majesty's agent, and have literally
+fulfilled your commands."
+
+"You are a very acute quibbler, I see," was the retort, "but quibbles
+will not save you. You have stolen one of my ships to sink another
+with, and at the very least you deserve to be hanged as a pirate."
+
+"I demand to be tried," I said boldly, knowing that this was the one
+step to which the Emperor, for his own sake, could not consent.
+
+As I expected, he frowned uneasily.
+
+"In this case I must exercise my right of refusing a civil trial, in
+the interest of the State. I will give you a court-martial with
+closed doors."
+
+"That would be illegal, sire."
+
+"You dare to tell me so!"
+
+"Your majesty will find I am right. The case falls within the
+Hohenzollern Family Statute."
+
+The Kaiser appeared stupefied.
+
+"The Family Statute?" he repeated slowly, as if unable to believe his
+ears. "What has the Statute to do with you?"
+
+"It is provided in the Statute, if I recollect rightly, sire, that a
+member of the Imperial Family can be tried only by his peers, that is
+to say, by a court composed of members of your majesty's House."
+
+"Well, and what then?"
+
+"By another clause in the Statute--I regret that the number has
+escaped my memory--the privileges of a Hohenzollern in that respect
+are extended to members of other reigning Houses."
+
+"What are you going to tell me?" Wilhelm II. demanded in amazement.
+
+"Only that I have the honor to be the adopted son of his imperial
+highness Prince Yorimo, cousin to his majesty the Emperor of Japan."
+
+The German monarch sat still, unable to parry this unexpected blow.
+
+"The Japanese Ambassador--" he began to mutter.
+
+"Will confirm my statement, sire. I have already asked to be
+confronted with him. Before going to Kiel, I sent him information of
+my plans, so that he is already expecting to hear from me, I have no
+doubt."
+
+Wilhelm II. saw that he had come to the end of his tether. Lying back
+in his chair, he ejaculated----
+
+"I believed there was only one man in the two hemispheres who could
+do things like this!"
+
+"I am flattered to think you may be right, sire," I responded in my
+natural voice, with a smile.
+
+The Emperor bounded from his seat.
+
+"You--are--Monsieur V----!" he fairly gasped out.
+
+"I was, sire. Permit me to repeat that I am now called Prince
+Matsukata of Japan."
+
+Wilhelm II. made an effort, and came out of it with his best manner.
+
+"Then, in that case, you will stay and lunch with the Empress and
+myself, my dear Prince."
+
+As soon as the handcuffs had been removed, I told the whole story to
+the Kaiser, who was immensely interested, and decidedly touched by
+the part which related to the drowned Princess.
+
+Before leaving the Palace, I asked permission of my imperial host to
+make use of his private wire for a message to London, in the interest
+of peace.
+
+Wilhelm II., who began to see that he had been betrayed into going a
+little farther than was altogether desirable, consented in the
+friendliest spirit, merely stipulating that he should be allowed to
+see the message.
+
+He was rather surprised when he found it was addressed to Lord Bedale
+at Buckingham Palace, and comprised a single word, "Elsinore."
+
+And so, although some of the newspapers in the two capitals of
+England and Russia continued to breathe war for some days longer, I
+felt no more anxiety after reading the paragraph which stated that
+the British Prime Minister, at the close of the decisive Cabinet
+Council, had driven to the Palace to be received in private audience
+by her majesty Queen Alexandra.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE
+
+
+As I write these lines the war which has cost so many brave lives,
+and carried so much desolation through the fields and cities of
+Manchuria is still raging.
+
+The great fleet of Admiral Rojestvensky, from which the stains of the
+innocent fisherman's blood have not yet been washed, is plowing its
+way to meet a terrible retribution at the hands of the victorious
+Togo.[C] A curse is on that fleet, and it may be that the British
+Government foresaw that they could punish the crime of the Dogger
+Bank more terribly by letting it proceed, than by bringing it into
+Portsmouth to await the result of the international trial.
+
+[Footnote C: These words, which have been proven prophetic, were
+written last March, when Admiral Rojestvensky's fleet was still a
+very formidable fact to be reckoned with.--EDITOR.]
+
+In the great affairs of nations it is not always wise to exact strict
+justice, or to expose the actual truth.
+
+I, too, am a lover of peace. Not of that hysterical, sentimental
+horror of bloodshed which would place a great civilized nation at the
+mercy of more barbarous powers, which would stay the wheels of
+progress, and be indistinguishable from cowardice in the face of
+wrong.
+
+But I am a friend of the peace which is the natural result of a
+better understanding between peoples, of respect for one another's
+character and aims, of a wise recognition of facts, and an honorable
+determination not to play the part of the aggressor.
+
+It is in the hope of promoting such a peace on earth, and such
+good-will toward men, that I have allowed myself to publish the
+foregoing narrative.
+
+In order to soften the character of this revelation I have endeavored
+to impart to it a character of romance.
+
+So far as my abilities extend, I have sought to give the reader the
+impression that he has been reading an allegory rather than a dry,
+business record. I have tried to cover certain incidents with a
+discreet veil. I have as much as possible refrained from using real
+names.
+
+I trust that my narration will be accepted in the spirit in which it
+has been written and that no reader will allow his feelings of
+curiosity to lead him into going further, or raising questions which
+it might be indiscreet on my part to answer.
+
+But there is one part of the story to which the foregoing remarks do
+not apply.
+
+Whatever else be mythical, there is nothing mythical about the
+bright figure whose portrait has accompanied me through so many
+perils. There is a home for me in far-off Tokio, and when the
+blood-begrimed battalions of Asia sheathe their swords, I shall go
+thither to claim my reward.
+
+                         THE END
+
+
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+  {4 Changed Brides                     29 Fatal Secret, A
+  {5 Cruel as the Grave                 30 Fortune Seeker
+  {6 Tried for Her Life                 31 Gypsy's Prophecy
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+  {9 Family Doom                            Pearl River
+ {10 Maiden Widow                       34 Lady of the Isle, The
+ {11 Hidden Hand, The                   35 Lost Heiress, The
+ {12 Capitola's Peril                   36 Love's Labor Won
+ {13 Ishmael                            37 Missing Bride, The
+ {14 Self Raised                        38 Mother-in-Law
+ {15 Lost Heir of Linlithgow            39 Prince of Darkness, and
+ {16 Noble Lord, A                          Artist's Love
+ {17 Unknown                            40 Retribution
+ {18 Mystery of Raven Rocks             41 Three Beauties, The
+  19 Bridal Eve, The                    42 Three Sisters, The
+  20 Bride's Dowry, The                 43 Two Sisters, The
+  21 Bride of Llewellyn, The            44 Vivian
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+  24 Curse of Clifton
+  25 Deserted Wife, The
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+This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series of
+practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the structure
+and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how they are utilized
+to perform the work, and the manner in which all dimensional work
+is carried out. Every subject is illustrated, and model building
+explained. It contains a glossary which comprises a new system of
+cross references, a feature that will prove a welcome departure in
+explaining subjects. Fully illustrated.
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price $1.00 each._
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00._
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET  ::  CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+GIRLS' LIBERTY SERIES
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls
+by standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+_12mo, clothene. Price 50c each._
+
+  1. Camp Fire Girls on a Long Hike, or,
+     Lost in the Great Northern Woods        Stella M. Francis
+  2. Daddy's Girl                            Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  3. Ethel Hollister's First Summer as
+     a Camp Fire Girl                        Irene Elliott Benson
+  4. Ethel Hollister's Second Summer         Irene Elliott Benson
+  5. Flat Iron for a Farthing                Mrs. Ewing
+  6. Four Little Mischiefs                   Rose Mulholland
+  7. Girls and I                             Mrs. Molesworth
+  8. Girl from America                       Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  9. Grandmother Dear                        Mrs. Molesworth
+ 10. Irvington Stories                       Mary Mapes Dodge
+ 11. Little Lame Prince                      Mrs. Muloch
+ 12. Little Susie Stories                    Mrs. H. Prentiss
+ 13. Mrs. Over the Way                       Julianna Horatio Ewing
+ 14. Naughty Miss Bunny                      Rose Mulholland
+ 15. Sweet Girl Graduate                     Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 16. School Queens                           Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 17. Sue, A Little Heroine                   Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 18. Wild Kitty                              Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ COMPLETE EDITIONS--THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY
+
+
+ Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ _SERIES_
+
+An excellent edition of the works of this very popular author of
+books for girls. Printed from large type on an extra quality of
+paper, cover design stamped in three colors, large side title
+letterings, each book in glazed paper printed wrapper. Each book with
+a beautiful colored frontispiece. Printed wrapper, 12 mo, cloth.
+
+  1 Bad Little Hannah                   18 Little Mother to
+  2 Bunch of Cherries, A                    Others
+  4 Children's Pilgrimage               20 Merry Girls of
+  5 Daddy's Girl                            England
+  6 Deb and the Duchess                 21 Miss Nonentity
+  7 Francis Kane's                      22 Modern Tomboy, A
+     Fortune                            23 Out of Fashion
+  8 Gay Charmer, A                      24 Palace Beautiful
+  9 Girl of the People, A               25 Polly, A New-Fashioned
+ 10 Girl in Ten                             Girl
+     Thousand, A                        26 Rebels of the School
+ 11 Girls of St. Wodes,                 27 School Favorite
+     The                                28 Sweet Girl Graduate,
+ 12 Girls of the True                       A
+     Blue                               29 Time of Roses, The
+ 13 Good Luck                           30 Very Naughty Girl, A
+ 14 Heart of Gold, The                  31 Wild Kitty
+ 15 Honorable Miss, The                 32 World of Girls
+ 17 Light of the Morning                33 Young Mutineer, The
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postage prepaid to any address at 75c by the
+publishers
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 South Dearborn St., CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS' ELITE SERIES
+
+ _12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+Contains an attractive assortment of books for boys by standard and
+favorite authors. Printed from large, clear type on a superior
+quality of paper, bound in a superior quality of binders' cloth,
+ornamented with illustrated original designs on covers stamped in
+colors from unique and appropriate dies. Each book wrapped in
+attractive jacket.
+
+ 1. Cudjo's Cave                             Trowbridge
+ 2. Green Mountain Boys
+ 3. Life of Kit Carson                       Edward L. Ellis
+ 4. Tom Westlake's Golden Luck               Perry Newberry
+ 5. Tony Keating's Surprises                 Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy)
+ 6. Tour of the World in 80 Days             Jules Verne
+
+
+THE GIRLS' ELITE SERIES
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls by
+standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+ 1. Bee and the Butterfly                    Lucy Foster Madison
+ 2. Dixie School Girl                        Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 3. Girls of Mount Morris                    Amanda Douglas
+ 4. Hope's Messenger                         Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 5. The Little Aunt                          Marion Ames Taggart
+ 6. A Modern Cinderella                      Amanda Douglas
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+
+ THERE IS MONEY
+ IN POULTRY
+
+ AMERICAN STANDARD PERFECTION
+ POULTRY BOOK, _By_ I. K. FELCH.
+
+Yet many old-fashion farmers are inclined to discredit the statement.
+Why? Because they are not up to the new and improved ideas in poultry
+management. A little trial of the rules laid down in these books will
+soon dispel all misgivings in this direction and tend to convince the
+most skeptical that there is money in poultry-keeping. It contains a
+complete description of all the varieties of fowls, including
+turkeys, ducks and geese.
+
+This book contains double the number of illustrations found in any
+similar work. It is the best and cheapest poultry book on the market
+Paper covers, 25c. Cloth, prepaid, =50c=
+
+
+ POULTRY CULTURE
+
+ _By_ I. K. FELCH
+
+How to raise, manage, mate and judge thoroughbred fowls, by I. K.
+Felch, the acknowledged authority on poultry matters. Thorough,
+comprehensive and complete treatise on all kinds of poultry. Cloth,
+438 pages, large 12mo, and over 70 full-page and other illustrations.
+Printed from clear type on good paper, stamped on side and back from
+ornate, appropriate designs.
+
+Price, prepaid, =$1.00=
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers, or will send to any address in
+the United States, Canada or Mexico, postage prepaid, on receipt of
+price, in currency, money order or stamps.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 S. DEARBORN STREET : CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+OUR YOUNG FOLKS'
+
+ILLUSTRATED BOOKS
+
+
+This series contains those books for young folks that are without
+question conceded to be the most popular of this class. Each title
+has a distinctive cover design. Each volume contains twenty to sixty
+illustrations.
+
+_The following books are ready for delivery_:
+
+ Andersen's Fairy Tales
+ Alice in Wonderland
+ Arabian Nights
+ Black Beauty
+ Mother Goose
+ Pilgrim's Progress
+ Rip Van Winkle
+ Robinson Crusoe
+ Story of the Bible
+ Wood's Natural History
+ Through the Looking Glass
+
+_Sent postpaid at twenty cents each or six for one dollar._
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+ _SELECTED WORKS OF_
+ EUGENE FIELD
+
+A very attractive selection of popular books by this favorite and
+gifted author. Each book contains a carefully selected and classified
+list of poems that have endeared the author to millions and given him
+a place among the immortals. These books should be in every library,
+both public and private.
+
+ In Four Volumes. Boxed.
+ Cloth Binding.
+
+ Price, =$3.00= per set.
+
+ Single Volumes =75c= each,
+ postpaid.
+
+
+IN WINK-A-WAY LAND
+
+The contents of this volume is especially selected and arranged for
+the little folks. All are suitable for use in school exercises and on
+"Eugene Field Day."
+
+
+HOOSIER LYRICS
+
+This is a series of pathetic, amusing and entertaining poems rendered
+in Indiana dialect on notable Hoosier scenes with parodies on poems
+by James Whitcomb Riley.
+
+
+JOHN SMITH, U. S. A.
+
+The romantic story of John Smith, also includes many other poems, all
+of which afford suitable material for "Field Readings" and general
+school and church entertainments.
+
+
+THE CLINK OF THE ICE and other poems
+
+Edition containing portraits and autographs. Stories of inimitable
+wit and humor with lullabies and sketches of every day scenes that
+made Eugene Field famous. All worth while.
+
+Printed from new plates on good paper, uniformly and neatly bound in
+cloth; gold titles on front and back.
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address
+upon receipt of price in stamps, currency, postal or express money
+order, by the publishers.
+
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 S. Dearborn St. Chicago
+
+
+
+
+BOYS' COPYRIGHTED BOOKS
+
+
+Printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of paper,
+embellished with original illustrations by eminent artists, and bound
+in a superior quality of book binders' cloth, ornamented with
+illustrated covers, stamped in colors from unique and appropriate
+dies, each book wrapped in a glazed paper wrapper printed in colors.
+
+
+MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES
+
+By Louis Arundel
+
+ 1.--The Motor Club's Cruise Down the Mississippi; or, The Dash
+      for Dixie.
+ 2.--The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or, Adventures
+      Among the Thousand Islands.
+ 3.--The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or, Exploring the Mystic
+      Isle of Mackinac.
+ 4.--Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or, The Struggle for
+      the Leadership.
+ 5.--Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or, Through Storm and
+      Stress.
+ 6.--Motor Boat Boys' River Chase.
+
+
+THE BIRD BOYS SERIES
+
+By John Luther Langworthy
+
+ 1.--The Bird Boys; or, The Young Sky Pilots' First Air Voyage.
+ 2.--The Bird Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics.
+ 3.--The Bird Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a
+      Wreck.
+ 4.--Bird Boys' Flight; or, A Hydroplane Round-up.
+ 5.--Bird Boys' Aeroplane Wonder; or, Young Aviators on a Cattle
+      Ranch.
+
+
+CANOE AND CAMPFIRE SERIES
+
+By St. George Rathborne
+
+
+ 1.--Canoe Mates in Canada; or, Three Boys Afloat on the Saskatchewan.
+ 2.--Young Fur Takers; or, Traps and Trails in the Wilderness.
+ 3.--The House Boat Boys; or, Drifting Down to the Sunny South.
+ 4.--Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise in the Motor Boat.
+ 5.--Camp Mates in Michigan; or, With Pack and Paddle in the Pine
+      Woods.
+ 6.--Rocky Mountain Boys; or, Camping in the Big Game Country.
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+By
+
+Mrs. George Sheldon Downs
+
+
+=Katherine's Sheaves=
+
+A Great Novel With a Great Purpose
+
+Katherine's Sheaves is altogether delightful, a charming piece of
+fiction, a beautiful romance. One must admire the book for its
+characterization, its brilliant pictures of life, and its dramatic
+situations, but still more for its philosophy and wisdom.
+
+The story is a dramatic one, abounding in strong situations.
+
+The plot is well conceived and carried out, the style easy and the
+characters likable.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Step by Step=
+
+Judged as a story pure and simple, "STEP BY STEP" is altogether
+delightful. But it is not merely a charming piece of fiction. Ethical
+in its nature, the underlying thought shows throughout the lofty
+purpose and high ideals of the author, and exhales a wholesome
+atmosphere, while the element of romance pervading it is both
+elevated and enriched by its purity and simplicity.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Gertrude Elliot's Crucible=
+
+It is a readable story, clean, wholesome, and high in moral
+tone--optimistic and constructive.
+
+It has an alluring plot, and is well and skillfully worked out. The
+incidents are dramatic, and therefore always striking, and the entire
+romance will hold the attention of the reader.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Redeemed=
+
+Dealing with divorce--the most vital problem in the world
+to-day--this book tells how a pure-minded woman is divorced from her
+husband, upon a flimsy pretext, because he wishes to marry again. How
+he suffers when he learns that he has thrown away the true
+disinterested love of a noble woman, and how he craves that love
+again, makes a vivid, forceful story of an intensely modern
+significance.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+The American Boy's Sports Series
+
+BY MARK OVERTON
+
+12 Mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Price 60c Each.
+
+
+These stories touch upon nearly every sport in which the active boy
+is interested. Baseball, rowing, football, hockey, skating,
+ice-boating, sailing, camping and fishing all serve to lend interest
+to an unusual series of books. There are the following four titles:
+
+ =1. Jack Winters' Baseball Team; or, The
+      Mystery of the Diamond.=
+ =2. Jack Winters' Campmates; or, Vacation
+      Days in the Woods.=
+ =3. Jack Winters' Gridiron Chums; or, When
+      the Half-back Saved the Day.=
+ =4. Jack Winters' Iceboat Wonder; or, Leading
+      the Hockey Team to Victory.=
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+1. Minor changes have been made to correct typesetter errors;
+otherwise, every effort has been made to remain true to the author's
+words and intent.
+
+2. In the advertising pages at the end of this book, the = symbol has
+been used to note that the words enclosed were typeset in bold.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INTERNATIONAL SPY ***
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of  The International Spy, by Allen Upward.
+    </title>
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+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30482 ***</div>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox">
+<h1> The<br />
+International Spy</h1>
+
+<h4> BEING THE SECRET HISTORY<br />
+OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR</h4>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<h2>ALLEN UPWARD</h2>
+
+<p class="center">(&#8220;<i>Monsieur A. V.</i>&#8221;)</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Author of &#8220;Underground History,&#8221; etc.</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 80px;">
+<img src="images/ititle.jpg" width="80" height="80" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h2> M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</h2>
+
+<h3> CHICAGO  NEW YORK</h3></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1904, 1905, by</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">THE PEARSON PUBLISHING CO.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1905, by</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY.</p>
+
+<hr class="tiny" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Entered at Stationers&#8217; Hall.</i></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7em;">The International Spy.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">Made in U. S. A.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="75%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="CONTENTS">
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">CHAPTER</td>
+<td align="left">&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Prologue&mdash;the Two Empresses</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#The_International_Spy">9</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">I.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Instructions of Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">17</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">II.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;&#8217;s Hint</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">24</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">III.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Head of the Manchurian Syndicate</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">36</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">IV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Czar&#8217;s Autograph</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">45</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">V.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Dinner With the Enemy</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">54</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Drugged and Kidnapped</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">63</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Race for Siberia</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">71</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Czar&#8217;s Message</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">76</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">IX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Betrothal of Delilah</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">87</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">X.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Answer of the Mikado</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">96</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Who Smoked the Gregorides Brand</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">107</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Secret Service of Japan</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">113</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">His Imperial Highness</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">123</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Submarine Mine</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">130</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Advisor of Nicholas II</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">139</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Strange Confession</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">145</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Supernatural Incident</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">159</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Mystery of a Woman</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">169</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Spirit of Madame Blavatsky</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">180</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Devil&#8217;s Auction</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">192</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Funeral</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">199</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Perilous Moment</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">210</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Resurrection and a Ghost</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">217</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Secret Execution</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">224</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Change of Identity</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">233</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Trapped</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">240</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Baltic Fleet</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">246</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">On the Track</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">256</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">An Imperial Fanatic</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">264</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Stolen Submarine</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">272</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Kiel Canal</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">279</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Dogger Bank</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">287</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Trafalgar Day</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">292</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Family Statute</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">300</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>&#160;</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Epilogue</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#EPILOGUE">308</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="The_International_Spy" id="The_International_Spy"></a>The International Spy</h2>
+
+<h2>PROLOGUE<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></h2>
+
+<h3>THE TWO EMPRESSES</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcl.jpg" title="L" height="70" width="70" alt="L" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">&#8220;L</span>ook!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A fair, delicately-molded hand, on which glittered gems worth a
+raja&#8217;s loyalty, was extended in the direction of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Half a mile out, where the light ripples melted away into a blue and
+white haze upon the water, a small black smudge, like the back of a
+porpoise, seemed to be sliding along the surface.</p>
+
+<p>But it was not a porpoise, for out of it there rose a thin, black
+shaft, scarcely higher than a flag-staff, and from the top of this
+thin shaft there trickled a faint wreathing line of smoke, just
+visible against the background of sky and sea.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a submarine! What is it doing there?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The exclamation, followed by the question, came from the second,
+perhaps the fairer, of two women of gracious and beautiful presence,
+who were pacing, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>arm linked in arm, along a marble terrace
+overlooking a famous northern strait.</p>
+
+<p>The terrace on which they stood formed part of a stately palace,
+built by a king of the North who loved to retire in the summer time
+from his bustling capital, and gather his family around him in this
+romantic home.</p>
+
+<p>From here, as from a watch-tower, could be seen the fleets of
+empires, the crowded shipping of many a rich port and the humbler
+craft of the fisherman, passing and repassing all day long between
+the great inland sea of the North and the broad western ocean.</p>
+
+<p>Along this narrow channel had once swept the long ships of the
+Vikings, setting forth on those terrible raids which devastated half
+Europe and planted colonies in England and France and far-off Italy.
+But to-day the scene was a scene of peace. The martial glory of the
+Dane had departed. The royal castle that stood there as if to guard
+the strait had become a rendezvous of emperors and queens and
+princes, who took advantage of its quiet precincts to lay aside the
+pomp of rule, and perhaps to bind closer those alliances of
+sovereigns which serve to temper the fierce rivalries of their
+peoples.</p>
+
+<p>The pair who stood gazing, one with curiosity and wonder, the other
+with an interest of a more painful character, at the sinister object
+on the horizon, were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>imperial sisters. Born in the tiny sea kingdom,
+they had lived to wear the crowns of the greatest two realms the
+world has ever seen, two empires which between them covered half the
+surface of our planet, and included one-third of its inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>But though sundered in interests they were not divided in affection.
+As they stood side by side, still linked together, it was evident
+that no common sympathy united them.</p>
+
+<p>The one who had been first to draw attention to the mysterious craft,
+and whose dress showed somber touches which spoke of widowhood,
+answered her sister&#8217;s question:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never see one of those vessels without a shudder. I have an
+instinct which warns me that they are destined to play a dangerous,
+perhaps a fatal, part in the future. What is that boat doing here, in
+Danish waters?&mdash;I do not know. But it can be here for no good. If a
+war ever broke out in which we were concerned, the Sound would be our
+first line of defense on the west. It would be mined, by us, perhaps;
+if not, by our enemy. Who can tell whether that submarine has not
+been sent out by some Power which is already plotting against peace,
+to explore the bed of the strait, with a view to laying down mines
+hereafter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The other Empress listened with a grave countenance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I hope your fears are not well founded. I can think of no Power that
+is ever likely to attack you. It is my nephew, or rather those who
+surround him, from whom the signal for war is likely to come, if it
+ever does come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The widowed Empress bowed her head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know what my hopes and wishes are,&#8221; she answered. &#8220;If my son
+listened to me there would be no fear of his departing from the
+peaceful ways of my dear husband. But there are secret influences
+always at work, as stealthy in their nature as that very craft&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The speaker paused as she glanced &#8217;round in search of the black
+streak and gray smoke-wreath which had attracted her notice a minute
+before. But she looked in vain.</p>
+
+<p>Like a phantom the submarine had disappeared, leaving no trace of its
+presence.</p>
+
+<p>The Empress uttered an ejaculation of dismay, which was echoed by her
+sister.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is it now? Where did it go? Has it sunk, or has it gone back
+to where it came from?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>To these questions there could be no answer. The smooth waters
+glistened in the sunlight as merrily as if no threatening craft was
+gliding beneath the surface on some errand fraught with danger to the
+world.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps they saw they were observed, and dived <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>under for
+concealment,&#8221; suggested the second Empress.</p>
+
+<p>Her sister sighed gently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was telling you that that submarine was a type of the secret
+dangers which beset us. I know, beyond all doubt, that there are men
+in the innermost circle of the Court, men who have my son&#8217;s ear, and
+can do almost what they like with him, who are at heart longing for a
+great war, and are always working underground to bring it about. And
+if they succeed, and we are taken unprepared by a stronger foe, there
+will be a revolution which may cost my son his throne, if not his
+life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a brief silence. Then the Empress who had listened to this
+declaration murmured in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Heaven grant that the war is not one between you and us!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Heaven grant it!&#8221; was the fervent reply. And then, after a moment&#8217;s
+reflection, the widowed Empress added in an eager voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we&mdash;cannot we do something to avert such a fearful calamity?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Her sister pressed her arm as though to assure her of sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, yes,&#8221; the other continued. &#8220;We can do much if we will. Though
+my son does not always take my advice, he has never yet refused to
+listen to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>me. And in moments of grave stress he sometimes consults
+me of his own accord. And I know that you, too, have influence. Your
+people worship you. Your <span style="white-space: nowrap;">husband&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>The Western Empress interrupted gently:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I cannot play the part that you play. I do not claim the right to be
+consulted, or to give direct advice. Do not ask me to step outside my
+sphere. I can give information; I can be a channel sometimes between
+your Court and ours, a channel which you can trust as I fear you
+cannot always trust your ministers and diplomatic agents. More than
+that I should not like to promise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that is very much,&#8221; was the grateful response. &#8220;That may be
+quite enough. Provided we can arrange a code by which I can always
+communicate with you safely and secretly, it may be possible to avert
+war at any time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you propose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is very simple. If any crisis comes about through no fault of my
+son&#8217;s&mdash;if the party who are conspiring to make a war arrange some
+unexpected <i>coup</i> which we could not foresee or prevent&mdash;and if I am
+sure that my son sincerely desires peace, I can send you a
+message&mdash;one word will be enough&mdash;which you can take as an assurance
+that we mean to put ourselves right with you, and to thwart the
+plotters.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Western Empress bowed her head.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I accept the mission. And the word&mdash;what shall it be?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The other glanced &#8217;round the horizon once more, and then, bending her
+lips to her imperial sister&#8217;s ear, whispered a single word.</p>
+
+<p>The two great women who had just exchanged a pledge for the peace of
+the world were moving slowly along the terrace again, when the
+Western sister said, thoughtfully,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I know another way to aid you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Eastern Empress halted, and gazed at her with eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know the difficulties that surround you,&#8221; her sister pursued, &#8220;and
+that the greatest of them all is having no one in your service whom
+you can entirely and absolutely trust.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is so,&#8221; was the mournful admission.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now I have heard of a man&mdash;I have never actually employed him
+myself, but I have heard of him from those who have, and they tell me
+he is incorruptible. In addition, he is a man who has never
+experienced the sensation of fear, and his abilities are so great
+that he has been called in to solve almost every problem of
+international politics that has arisen in recent years.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But this man&mdash;how can he be obtained?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At present he is retained in our secret service. I must not conceal
+from you that he is partly a Pole <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>by descent, and as such he has no
+love for your Empire. But if it were made clear to him that in
+serving you he was serving us, and defeating the designs of the
+anti-popular and despotic clique at your Court, I feel sure he would
+consent to place himself at your disposal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Eastern Empress listened intently to her sister&#8217;s words. At the
+close she said,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you. I will try this man, if you can prevail on him to come to
+me. What is his name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect you must have heard of him already, It is&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;?</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The second Empress nodded.</p>
+
+<p>No more was said.</p>
+
+<p>The two imperial figures passed away along the terrace, silhouetted
+against the red and stormy sunset sky, like two ministering spirits
+of peace brooding over a battleground of blood.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V&mdash;&mdash;</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he great monarch by whose gracious command I write this narrative
+has given me his permission to preface it with the following
+remarkable document:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Minute</i>: It is considered that it cannot but promote the
+cause of peace and good understanding between the British
+and Russian Governments if Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash; be authorized to
+relate in the columns of some publication enjoying a wide
+circulation, the steps by which he was enabled to throw
+light on the occurrences in the North Sea.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><i>By the Cabinet.</i></p></div>
+
+<p>In addition, I desire to state for the benefit of those who profess
+to see some impropriety in the introduction of real names into a
+narrative of this kind, that objections precisely similar to theirs
+were long ago raised, and long ago disposed of, in the case of
+Parliamentary reports, newspaper articles, society papers, and comic
+publications of all kinds; and, further, that I have never received
+the slightest intimation that my literary methods were displeasing to
+the illustrious personages whom my narratives are intended to honor.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p><p>With this apology I may be permitted to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>On a certain day in the winter which preceded the outbreak of war
+between Russia and Japan, I received a summons to Buckingham Palace,
+London, to interview the Marquis of Bedale.</p>
+
+<p>I am unable to fix the precise date, as I have forsworn the dangerous
+practice of keeping a diary ever since the head of the French police
+convinced me that he had deciphered a code telegram of mine to the
+Emperor of Morocco.</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis and I were old friends, and, anticipating that I should
+find myself required to start immediately on some mission which might
+involve a long absence from my headquarters in Paris, I took my
+confidential secretary with me as far as the British capital,
+utilizing the time taken by the journey in instructing him how to
+deal with the various affairs I had in hand.</p>
+
+<p>I had just finished explaining to him the delicate character of the
+negotiation then pending between the new King of Servia and Prince
+Ferdinand of Bulgaria, when the train rolled into Charing Cross.</p>
+
+<p>Not wishing any one, however high in my confidence, to know too much
+of my movements, I ordered him to remain seated in the railway
+carriage, while I slipped out of the station and into the closed
+brougham for which I had telegraphed from Dover.</p>
+
+<p>I had said in the wire that I wished to be driven <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>to a hotel in
+Piccadilly. It was not till I found myself in Cockspur Street that I
+pulled the check-string, and ordered the coachman to take me to
+Buckingham Palace.</p>
+
+<p>I mention these details in order to show that my precautions to
+insure secrecy are always of the most thorough character, so that, in
+fact, it would be quite impossible for any one to unveil my
+proceedings unless I voluntarily opened my lips.</p>
+
+<p>The instructions which I received from Lord Bedale were brief and to
+the point:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are aware, of course, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;, that there is a
+possibility of war breaking out before long between Russia and
+Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is more than a possibility, I am afraid, my lord. Things have
+gone so far that I do not believe it is any longer possible to avert
+war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His lordship appeared gravely concerned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you tell me that it is too late for you to interfere with
+effect?&#8221; he demanded anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Even for me,&#8221; I replied with firmness.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Bedale threw at me a glance almost imploring in its entreaty.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you were to receive the most ample powers, the most liberal
+funds; if you were to be placed in direct communication with one of
+the most exalted personages in the Court of St Petersburg&mdash;would it
+still be impossible?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p><p>I shook my head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your lordship should have sent for me a fortnight ago. We have lost
+twelve days, that is to say, twelve battles.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis of Bedale looked more and more distressed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At least you can try?&#8221; he suggested.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can try. But I am not omnipotent, my lord,&#8221; I reminded him.</p>
+
+<p>He breathed a sigh of relief before going on to say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that is only the preliminary. Great Britain is bound to come to
+the assistance of Japan in certain contingencies.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In the event of her being attacked by a second Power,&#8221; I observed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Precisely. I rely on you to prevent that contingency arising.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is a much easier matter, I confess.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you undertake to keep the war from extending to us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I undertake to keep a second Power from attacking Japan,&#8221; I answered
+cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Bedale was quick to perceive my reservation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But in that case we cannot be involved, surely?&#8221; he objected.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I cannot undertake to keep you from attacking Russia,&#8221; I explained
+grimly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;But we should not dream of attacking her&mdash;without provocation,&#8221; he
+returned, bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fancy you will have a good deal of provocation,&#8221; I retorted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why? What makes you think that?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>I suspected that Lord Bedale was either sounding me, or else that he
+had not been taken into the full confidence of those for whom he was
+acting.</p>
+
+<p>I responded evasively:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There are two personages in Europe, neither of whom will leave one
+stone unturned in the effort to involve you in war with Russia.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And they are?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Even as he put the question, Lord Bedale, as though acting
+unconsciously, raised one hand to his mustache, and gave it a
+pronounced upward twirl.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see your lordship knows one of them,&#8221; I remarked. &#8220;The other&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He bent forward eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes? The other?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The other is a woman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A woman?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He fell back in his chair in sheer surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The other,&#8221; I repeated in my most serious tone, &#8220;is a woman, perhaps
+the most formidable woman now living, not even excepting the Dowager
+Empress of China.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And her name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Her name would tell you nothing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Still&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you really wish to hear it&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I more than wish. I urge you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Her name is the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the name of this dangerous and desperate woman passed my
+lips than I regretted having uttered it.</p>
+
+<p>Had I foreseen the perils to which I exposed myself by that single
+slip I might have hesitated in going on with my enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>As it was I determined to tell the Marquis of Bedale nothing more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This business is too urgent to admit of a moment&#8217;s unnecessary
+delay,&#8221; I declared, rising to my feet. &#8220;If your lordship has no
+further instructions to give me, I will leave you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One instant!&#8221; cried Lord Bedale. &#8220;On arriving in Petersburg you will
+go straight to report yourself to her majesty the Empress Dagmar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed my head to conceal the expression which might have told his
+lordship that I intended to do nothing of the kind.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your credentials,&#8221; he added with a touch of theatricality, &#8220;will
+consist of a single word.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And that word?&#8221; I inquired.</p>
+
+<p>He handed me a sealed envelope.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I do not myself know it. It is written on a piece of paper inside
+that envelope, and I have to ask you to open the envelope, read the
+word, and then destroy the paper in my presence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders as I proceeded to break the seal. But no
+sooner did my eyes fall on the word within, and above all on the
+handwriting in which that word was written, than I experienced a
+sensation of admiring pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell the writer, if you please, my lord, that I am grateful for this
+mark of confidence, which I shall endeavor to deserve.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I rolled up the paper into a tiny pellet, swallowed it, and left the
+room and the Palace without uttering another word.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>THE PRINCESS Y&mdash;&mdash;&#8217;S HINT</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; never use the same stratagem more than once. It is to this rule
+that I attribute my success.</p>
+
+<p>On previous missions to Russia I assumed the disguises of a French
+banker, of the private secretary to Prince Napoleon, of an emissary
+from an Indian Maharaja, and of an Abyssinian Maduga.</p>
+
+<p>I now decided to go thither as an Englishman, or rather&mdash;for there is
+a distinction between the two&mdash;as a Little Englander.</p>
+
+<p>It appeared to me that no character could be more calculated to gain
+me the confidence of the Anglophobes of the Russian Court. I
+anticipated that they would smother me with attentions, and that from
+their hypocritical professions I should stand a good chance of
+learning what was actually in their minds.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had I taken this decision, which was while the brougham was
+being driven along the Mall, than I gave the order &#8220;&mdash;&mdash; House.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p><p>I was driven to the office of a well known review conducted by a
+journalist of boundless philanthropy and credulity. Mr. Place&mdash;as I
+will call him&mdash;was within, and I at once came to business.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am a Peace Crusader,&#8221; I announced. &#8220;I have devoted myself to the
+sacred cause of which you are the foremost champion. At present war
+is threatened in the Far East. I am going to Russia to persuade the
+war party to abandon their designs. I have come here to ask you for
+your aid and countenance in this pious enterprise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The editor gave me a doubtful glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it is a question of financial aid,&#8221; he said not very
+encouragingly, &#8220;I must refer you to the treasurer of the World&#8217;s
+Peace League. I am afraid our friends&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no,&#8221; I interrupted him. &#8220;It is not a question of funds. I am a
+wealthy man, and if you need a subscription at any time you have only
+to apply to me. What I desire is your moral support, your valuable
+advice, and perhaps a few introductions to the friends of peace in
+the Russian capital.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The editor&#8217;s face brightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course!&#8221; he exclaimed in cordial tones. &#8220;I will support you with
+all my heart. I will write up your mission in the <i>Review</i>, and I
+will give you as many introductions as you need. What is your name,
+again?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Sterling. Mr. Melchisadek Sterling.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The philanthropist nodded and touched a bell on his table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will give you a letter,&#8221; he said, as his secretary came in and
+seated herself at the typewriter, &#8220;to the noblest creature I have
+ever met, a woman of high birth and immense fortune who has devoted
+herself to the cause.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And turning &#8217;round in his chair he dictated to the attentive
+secretary:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>My dear Princess Y</i>&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It needed all that command over my features which it has taken me
+twenty years to acquire to conceal the emotion with which I heard
+this name. Less than half an hour had passed since I had warned Lord
+Bedale that the Princess would be the most formidable enemy in my
+path, and now, on the very threshold of my enterprise, her name
+confronted me like an omen.</p>
+
+<p>I need not repeat the highly colored phrases in which the
+unsuspecting philanthropist commended me to this artful and
+formidable woman as a fellow-worker in the holy cause of human
+brotherhood.</p>
+
+<p>Not content with this service, the editor wanted to arrange a meeting
+of his league or brotherhood, or whatever it was, to give me a public
+send-off. As I understood that the meeting would partake of a
+religious character I could not bring myself to accept the offer.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p><p>In addition to the letter to the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, he gave me another
+to a member of the staff of the Russian Embassy in London, a M.
+Gudonov. He also urged me to call upon a member of Parliament, a
+rising politician who is not unlikely to have a ministerial post in
+the next government, and who has made himself known as an apologist
+of the Czar&#8217;s. But as I had good reason to know that this gentleman
+was by no means a disinterested dupe, like Mr. Place, I prudently
+left him alone.</p>
+
+<p>On going to the Russian Embassy to have my passport vis&eacute;d I inquired
+for M. Gudonov.</p>
+
+<p>The moment he entered the room I recognized him as one of the most
+unscrupulous agents of the notorious Third Section, one of the gang
+who drugged and kidnapped poor Alexander of Bulgaria. My own
+disguise, it is hardly necessary to say, was impenetrable.</p>
+
+<p>This precious apostle of peace greeted me with unction, on the
+editor&#8217;s introduction.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are going to our country on a truly noble errand,&#8221; he declared,
+with tears in his eyes. &#8220;We Russians have reason to feel grateful to
+worthy Englishmen like you, who can rise above national prejudices
+and do justice to the benevolent designs of the Czar and his
+advisers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope that I may be instrumental in averting a great catastrophe,&#8221;
+I said piously.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Even if you fail in preventing war,&#8221; the Russian replied, &#8220;you will
+be able to tell your countrymen when you return, that it was due to
+the insane ambition of the heathen Japanese. It is the &#8216;Yellow
+Peril,&#8217; my friend, to which that good Emperor William has drawn
+attention, from which we are trying to save Europe.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I nodded my head as if well satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whatever you and your friends in Petersburg tell me, I shall
+believe,&#8221; I assured him. &#8220;I am convinced of the good intention of
+your Government.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian fairly grinned at this simplicity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You cannot find a more trustworthy informant than the Princess
+Y&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; he said gravely. &#8220;And just now she is in a position to know a
+very great deal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How so?&#8221; I asked naturally&mdash;not that I doubted the statement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess has just been appointed a lady-in-waiting to her
+imperial majesty the Dowager Empress Dagmar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was a serious blow. Knowing what I did of the past of Princess
+Y&mdash;&mdash;, I felt that no ordinary pressure must have been brought to
+bear to secure her admission into the household of the Czaritza. And
+with what motive? It was a question to which there could be only one
+answer. The War Party had guessed or suspected that the Czar&#8217;s mother
+was opposed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> to them, and they had resolved to place a spy on her
+actions.</p>
+
+<p>Inwardly thankful to Mr. Place for having been the means of procuring
+me this important information in advance, I received my passport and
+quitted the Embassy with the heartfelt congratulations of the
+ex-kidnapper.</p>
+
+<p>Forty-eight hours later I had crossed the Russian frontier, and my
+life was in the hands of the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>My first step on arriving in the capital of the North was to put up
+at the favorite hotel of English visitors. The coupons of a
+celebrated tourist agency were credentials in themselves, and I had
+not forgotten to provide myself with the three articles indispensable
+to the outfit of every traveling Briton&mdash;a guide book, a prayer book,
+and a bath sponge.</p>
+
+<p>At the risk of incurring the suspicions of the police agent stationed
+in the hotel, I mingled some hot water in the bath which I took on
+the first morning after my arrival. Then, having made my toilet and
+eaten the heavy breakfast provided for English visitors, I set out,
+suffering sadly from indigestion, to present my letter of
+introduction to the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>As this woman, the most brilliant recruit ever received into the
+Russian secret service, and a foe of whom I am not ashamed to confess
+that I felt some fear, has never been heard of by the public of Great
+Britain, I shall say a word concerning her.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p><p>The Princess, whose Christian name was Sophia, was the daughter of a
+boyar of Little Russia. Her extraordinary beauty, while she was still
+a very young girl, attracted the attention of the governor of the
+province, Prince Y&mdash;&mdash;, who was one of the wealthiest nobles in the
+Empire, and a widower. He made proposals for her hand which were
+accepted by her father, without the girl herself being asked to
+express an opinion in the matter, and at the age when an English girl
+would be leaving home for a convent or &#8220;high-school,&#8221; Sophia became
+the Governor&#8217;s wife.</p>
+
+<p>Almost immediately the Prince resigned his government and went to
+live in his splendid palace on the Nevsky Prospect, in Petersburg.
+Before very long, society in the Russian capital was startled to hear
+of the sudden deaths in rapid succession of both the Prince&#8217;s
+children by his former wife, a son and a daughter. Then, after a
+brief interval, followed the tragic death of the Prince himself, who
+was found in bed one morning by his valet, with his throat cut.</p>
+
+<p>The almost satanic beauty and fascination of the youthful Princess
+had made her from the very first one of the most conspicuous
+personages at the Imperial Court. These three deaths, following on
+the heels of one another, roused the most dreadful suspicions, and
+the Czar Alexander III. personally <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>charged his minister of justice
+to see that the law was carried out.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly the police took possession of the palace while the corpse
+of its late owner still lay where it had been found. The most
+searching investigations were made, the servants were questioned and
+threatened, and it was rumored that the widow herself was for a short
+time under arrest.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a great change took place. The police withdrew, professing
+themselves satisfied that no crime had been committed. The deaths of
+the son and daughter were put down to natural causes, and that of the
+Prince was pronounced a suicide, due to grief at the loss of his
+children. Some of the servants disappeared&mdash;it was said into
+Siberia&mdash;and in due course the Princess resumed her place in society
+and at Court, as though nothing were amiss.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, from that hour, as I have every reason to know, her
+life was really that of a slave to the head of the secret police. She
+appeared to go about unfettered, and to revel in the enjoyment of
+every luxury; but her time, her actions, and the vast wealth
+bequeathed to her by her husband, were all at the disposal of her
+tyrant.</p>
+
+<p>Time after time, in half the capitals of Europe, but more especially,
+of course, in that of Russia, I had come on traces of this terrible
+woman, not less terrible <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>if it were true that she was herself the
+most miserable victim of the system of which she formed part.</p>
+
+<p>But singularly enough, though I had heard so much of the Princess I
+had never actually found myself pitted against her. And, more
+singularly still, I had never met her.</p>
+
+<p>From this it will be gathered that I experienced a sensation of more
+than ordinary curiosity and even apprehension as I presented myself
+at the house in the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to be admitted to the
+presence of its mistress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Her highness is on duty at the Palace to-day,&#8221; I was told by the
+chamberlain who received me in the inner hall. &#8220;Her carriage is just
+ordered to take her there. However, I will take up your letter, and
+inquire when her highness can see you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I sat down in the hall, outwardly a calm, stolid Briton, but inwardly
+a wrestler, wound up to the highest pitch of excitement and impatient
+for the sight of his antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>To pass the time suitably, I took my guide-book out of my pocket and
+began to read. The book opened at Herr Baedaker&#8217;s description of the
+gloomy fortress of the Schl&uuml;sselburg, the dreaded prison of the foes
+of the Czar.</p>
+
+<p>The description did not tend to soothe my nerves, conscious as I was
+that the woman I was about to meet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>could consign me to the most
+noisome dungeon in the fortress by merely lifting her little finger.</p>
+
+<p>I was just closing the book with an involuntary shudder when I heard
+a light, almost girlish, laugh from above. I looked hastily, and saw
+the woman I had come to measure myself against standing poised like a
+bird on the top of the grand staircase.</p>
+
+<p>As I rose hurriedly to my feet, taking in every detail of her superb
+yet delicate figure, her complexion like a blush-rose, her lustrous
+eyes&mdash;they were dark violet on a closer view&mdash;and the cloud of
+rippling gold that framed her brow, I was moved, yes, positively
+carried away for a moment, by a sentiment such as few women have been
+able to inspire in me.</p>
+
+<p>Perceiving, no doubt, that she had produced the desired impression,
+the Princess ran lightly down the stairs and came toward me holding
+out two tiny hands, the fingers of which were literally gloved in
+diamonds.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My friend! My noble Englishman!&#8221; she exclaimed in the purest French.
+&#8220;And since when have you known that dear Monsieur Place?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I checked myself on the point of replying, pretended to falter, and
+then muttered in the worst French I could devise on the spur of the
+moment:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Parlez-vous Anglais, s&#8217;il vous pla&icirc;t, Madame?</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess shook her head reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You speak French too well not to understand it, I suspect,&#8221; she
+retorted in the same language. Then dropping it for English, marred
+only by a slight Slavonic accent, she repeated:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But tell me,&mdash;dear Mr. Place, he is a great friend of yours, I
+suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can hardly claim the honor of his personal friendship,&#8221; I replied,
+rather lamely. &#8220;But I have always known and admired him as a public
+man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! He is so good, is he not? So generous, so confiding, so great a
+friend of our dear Russia. You know Mr. &mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The name she uttered was that of the politician referred to above.
+She slipped it out swiftly, with the action of a cat pouncing.</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head with an air of distress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid I am not important enough to know such a great man as
+that,&#8221; I said with affected humility.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess hastened to relieve my embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is that to us!&#8221; she exclaimed. &#8220;You are an Englishman, you are
+benevolent, upright, truthful, and you esteem our country. Such men
+are always welcome in Russia. The Czaritza is waiting for me; but you
+will come back and dine with me, if not to-night, then to-morrow, or
+the next day. I will send an invitation to your hotel. My friends
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>shall call on you. You are staying at the&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I mentioned the name of the hotel, murmuring my thanks.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is nothing,&#8221; the beautiful woman went on in the same eager
+strain. &#8220;I shall have good news for you when we meet again, believe
+me. Yes&mdash;&#8221; she lowered her voice almost to a whisper&mdash;&#8220;our dear Czar
+is going to take the negotiations into his own hands. So it is said.
+His majesty is determined to preserve peace. The odious intrigues of
+the War group will be defeated, I can assure you. You will not be
+disappointed, my dear Mr.&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; she snatched the editor&#8217;s letter from
+her muff and glanced at it&mdash;&#8220;Mr. Sterling, if I tell you that you are
+going to have your journey for nothing. You will have a good time in
+Petersburg, all the same. But believe me when I tell you so, your
+journey will fortunately be for nothing!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And with the repetition of these words, and another bright bow and
+look which dazzled my senses, the wonderful creature swept past me to
+where the chamberlain stood ready to hand her into her carriage.</p>
+
+<p>For nothing?</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcn.jpg" title="N" height="70" width="72" alt="N" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">N</span>o reader can have failed to notice one remarkable point in the
+interview between the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; and myself. I refer of course to
+her invitation to me to dine with her in the course of a day or two.</p>
+
+<p>Unless the etiquette of the Russian Court differed greatly from that
+of most others in Europe, it would be most indecorous for a
+lady-in-waiting, during her turn of service, to give entertainments
+at her private house.</p>
+
+<p>I felt certain that this invitation concealed some trap, but I
+puzzled myself uselessly in trying to guess what it could be.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime I did not neglect certain other friends of mine in
+the city on the Neva, from whom I had some hope of receiving
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>Although I have never gone so far as to enroll myself as an active
+Nihilist, I am what is known as an Auxiliary. In other words, without
+being under <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>the orders of the great secret committee which wages
+underground war with the Russian Government, I have sometimes
+rendered it voluntary services, and I have at all times the privilege
+of communicating with it, and exchanging information.</p>
+
+<p>While waiting for the next move on the part of the Princess,
+therefore, I decided to get in touch with the revolutionists.</p>
+
+<p>I made my way on foot to a certain tavern situated near the port, and
+chiefly patronized by German and Scandinavian sailors.</p>
+
+<p>The host of the Angel Gabriel, as the house was called, was a
+Nihilist of old standing, and one of their most useful agents for
+introducing forbidden literature into the empire.</p>
+
+<p>Printed mostly in London, in a suburb called Walworth, the
+revolutionary tracts are shipped to Bergen or Lubeck, and brought
+thence by these sailors concealed in their bedding. At night, after
+the customs officers have departed, a boat with a false keel puts off
+from a quay higher up the Neva, and passes down the river to where
+the newly arrived ship is lying; the packages are dropped overboard
+as it drifts past the side and hidden under the bottom boards; and
+then the boat returns up the river, where its cargo is transferred to
+the cellars of the tavern.</p>
+
+<p>The host, a namesake of the Viceroy of Manchuria, was serving in the
+bar when I came in. I called <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>for a glass of vodka, and in doing so
+made the sign announcing myself as an Auxiliary.</p>
+
+<p>Alexieff said nothing in reply, but the sailors lounging in the bar
+began to finish off their drinks and saunter out one by one, till in
+a short time the place was empty.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221; said the tavern-keeper, as soon as we were alone.</p>
+
+<p>It was not my first visit to the Angel Gabriel, and I lost no time in
+convincing Alexieff of my identity. As soon as he recognized me, I
+said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The expression of rage and fear which convulsed his features was a
+sufficient answer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know, moreover, that she is at present working her hardest to
+bring about a war between Russia and Japan, with the hope of
+ultimately involving Great Britain?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He nodded sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How does that affect your friends?&#8221; I asked cautiously. Something in
+the man&#8217;s face warned me not to show my own hand just then.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We hate her, of course,&#8221; he said grudgingly, &#8220;but just now we have
+received orders that she is not to be interfered with.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew a deep breath.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you regard this war&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We regard it as the beginning of the revolution,&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>he answered. &#8220;We
+know that the Empire is utterly unprepared. The Viceroy Alexieff is a
+vain boaster. Port Arthur is not provisioned. The Navy is rotten. The
+Army cannot be recruited except by force. The taxes are already
+excessive and cannot be increased. In short, we look forward to see
+the autocracy humiliated. The moment its prestige is gone, and the
+moujik feels the pinch of famine, our chance will come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw that I had come to the wrong quarter for assistance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you will do nothing against this woman at present?&#8221; I remarked,
+anxious to leave the impression that she was the only object of my
+concern.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. At least not until war is definitely declared. After that I
+cannot say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you think the war sure to come?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are certain of it. One of our most trusted members is on the
+board of the Manchurian Syndicate.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Syndicate which has obtained the concessions in Korea?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Against which Japan has protested, yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I felt the full force of this announcement, having watched the
+proceedings of the Syndicate for some months for reasons of my own.</p>
+
+<p>Every student of modern history has remarked the fact that all recent
+wars have been promoted by great <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>combinations of capitalists. The
+causes which formerly led to war between nation and nation have
+ceased to operate. Causes, or at least pretexts, for war continue to
+occur, but whether they are followed up depends mainly on commercial
+considerations. A distant Government is oppressing its subjects, it
+may be in Turkey, it may be in Cuba, it may be in Africa. No matter,
+some great Power suddenly discovers it is interested; the drums are
+beaten, the flag is unfurled, and armies are launched on their path.
+The next year, perhaps, the same Power sees its own subjects
+massacred wantonly off its own coasts by a foreign fleet. Nothing
+happens; a few speeches are made, and the whole incident is referred
+to arbitration, and forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>It is the consideration of money which decides between peace and war.</p>
+
+<p>Perceiving it was useless to ask any assistance of the Nihilists in
+my forlorn enterprise, I returned sadly to my hotel.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had I finished the immense lunch on which I was compelled to
+gorge myself, when a waiter brought me a card, the name on which gave
+me an electric shock.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>M. Petrovitch.</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Every one has heard of this man, the promoter of the Manchurian
+Syndicate, and, if report spoke truly, the possessor of an influence
+over the young Czar <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>which could be attributed only to some occult
+art.</p>
+
+<p>I could not doubt that this powerful personage had been instigated to
+call on me by the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;.</p>
+
+<p>What then? Was it likely that she would have sent the most
+influential man in the imperial circle to wait upon a traveling
+fanatic, a visionary humanitarian from Exeter Hall?</p>
+
+<p>Impossible! Somehow something must have leaked out to rouse the
+suspicions of this astute plotter, and make her guess that I was not
+what I seemed.</p>
+
+<p>It was with the sensations of a man struggling in the meshes of an
+invisible net that I saw M. Petrovitch enter the room.</p>
+
+<p>The celebrated wire-puller, whose name was familiar to every
+statesman and stock-broker in Europe, had an appearance very unlike
+his reputation.</p>
+
+<p>He was the court dandy personified. Every detail of his dress was
+elaborated to the point of effeminacy. His hands were like a girl&#8217;s,
+his long hair was curled and scented, he walked with a limp and spoke
+with a lisp, removing a gold-tipped cigarette from his well-displayed
+teeth.</p>
+
+<p>As the smoke of the cigarette drifted toward me, I was conscious of
+an acute, but imperfect, twinge of memory. The sense of smell, though
+the most neglected, is the most reliable sense with which we are
+furnished. I could not be mistaken in thinking I had smelt tobacco
+like that before.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I have come to see you without losing a moment, Mr. Sterling,&#8221; he
+said in very good English. &#8220;My good friend Madame Y&mdash;&mdash; sent me a
+note from the Palace to beg me to show you every attention. It is too
+bad that an ambassador of peace&mdash;a friend of that great and good man,
+Place, should be staying in a hotel, while hundreds of Russians would
+be delighted to welcome him as their guest. My house is a poor one,
+it is true, and I am hardly of high enough rank, still&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The intriguer was asking me to transfer myself to his roof, to become
+his prisoner, in effect.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I cannot thank you enough,&#8221; I responded, &#8220;but I am not going to
+stay. The Princess has convinced me that the war-cloud will blow
+over, and I think of going on to Constantinople to intercede with the
+Sultan on behalf of the Armenians.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A noble idea,&#8221; M. Petrovitch responded warmly. &#8220;What would the world
+do without such men as you? But at all events you will dine with me
+before you go?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was the second invitation to dinner I had received that day. But,
+after all, I could hardly suspect a trap in everything.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you share the hopes of the Princess?&#8221; I asked M. Petrovitch,
+after thanking him for his hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>The syndicate-monger nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have been working night and day for peace,&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>he declared
+impudently, &#8220;and I think I may claim that I have done some good. The
+Japanese are seeking for an excuse to attack us, but they will not
+get it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Manchurian Syndicate?&#8221; I ventured to hint, rising to go to the
+bell.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Syndicate is wholly in favor of peace,&#8221; he assured me, watching
+my movement with evident curiosity. &#8220;We require it, in fact, to
+develop our mines, our timber concessions, our&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A waiter entered in response to my ring.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bring me some cigarettes&mdash;your best,&#8221; I ordered him.</p>
+
+<p>As the man retreated it was borne in on my guest that he had been
+guilty of smoking in my room without offering me his case.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A thousand pardons!&#8221; he exclaimed. &#8220;Won&#8217;t you try one of mine?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I took a cigarette from the case he held out, turned it between my
+fingers, and lit it from the end farthest from the maker&#8217;s imprint.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I am satisfied that all danger is removed I should be inclined to
+apply for some shares in your undertaking,&#8221; I said, giving the
+promoter a meaning look.</p>
+
+<p>From the expression in his eyes it was evident that this precious
+scoundrel was ready to sell Czar, Russia and fellow-promoters all
+together.</p>
+
+<p>While he was struggling between his natural greed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>and his suspicion
+the waiter reentered with some boxes of cigarettes.</p>
+
+<p>I smelt the tobacco of each and made my choice, at the same time
+pitching the half-smoked cigarette given to me by M. Petrovitch into
+the fireplace, among the ashes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your tobacco is a little too strong for me,&#8221; I remarked by way of
+excuse.</p>
+
+<p>But the Russian was wrapped up in the thought of the bribe at which I
+had just hinted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall bear in mind what you say,&#8221; he declared, as he rose.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Depend upon it, if it is possible for me to meet your wishes, I
+shall be happy to do so.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw him go off, like a fish with the bait in its mouth. Directly
+the door closed behind him I sprang to the fireplace, rescued the
+still burning cigarette and quenched it, and then, carefully brushing
+away the dust, read the maker&#8217;s brand once more.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later simultaneous messages were speeding over the wires to
+my correspondents in London, Amsterdam and Hamburg:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Ascertain what becomes of all cigarettes made by
+Gregorides; brand, Crown Aa.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CZAR&#8217;S AUTOGRAPH</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he next morning at breakfast I found the two invitations already
+promised. That of the head of the Manchurian Syndicate was for the
+same night.</p>
+
+<p>Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason for
+this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the Marquis
+of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager Empress in
+person.</p>
+
+<p>Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty, I
+drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
+livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
+by an equerry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give to
+her majesty in person,&#8221; I told him. &#8220;Be good enough to let her know
+that the messenger from the Queen of England has arrived.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He went out of the room, and at the end of ten minutes the door
+opened again and admitted&mdash;the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;!</span></p>
+
+<p>Overpowered by this unlucky accident, as I at first <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>supposed it to
+be, I rose to my feet, muttering some vague phrase of courtesy.</p>
+
+<p>But the Princess soon showed me that the meeting did not take her by
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you have a message for my dear mistress?&#8221; she cried in an accent
+of gay reproach. &#8220;And you never breathed a word of it to me. Mr.
+Sterling, I shall begin to think you are a conspirator. <i>How</i> long
+did you say you had known that good Mr. Place? But I am talking while
+her majesty is waiting. Have you any password by which the Czaritza
+will know whom you come from?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can tell that only to her majesty, I am afraid,&#8221; I answered
+guardedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am in her majesty&#8217;s confidence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And bringing her exquisite face so near to mine that I was oppressed
+by the scent of the tuberoses in her bosom, she whispered three
+syllables in my ear.</p>
+
+<p>Dismayed by this proof of the fatal progress the dangerous police
+agent had already made, I could only admit by a silent bow that the
+password was correct.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then come with me, Mr. Sterling,&#8221; the Princess said with what
+sounded like a malicious accent on the name.</p>
+
+<p>The reception which I met from the Dowager Empress was gracious in
+the extreme. I need not recount all that passed. Her imperial majesty
+repeated <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>with evident sincerity the assurances which had already
+been given me in a different spirit by the two arch-intriguers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There will be no war. The Czar has personally intervened. He has
+taken the negotiations out of the hands of Count Lamsdorff, and
+written an autograph letter to the Mikado which will put an end to
+the crisis.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I listened with a distrust which I could not wholly conceal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I trust his majesty has not intervened too late,&#8221; I said
+respectfully, my mind bent on framing some excuse to get rid of the
+listener. &#8220;According to the newspapers the patience of the Japanese
+is nearly exhausted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No more time will be lost,&#8221; the Czaritza responded. &#8220;The messenger
+leaves Petersburg to-night with the Czar&#8217;s letter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I stole a cautious glance in the direction of the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;. She
+was breathing deeply, her eyes fixed on the Czaritza&#8217;s lips, and her
+hands tightly clenched.</p>
+
+<p>I put on an air of great relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case, your majesty, I have no more to do in Petersburg. I
+will wire the good news to Lord Bedale, and return to England
+to-morrow or the next day. I beg your pardon, Princess!&#8221; I pretended
+to exclaim by a sudden afterthought, &#8220;<i>after</i> the next <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>day.&#8221; And
+turning once more to the mother of the Czar, I explained:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess has honored me with an invitation to dinner.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dowager Empress glanced at her attendant in evident surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must implore your pardon, Madam,&#8221; the Princess stammered, in real
+confusion. &#8220;I am aware I ought to have solicited your leave in the
+first place, but knowing that this gentleman came from&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She broke off, fairly unable to meet the questioning gaze of her
+imperial mistress.</p>
+
+<p>I pretended to come to her relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have a private message,&#8221; I said to the Empress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You may leave us, Princess,&#8221; the Empress said coldly.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the door had closed on her, I gave a warning look at the
+Czaritza.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That woman, Madam, is the most dangerous agent in the secret service
+of your Empire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I trusted to the little scene I had just contrived to prepare the
+mind of the Czaritza for this intimation. But she received it as a
+matter of course.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sophia Y&mdash;&mdash; has been all that you say, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;. I am well
+acquainted with her history. The poor thing has been a victim of the
+most fiendish cruelty on the part of the Minister of Police, for
+years. At last, unable to bear her position <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>any longer, she appealed
+to me. She told me her harrowing story, and implored me to receive
+her, and secure her admission to a convent. I investigated the case
+thoroughly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty will pardon me, I am sure, if I say that as a man with
+some experience of intrigue, I thoroughly distrust that woman&#8217;s
+sincerity. She is intimate with M. Petrovitch, to my knowledge.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But M. Petrovitch is also on the side of peace, so I am assured.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I began to despair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will believe me, or disbelieve me as your majesty pleases. But I
+am accustomed to work for those who honor me with their entire
+confidence. If the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; is to be taken into the secret of
+my work on your majesty&#8217;s behalf, I must respectfully ask to be
+released.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As I offered her majesty this alternative in a firm voice, I was
+inwardly trembling. On the reply hung, perhaps, the fate of two
+continents.</p>
+
+<p>But the Dowager Empress did not hesitate.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you stipulate for shall be done, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;. I am too well
+aware of the value of your services, and the claims you have on the
+confidence of your employers, to dispute your conditions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The messenger who is starting to-night&mdash;does the Princess know who
+he is?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I believe so. It is no secret. The messenger is Colonel Menken.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case he will never reach Tokio.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Her majesty could not suppress a look of horror.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you advise?&#8221; she demanded tremulously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His majesty the Czar must at once write a duplicate of the despatch,
+unknown to any living soul but your majesty, and that despatch must
+be placed by you in my hands.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dowager Empress gazed at me for a moment in consternation.</p>
+
+<p>But the soundness of the plan I had proposed quickly made itself
+manifest to her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; her majesty said approvingly. &#8220;I
+will communicate with the Czar without delay. By what time do you
+want the despatch?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In time to catch the Siberian express to-night, if your majesty
+pleases. I purpose to travel by the same train as Colonel Menken&mdash;it
+is possible I may be able to avert a tragedy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And since your majesty has told me that the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; is aware
+of the Colonel&#8217;s errand, let me venture to urge you most strongly not
+to let her out of your sight on any pretense until he is safely on
+his way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I need not go into the details of the further arrangements<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> made with
+a view to my receiving the duplicate despatch in secrecy.</p>
+
+<p>I came away from the Palace fully realizing the serious nature of my
+undertaking. I understood now all that had worried me in the
+proceedings of the Princess. It was clear to me that Lord Bedale, or
+the personage on whose behalf he instructed me, had wired to the
+Dowager Empress, notifying her majesty of my coming, and that she had
+shown the message to her lady-in-waiting.</p>
+
+<p>Blaming myself bitterly for not having impressed the necessity for
+caution on the Marquis, I at once set about providing myself with a
+more effectual disguise.</p>
+
+<p>It is a proverb on the lips of every moujik in Petersburg that all
+Russia obeys the Czar, and the Czar obeys the Tchin. Ever since the
+bureaucracy deliberately allowed Alexander II. to be assassinated by
+the Nihilists out of anger at his reforming tendencies, the Russian
+monarchs have felt more real dread of their own police than of the
+revolutionists. The <i>Tchin</i>, the universally-pervading body of
+officials, who run the autocracy to fill their pockets, and indulge
+their vile propensities at the expense of the governed, is as
+omnipotent as it is corrupt. Everywhere in that vast Empire the word
+of the Tchinovink is law&mdash;and there is no other law except his word.</p>
+
+<p>Taking the bull by the horns, I went straight to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>the Central Police
+Bureau of the capital, and asked to see a certain superintendent
+named Rostoy.</p>
+
+<p>To this man, with whom I had had some dealings on a previous
+occasion, and whose character was well understood by me, I explained
+that I had accepted a mission from a friendly Power to travel along
+the Siberian Railway and report on its capacity to keep the Army of
+Manchuria supplied with food and ammunition in the event of war.</p>
+
+<p>He expressed no surprise when I told him it was essential that I
+should leave Petersburg that night, and accordingly it did not take
+us long to come to terms.</p>
+
+<p>The service which I required of him was, of course, a fresh passport,
+with a complete disguise which would enable me to pass anywhere along
+the railway or in Manchuria without being detected or interfered with
+by the agents of the Government.</p>
+
+<p>After some discussion we decided that the safest plan would be for me
+to travel in the character of a Russian police officer charged with
+the detection of the train thieves and card-sharpers who abound on
+every great route of travel. I could think of no part which would
+serve better to enable me to watch over the safety of the Czar&#8217;s
+envoy without exciting suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>I placed in Rostoy&#8217;s hands the first instalment of a heavy bribe, and
+arranged to return an hour before <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>the departure of the Moscow
+express to carry out my transformation.</p>
+
+<p>It was only as I left his office that I remembered my unlucky
+engagement to dine that very night with the head of the Manchurian
+Syndicate.</p>
+
+<p>I perceived that these hospitalities were well devised checks on my
+movements, and it was with something of a shock that I realized that
+when I went to dinner that evening with the most active promoter of
+the war I should be carrying the Czar&#8217;s peace despatch in my pocket!</p>
+
+<p>If the enemies of peace had foreseen every step that I was to take in
+the discharge of my mission, their measures could not have been more
+skilfully arranged.</p>
+
+<p>And as this reflection occurred to me I turned my head nervously, and
+remarked a man dressed like a hotel porter lounging carelessly in my
+track.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3>A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcr.jpg" title="R" height="70" width="72" alt="R" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">R</span>eaders of that prince of romancers, Poe, will recollect a celebrated
+story in which he describes the device employed by a man of uncommon
+shrewdness to conceal a stolen letter from the perquisitions of the
+police, and the elaborate argument by which the writer proves that
+the highest art of concealment is to thrust the object to be hidden
+under the very nose of the searcher.</p>
+
+<p>But that argument is one of the many mystifications in which the
+weird genius of Poe delighted. It is easy to see, in short, that the
+theory was invented to suit the story, and not the story to suit the
+theory. I now had before me the practical problem of concealing a
+document of surpassing importance, from enemies who were already on
+my scent, and keeping it concealed during a journey of some thousands
+of miles.</p>
+
+<p>The ordinary hiding-places of valuable papers, such as the lining of
+clothes, or a false bottom to a trunk, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>I dismissed without serious
+consideration. My luggage would probably be stolen, and I might be
+drugged long before I reached Dalny.</p>
+
+<p>The problem was all the more difficult for me because I have
+generally made it a rule to avoid charging myself with written
+instructions. I am sufficiently well known by reputation to most
+European sovereigns to be able to dispense with ordinary credentials.
+But in approaching the Mikado of Japan, a ruler to whom I was
+personally unknown, it was clearly necessary for me to have something
+in writing from the Russian Emperor.</p>
+
+<p>All at once an idea flashed on my mind, so simple, and yet so
+incapable of detection (as it seemed to me), that I almost smiled in
+the face of the man who was dogging my steps along the street, no
+doubt under instructions from the War Syndicate.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon I was closeted with the Emperor of All the Russias in
+his private cabinet for nearly an hour.</p>
+
+<p>It is not my habit to repeat details of private conversations, when
+they are not required to illustrate the progress of public events,
+and therefore I will say merely that the Czar was evidently in
+earnest in his desire to avoid war, but greatly hampered and
+bewildered by the difficult representations made to him by, or on
+behalf of, those to whose interests war was essential.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p><p>It was melancholy to see the destinies of half Europe and Asia, and
+the lives of scores of thousands of brave men, hanging on the will of
+an irresolute young man, depressed by the consciousness of his own
+infirmity, and desperately seeking for some stronger mind on which to
+lean. Had I not been placed by my Polish sentiment in a position of
+antagonism to the Czardom, perhaps&mdash;but it is useless to indulge in
+these reflections.</p>
+
+<p>One thing in the course of the interview struck me as having great
+significance for the future. I found that his majesty, who had
+entertained at one time a strong dislike of the German Emperor, a
+dislike not untinged with jealousy, had now completely altered his
+opinion. He spoke to me of Wilhelm II. in terms of highest praise,
+declared that he was under the greatest obligations to him for useful
+warnings and advice, said that he believed he had no truer or more
+zealous friend.</p>
+
+<p>When I drove to the house of M. Petrovitch that evening I carried,
+carefully sewn between the inner and outer folds of my well-starched
+shirt-front, where no sound of crackling would excite remark, a sheet
+of thin note-paper covered in a very small handwriting with the text
+of the Czar&#8217;s letter to the ruler of Japan.</p>
+
+<p>M. Petrovitch was not alone. Around his hospitable board he had
+gathered some of the highest and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>proudest personages of the Russian
+Court, including the Grand Duke Staniolanus, generally believed to be
+the heart and soul of the War Party. His imperial highness was
+well-known to be a desperate gambler, up to the neck in debts
+contracted at the card-table, and bent on recouping himself out of
+the wealth of Korea and Manchuria.</p>
+
+<p>I was duly presented to this royal personage (whom I had met once
+before under widely different circumstances) in the character of a
+Peace Crusader, an emissary of the philanthropists of Great Britain.</p>
+
+<p>At the dinner-table, where I found myself placed on my host&#8217;s left
+hand, while the Grand Duke was on his right, the conversation
+continued to be in the same strain. That Petrovitch believed me to be
+an English peace fanatic I did not believe any longer, but I could
+not tell if any, or how many, of the others were in his confidence.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the solid part of the feast was disposed of, Petrovitch
+rose to his feet, and after a bow to the Grand Duke, launched out
+into a formal speech proposing my health.</p>
+
+<p>He commenced with the usual professions in favor of peace, spoke of
+the desire felt by all Russians to preserve the friendship of
+England, eulogized the work done by my friend the editor, and by
+other less disinterested friends of Russia in London, and wound up by
+asking all the company to give me a cordial <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>welcome, and to send a
+message of congratulation and good-will to the British public.</p>
+
+<p>Knowing as I did, that the man was a consummate rogue, who had
+probably invited me to his house in order to keep me under
+observation, and possibly to prevent my getting scent of the
+intrigues pursued by his friend and ally, Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, I was still
+at a loss to understand the reason for this performance.</p>
+
+<p>I have learned since that an account of the proceedings, with
+abstracts from this hypocritical speech, was telegraphed to England,
+and actually found its way into some of the newspapers under the
+heading, &#8220;Peace Demonstration in St. Petersburg: No Russian Wants
+War.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was one of the guests, however, who made no pretense of
+listening with pleasure to the smooth speech of M. Petrovitch. This
+was a dark young man of about thirty, in a naval uniform. He sat
+scowling while his host spoke, and barely lifted his glass from the
+table at the conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>A minute or two later I took an opportunity to ask the promoter the
+name of this ungracious officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That?&#8221; my host exclaimed, looking &#8217;round the table, &#8220;Oh, that is
+Captain Vassileffsky, one of our most distinguished sailors. He is a
+naval aide-de-camp to the Czar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I made a note of his name and face, being warned <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>by a presentiment
+which I could not resist that I should come across him again.</p>
+
+<p>The champagne now began to flow freely, and as it flowed the tongues
+of many of the company were unloosed by degrees. From the subject of
+peace the conversation passed rapidly to the possibilities of war,
+and the Japanese were spoken of in a way that plainly showed me how
+little those present understood the resolution and resources of the
+Island Empire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Japanese dare not fire the first shot and, since we will not,
+there will be no war,&#8221; declared my left-hand neighbor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The war will be fought in Japan, not in Manchuria,&#8221; affirmed the
+Grand Duke with a condescending air. &#8220;It will be a case of the Boers
+over again. They may give us some trouble, but we shall annex their
+country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Petrovitch gave me a glance of alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Russia does not wish to add to her territory,&#8221; he put in; &#8220;but we
+may find it necessary to leave a few troops in Tokio to maintain
+order, while we pursue our civilizing mission.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I need not recount the other remarks, equally arrogant.</p>
+
+<p>Abstemious by habit, I had a particular reason for refraining from
+taking much wine on this night. It was already past nine o&#8217;clock, the
+train for Moscow, which connected there with the Siberian express,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>started at midnight, and I had to be at the police bureau by eleven
+at the latest to make the changes necessary for my disguise.</p>
+
+<p>I therefore allowed my glass to remain full, merely touching it with
+my lips occasionally when my host pressed me to drink. M. Petrovitch
+did not openly notice my abstinence, but presently I heard him give
+an order to the butler who waited behind his chair.</p>
+
+<p>The butler turned to the sideboard for a moment, and then came
+forward bearing a silver tray on which stood a flagon of cut-glass
+and silver with a number of exquisite little silver cups like
+egg-shells.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will not refuse to taste our Russian national beverage, Mr.
+Sterling,&#8221; the head of the War Syndicate said persuasively, as the
+butler began filling the tiny cups.</p>
+
+<p>It was a challenge which I could not refuse without rudeness, though
+it struck me as rather out of place that the vodka should be offered
+to me before to the imperial guest on my host&#8217;s right.</p>
+
+<p>The butler filled two cups, M. Petrovitch taking the second from the
+tray as I lifted the first to my lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know our custom,&#8221; the financier exclaimed smilingly. &#8220;No
+heeltaps!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He lifted his own cup with a brave air, and I tossed off the contents
+of my own without stopping.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p><p>As the fiery liquor ran down my throat I was conscious of something
+in its taste which was unlike the flavor of any vodka I had ever
+drunk before. But this circumstance aroused no suspicion in my mind.
+I confess that it never occurred to me that any one could be daring
+enough to employ so crude and dangerous a device as a drugged draft
+at a quasi-public banquet, given to an English peace emissary, with a
+member of the imperial family sitting at the board.</p>
+
+<p>I was undeceived the next moment. Petrovitch, as soon as he saw that
+my cup had been emptied, sat down his own untasted, and, with a
+well-acted movement of surprise and regret, turned to the Grand Duke.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I implore your pardon, sir. I did not ask if you would not honor me
+by taking the first cup!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Grand Duke, whom I readily acquitted of any share in the other&#8217;s
+design, shrugged his shoulders with an indifferent air.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you wish your friends to drink vodka, you should not put
+champagne like this before us,&#8221; he said laughing.</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch said something in reply; he turned and scolded the butler
+as well, I fancy. But my brain was becoming confused. I had just
+sufficient command of my faculties left to feign ignorance of the
+true situation.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am feeling a little faint. That <i>p&acirc;t&eacute;</i>&#8221;&mdash;I contrived to murmur.</p>
+
+<p>And then I heard Captain Vassileffsky cry out in an alarm that was
+unmistakably genuine&mdash;&#8220;Look out for the Englishman! He is
+swooning&#8221;&mdash;and I knew no more.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3>DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcm.jpg" title="M" height="70" width="71" alt="M" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">M</span>y first thought, as my senses began to come back to me, was of the
+train which was due to leave Petersburg for Moscow at midnight.</p>
+
+<p>I clutched at my watch, and drew it forth. The hands marked the time
+as 9.25. Apparently I had not been unconscious for more than a few
+seconds.</p>
+
+<p>My second glance assured me that my clothes were not disarranged. My
+shirt-front, concealing the Czar&#8217;s autograph letter, was exactly as
+when I sat down to the table.</p>
+
+<p>Only after satisfying myself on these two points did I begin to take
+in the rest of my surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>I was resting on a couch against the wall in the room where we had
+dined. My host, the head of the Manchuria Syndicate, was standing
+beside me, watching my recovery with a friendly and relieved
+expression, as though honestly glad to see me myself again. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>A
+servant, holding in his hand a bottle which appeared to contain sal
+volatile, was looking on from the foot of the bed, in an attitude of
+sympathetic attention. The other guests had left the room, and the
+state of the table, covered with half-filled glasses and hastily
+thrown down napkins, made it evident that they had cleared out of the
+way to give me a chance to come to.</p>
+
+<p>The cold air blowing over my forehead told me that a window had been
+opened. A Russian January is not favorable to much ventilation. As a
+rule the houses of the well-to-do are provided with double windows,
+which are kept hermetically sealed while the rooms are in use. The
+fact that the dining-room was still warm was sufficient proof that
+the window could not have been opened for more than the briefest
+time.</p>
+
+<p>It was a singular thing that, in spite of these assurances that my
+swoon had been an affair of moments only, I was seized by an
+overmastering desire to get away from the house immediately.</p>
+
+<p>I heard M. Petrovitch exclaim&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank Heaven&mdash;you are better! I began to be afraid that your seizure
+was going to last. I must go and reassure my guests. The Grand Duke
+will be delighted to hear your are recovering. He was most distressed
+at the attack.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p><p>I sat upright with an effort, and staggered to my feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am ashamed to have given you so much trouble,&#8221; I said. &#8220;I can&#8217;t
+remember ever fainting like this before. Please make my excuses to
+his imperial highness and the rest of the company.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what are you doing?&#8221; cried M. Petrovitch in dismay. &#8220;You must
+not attempt to move yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall be better in bed,&#8221; I answered in a voice which I purposely
+strove to render as faint as possible. &#8220;If you will excuse me, I will
+go straight to my hotel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The promoter&#8217;s brow wrinkled. I saw that he was trying to devise some
+pretext to detain me, and my anxiety to find myself clear of his
+house redoubled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you will do me a favor, I should be glad if you would let one of
+your servants come with me as far as the hotel,&#8221; I said. &#8220;I am
+feeling rather giddy and weak.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The secret chief of the War Party caught eagerly at the suggestion.
+It was no doubt exactly what he desired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mishka,&#8221; he said, turning to the servant, and speaking in Russian,
+&#8220;this gentleman asks you to accompany him to his hotel, as he has not
+yet recovered. Take great care of him, and do not leave him until he
+is safe in his own bed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p><p>The man nodded, giving his master a look which said&mdash;I understand
+what you want me to do.</p>
+
+<p>Thanks to this request on my part, M. Petrovitch raised no further
+objection to my departure. I stumbled out of the room, pretending to
+cling to the servant&#8217;s arm for support, and let him help me on with
+my furs, while the porter was summoning a sleigh.</p>
+
+<p>There was a hurried consultation in low tones between my host and the
+porter. Rather to my surprise the carriage, when it appeared, was a
+closed one, being a species of brougham on runners instead of wheels.
+I allowed myself to be carried down the steps like a child, and
+placed inside; the door was closed, with the windows carefully drawn
+up, and the jailer&mdash;for such he was to all intents and purposes&mdash;got
+on the box.</p>
+
+<p>The sleigh swept out of the courtyard and across the city. Directly
+it was in the street, I very softly lowered one of the windows and
+peered out. The streets seemed to me more deserted than usual at such
+an hour. I was idly wondering whether the imminence of war could
+account for this when I heard a church clock beginning to strike.</p>
+
+<p>Once&mdash;twice&mdash;the chimes rang out. And then, as I was preparing to
+close the window, they went on a third time&mdash;a fourth!</p>
+
+<p>I held my breath, and listened with straining ears, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>as the great
+notes boomed forth from the distant town across the silent streets
+and houses.</p>
+
+<p>One&mdash;two&mdash;three&mdash;four&mdash;five&mdash;six&mdash;seven&mdash;eight&mdash;nine&mdash;ten&mdash;<span class="smcap">ELEVEN</span>!</p>
+
+<p>I understood at last. That drugged sleep had lasted an hour and a
+half, and before I came to myself my watch had been deliberately set
+back to the minute at which I lost consciousness, in order to prevent
+me from suspecting that I had been searched, or that there was
+anything wrong about the affair.</p>
+
+<p>Had I taken time for reflection I should probably have made up my
+mind to lose the Moscow express. In order to lull the suspicions of
+the conspirators, by making them believe I was their dupe, I should
+have let myself be taken to the hotel and put to bed in accordance
+with the kind instructions of my late host. In that case, no doubt,
+my watch would have been secretly put right again while I was asleep.</p>
+
+<p>But I could not bear the idea of all my carefully planned
+arrangements being upset. Above all things, I desired to keep up my
+prestige with the superintendent of police, Rostoy, who regarded me
+as an invincible being possessed of almost magical powers. At the
+moment when the clock was striking I ought to have been walking into
+his room in the bureau of the Third Section.</p>
+
+<p>Grinding my teeth with vexation, I very gently <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>opened the door of
+the carriage, which was traveling noiselessly over the snow, and
+slipped out.</p>
+
+<p>I had taken care to ascertain that no onlooker was near. As soon as
+the sleigh was &#8217;round the corner of the street I hailed a public
+conveyance and directed the driver to take me to the police office.</p>
+
+<p>I was only five minutes late in keeping my appointment. Detecting a
+look of slight surprise on the face of the superintendent, I
+apologized for keeping him waiting.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is my habit to be punctual, even in trifling matters like this,&#8221;
+I remarked carelessly. &#8220;But the fact is I have been drugged and
+kidnapped since I saw you, and it took me five minutes to dispose of
+the rascals.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Rostoy stared at me with stupid incredulity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are joking, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;, I suppose,&#8221; he muttered. &#8220;But,
+however, since you have arrived, there is your disguise. You will
+find everything in the pockets complete, including a handkerchief
+marked with the initials of the name you have chosen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monsieur Rostoy, you are an able man, with whom it is pleasure to do
+business,&#8221; I responded heartily.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian swelled with pride at this compliment. I hastily changed
+clothes, shifting nothing from my discarded costume except a
+cigarette case which I had filled with the hotel cigarettes. My
+inquiry as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>to the Gregorides brand smoked by M. Petrovitch had not
+yet been answered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely you are not going to wear that linen shirt of yours right
+across Siberia!&#8221; exclaimed Rostoy, who never took his eyes off me.</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a whim of mine always to wear linen,&#8221; I responded. &#8220;I am not a
+rheumatic subject. And, besides, I have no time to lose.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The superintendent threw a regretful look at the flannel shirt he had
+provided for me.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I had finished my preparations I handed a thick bundle of
+ruble notes to the superintendent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As much more when I come back safe,&#8221; was all I said.</p>
+
+<p>Rostoy snatched at his pay, his eyes sparkling with greed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-by and a good journey!&#8221; he cried as I strode out.</p>
+
+<p>Once in the street, I had no difficulty in finding a sleigh, this
+time an open one, to convey me to the railway station. I glanced at
+my watch, which I had set by the church clock, and calculated that I
+should have a few minutes to spare.</p>
+
+<p>But I had not allowed for Russian ideas as to time. As the sleigh
+drew up at the great terminus, and I came in view of the station
+clock, I saw that it was on the stroke of midnight.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p><p>Flinging the driver his fare I rushed toward the barrier.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Moscow!&#8221; I shouted to the railway official in charge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The train has just left,&#8221; was the crushing reply.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE RACE FOR SIBERIA</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he unnatural strain I had put on my strength, undermined as it had
+been by the drugged vodka, gave way under this depressing failure,
+and for an instant I seriously thought of abandoning my effort to
+catch the Czar&#8217;s messenger.</p>
+
+<p>I could leave Colonel Menken to pursue his journey, taking care of
+himself as best he could, while I followed by a later train. But I
+had little thought of that, as to adopt such a course would be to
+abandon the gallant officer to his fate. Whatever the War Syndicate
+might or might not know or suspect about myself, there could be no
+doubt that they knew all there was to know about Menken, and that the
+Colonel would never be allowed to reach Dalny with his despatch,
+alive.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Show me the passenger list,&#8221; I demanded sternly, determined to use
+to the full the advantages conferred on me by my uniform.</p>
+
+<p>The station inspector hastened to obey. He took me into the booking
+office, opened a volume, and there I read the name and destination of
+every passenger who had left for Moscow that night. It is by such
+precautions<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> that the Russian police are enabled to control the
+Russian nation as the warders control the convicts in an English
+prison.</p>
+
+<p>At the very head of the list I read the name of Colonel Menken,
+passenger to Dalny, on his imperial majesty&#8217;s service.</p>
+
+<p>It was incredible folly thus publicly to proclaim himself as an
+object of suspicion to the powerful clique engaged in thwarting the
+policy of their nominal ruler.</p>
+
+<p>I glanced my eye down the list in search of some name likely to be
+that of an emissary of the Syndicate. It was with something like a
+shock that I came upon the conspicuous entry&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, lady-in-waiting to H. I. M. the Dowager Empress,
+passenger to Port Arthur, on a visit to her uncle, commanding one of
+the forts.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Stamping my foot angrily, in order to impress the railway official, I
+said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Order a pilot engine immediately to take me to Moscow. Tell the
+driver he is to overtake the express, and enter the Moscow station
+behind it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was some demur, of course, and some delay. But I wore the
+livery of the dreaded Third Section, and my words were more powerful
+than if I had been the young man who wears the Russian crown.</p>
+
+<p>By dint of curses, threats, blows and an occasional ruble note, I got
+my way. Indeed, I managed things <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>so well that the railway officials
+did not even ask me for my name. I showed them my official badge; but
+when they made their report in the morning they would only be able to
+say that an inspector of the Secret Police had ordered a pilot engine
+to take him to Moscow in pursuit of the midnight express.</p>
+
+<p>The impression which I was careful to convey, without putting it into
+words, was that I was on the track of an absconding Nihilist.</p>
+
+<p>Within half an hour of my arrival at the terminus a light but
+powerful locomotive drew up on the main line of rails, with
+everything in readiness for an immediate start.</p>
+
+<p>I leaped into the driver&#8217;s cab, where I found the driver himself and
+two stokers hard at work increasing the head of steam, and gave the
+order to go.</p>
+
+<p>The driver touched the tap, the whistle rang out once, and the wheels
+began to revolve. Ten seconds later we were beyond the station lights
+and facing the four hundred miles of frozen plain that lay between us
+and Moscow.</p>
+
+<p>Every one has heard the story of this famous piece of road. The
+engineers of the line, accustomed to map out their routes in other
+countries with reference to the natural obstacles and the convenience
+of commerce, waited upon the great autocrat, Nicholas I., a very
+different man from his descendant, and asked him for instructions as
+to laying out the first railway in the Russian Empire.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p><p>The Czar called for a map of his dominions, and then, taking a ruler
+in his hand, drew a straight line between the old and new capitals.</p>
+
+<p>And so the line has been made, a symbol to all who travel on it of
+the irresponsible might of the Russian Czardom.</p>
+
+<p>It was not till we were fairly on our way, and the speed had risen to
+something like fifty miles an hour, that I realized what I had done
+in entering on this furious race.</p>
+
+<p>I had never traveled on a detached engine before, and the sensation
+at first was quite unnerving.</p>
+
+<p>Unlike a motor car, in which the hand of the driver has to be
+perpetually on the steering-gear, and his eye perpetually on the
+alert, the pilot engine seemed to be flung forward like a missile,
+guided by its own velocity, and clinging to the endless rails with
+its wheels as with iron claws. With the rush as of wind, with the
+roar as of a cataract, with the rocking as of an earthquake, the
+throbbing thing of iron sprang and fled through the night.</p>
+
+<p>Hour after hour we rushed across the blinding desert of snow, in
+which nothing showed except the flying disk of light cast by the
+engine lamps, and the red and white balls of fire that seemed to
+start, alight, and go out again as we frantically dashed past some
+wayside station.</p>
+
+<p>As the speed increased the light pilot engine, not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>steadied by a
+long train of coaches, almost rose from the rails as it raced along.
+Over and over again I thanked my stars that there were no curves to
+be taken, and I blessed the memory of that famous ruler wielded by
+the hand of Nicholas I. Here and there, at some slight rise in the
+ground, the engine literally did leave the rails and skim through the
+air for a few yards, alighting with a jar that brought my teeth
+together like castanets, and rushing forward again.</p>
+
+<p>I clung to a small brass hand-rail, and strained my eyes through the
+darkness. I could not have sat down, even had there been a seat
+provided for me&mdash;the pace was too tremendous. I was tired and unwell,
+and a slight feeling of headache and sickness began to gain on me,
+engendered by the vibration of the engine, the smell of oil, and the
+fearful heat of the furnace.</p>
+
+<p>It was some hours since we had started, but it was still pitch dark,
+with the wintry blackness of a northern night. I leaned and gazed
+forward with dull eyes, when I was aware of two red sparks that did
+not grow and rush toward us as I expected.</p>
+
+<p>Were we slackening speed by any chance? I turned to the engine
+driver, and pointed with my hand.</p>
+
+<p>The grimy toiler nodded. Then making a trumpet of his hands he
+shouted above the rattle of the wheels&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The rear-lights of the express!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CZAR&#8217;S MESSENGER</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; drew out my watch and glanced at it by the light of the flaring
+stoke-hole. It was just half-past eight.</p>
+
+<p>The time taken up on the journey between Petersburg and Moscow varies
+greatly according to the state of the weather and the amount of snow
+on the line. But even in the summer the best trains are allowed
+twelve hours, while the slow ones take nearly twenty-four. The
+special Siberian express was timed to reach the ancient capital of
+the czars at ten o&#8217;clock in the morning, and we had overtaken it with
+rather more than an hour to spare.</p>
+
+<p>I ordered the driver to creep up gradually, but not to approach too
+near the hindmost coach of the train in front until Moscow was in
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>Obedient to my instructions, he slackened speed by degrees, till we
+were rolling along at the same rate as the express, with a space of
+three or four hundred yards between us.</p>
+
+<p>Presently a red flag was thrust out from a side window<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> at the rear
+of the last coach and waved furiously. The driver of my engine
+responded with first a green and then a white signal, indication that
+there was no danger though caution was desirable.</p>
+
+<p>The express perceptibly quickened its speed, but of course without
+our allowing it to get farther ahead. At last the spires of the
+Kremlin, and the green copper domes gleamed out across the waste, and
+I nodded to the driver to close up.</p>
+
+<p>He managed the maneuver with the skill of an artist. Inch by inch we
+neared the guard&#8217;s van in front, and our buffers were actually
+touching as the engine in front blew off steam and we slowed
+alongside the Moscow station.</p>
+
+<p>Before the wheels of the express had ceased to move I was out on the
+platform, and running up to the guard of the express.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have come on the pilot engine from Petersburg,&#8221; I told him
+hurriedly. &#8220;Tell no one of my arrival. Do not report the chase. If
+you are questioned, say that you have orders to say nothing. And now
+tell me which is the train for Dalny and Port Arthur, and when does
+it leave?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The guard, thoroughly cowed, promised implicit obedience. He showed
+me a long corridor train with handsome sleeping cars and dining
+saloons, which was drawn up ready at another platform.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is the train which goes to Baikal,&#8221; he told <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>me. &#8220;If the ice on
+the lake will bear, rails may be laid right across it; if not, there
+will be sleighs to transport the passengers to a train on the other
+side. The train leaves at noon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I thanked him and strolled off down the platform, glancing into the
+carriages of the newly-arrived train as I passed in search of the
+Czar&#8217;s messenger.</p>
+
+<p>I did not anticipate that any harm could have happened to him so soon
+after leaving Petersburg. The object of the conspirators would be
+defeated if Nicholas II. learned of any accident to his messenger in
+time to send another despatch. It was more likely, at least so I
+argued, that the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; would accompany her victim across
+Siberia, gradually worming her way into his confidence, and that only
+at the last moment would she show her hand.</p>
+
+<p>It was with a slight start that I encountered the face of the fair
+emissary of M. Petrovitch, as she came to the door of her sleeping
+compartment and looked out.</p>
+
+<p>I was delighted to observe that this time she did not suspect me. In
+fact, she evidently mistook me for one of the ordinary station
+officials, for she gave me a haughty command:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go and see if there is a telegram for the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Making a respectful salute I hastened off in the direction of the
+telegraph office. On the way I interrupted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> a man in uniform carrying
+an envelope in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221; I demanded.</p>
+
+<p>The man scowled at me and made as if to conceal the telegram. I saw
+that it was a case for a tip and handed him a ruble note, on which he
+promptly parted with his trust.</p>
+
+<p>I turned around, and as soon as the messenger had moved off, I tore
+open the envelope and read the message. Fortunately, it was not in
+cipher, the rules against any such use of the wires, except by the
+Government, being too strict.</p>
+
+<p>This is what I read:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>&#8220;Our friend, who is now an inspector, will join you at Moscow. Look
+out for him. He has left his luggage with us, but does not know it.&#8221;</p></div>
+
+<p>Accident, which had hitherto opposed my designs, was favoring them at
+last. It was clear that Rostoy had betrayed me, and that Petrovitch
+had sent this wire to the Princess to put her on her guard. But what
+was the &#8220;luggage&#8221; which I was described as having left in the hands
+of M. Petrovitch?</p>
+
+<p>I thought I knew.</p>
+
+<p>Crumpling up the tell-tale message in my pocket, I darted into the
+telegraph office, and beckoned to the clerk in charge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On his majesty&#8217;s secret service,&#8221; I breathed in his ear, drawing him
+on one side. I showed him my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>police badge, and added, &#8220;An envelope
+and telegram form, quick!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Overwhelmed by my imperative manner, he handed me the required
+articles. I hastily scribbled:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>&#8220;Our friend has parted with his luggage, though he does not know it.
+He has been unwell, but may follow you next week. To save trouble do
+not wire to us till you return.&#8221;</p></div>
+
+<p>Slipping this into the envelope, I addressed it to the Princess, and
+hastened back to the carriage where I had left her.</p>
+
+<p>I found her fuming with impatience and scolding her maid, who looked
+on half awake. I handed her the bogus telegram with a cringing
+gesture. She snatched at it, tore off the cover and read, while I
+watched her furtively from under my lowered eyelashes.</p>
+
+<p>The first part of the message evidently gave her the greatest
+pleasure. The second part, it was equally evident, puzzled and
+annoyed her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fool! What is he afraid of now?&#8221; she muttered beneath her breath.</p>
+
+<p>She stood gnawing her rose-red lips for a moment&mdash;even a night passed
+in the train could not make her look less charming&mdash;and then turned
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will do. No answer. Here, Marie, give this man a couple of
+rubles.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I received the gratuity with a look of satisfaction <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>which must have
+surprised the tired waiting maid. In reality I had scored a most
+important point. Thanks to my suppression of the first message and my
+addition to the second, I had completely cut off communication
+between the agent of the Syndicate and its head in Petersburg, for a
+time; while I had lulled the beautiful plotter into a false security,
+by which I was likely to benefit.</p>
+
+<p>My anxieties considerably lightened for the time being, I now renewed
+my search for Colonel Menken.</p>
+
+<p>The train from Petersburg had emptied by this time, so I moved across
+the station to where the luxurious Manchurian express was being
+boarded by its passengers.</p>
+
+<p>I got in at one end, and made my way slowly along the corridors,
+stepping over innumerable bags and other light articles. In a corner
+of the smoking car I came at last upon the man I sought.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken was a young man for his rank, not over thirty, with a
+fine, soldierly figure, handsome face and rather dandified air. He
+wore a brilliant uniform, which looked like that of some crack
+regiment of Guards. A cigar was in his mouth, and he was making a
+little nest for himself with rugs and books and papers, and a box of
+choice Havanas. A superb despatch box, with silver mounts, was
+plainly marked with his initials, also in silver.</p>
+
+<p>I did not dare to choose a seat for myself in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>same part of the
+train as the man whom I was anxious to guard. The oppressive powers
+wielded by the police of Russia are tolerated only on one condition,
+namely, that they are never abused to the disparagement of the social
+importance of the aristocracy.</p>
+
+<p>Bearing this in mind, I proceeded to the coach set aside for the
+servants of the rich passengers, and contrived to secure a place
+close to that occupied in the day-time by the maid of the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>Having more than an hour to spare, I now laid in a large stock of
+Turkish tobacco and cigarette papers, so as to have some means of
+beguiling the time on the long, wearisome run across Asia. I also
+bought a second-hand valise, and stocked it modestly with clothes.
+Finally I made a hearty breakfast in the station restaurant, and
+boarded the train a few minutes before it rolled out of Moscow.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say, I had introduced myself to the superintendent of the
+train, an official of great dignity and importance. As a police
+agent, of course I traveled free on the Government lines. The
+superintendent was good enough to offer me a spare bed in his private
+cabin at the end of the train, and during the run we became the best
+of friends.</p>
+
+<p>But I must be excused from dwelling on the details of the journey,
+not the first I had taken on the great transasiatic line. My whole
+energies were absorbed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> in two tasks. In the first place, I had to
+gain the confidence of the maid, Marie, and in the second to prevent
+her mistress gaining the confidence of the messenger of the Czar.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope that message I brought to the Princess did not contain any
+bad news?&#8221; I said to Marie as soon as I got a chance of addressing
+her.</p>
+
+<p>This was when we were fairly on the way.</p>
+
+<p>After first attending to her mistress, and seeing that she was
+comfortably settled, the maid was at liberty to look after herself,
+and I had seized the opportunity to render her a few trifling
+services with her luggage.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know, I&#8217;m sure,&#8221; was the answer to my question. &#8220;The
+Princess tells me nothing of her secrets.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, let&#8217;s call her Sophy,&#8221; the maid interrupted crossly.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say I welcomed these symptoms that Marie was no great
+friend of her employer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps she has no secrets,&#8221; I continued. &#8220;Have you been with her
+long?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Only six months,&#8221; was the answer. &#8220;And I don&#8217;t think I shall stay
+much longer. But you&#8217;re quite mistaken if you think Sophy is one of
+the innocent ones. She&#8217;s always up to some mischief or other, though
+what it is, I don&#8217;t know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you stay with her a little longer, you may find <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>out. And then,
+if it is anything political, you may make a good deal of money out of
+her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The girl&#8217;s eyes brightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Keep your eyes open,&#8221; I said. &#8220;Look out for any scraps of paper you
+see lying about. Keep a diary of the places Sophy goes to, and the
+people she sees. And when you have anything to tell, let me know. I
+will give you my address in Petersburg. And you may trust me to see
+that you come off well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marie readily agreed to all I asked of her. The understanding thus
+arrived at was destined to be of the greatest assistance to me.
+Indeed, it is not too much to say that to this young Russian girl it
+is due that the two greatest Powers in the Old World are not at this
+moment battling on the Afghan frontier.</p>
+
+<p>We had hardly been an hour under way before I saw the two objects of
+my watchfulness seated side by side in the drawing-room car,
+apparently on the friendliest terms.</p>
+
+<p>Dismayed by this rapid progress, as it seemed, on the part of the
+Princess, I reproached myself for not having warned Colonel Menken
+before we started.</p>
+
+<p>I resolved to put him on his guard at the earliest possible moment,
+and with that view I hung about the smoking-car, waiting till I saw
+him return to his corner.</p>
+
+<p>This was not for some hours. Fortunately, owing to the universal
+expectation of war, there were not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>many passengers proceeding to the
+Far East. The train was practically empty, and so when Colonel Menken
+had seated himself once more in the snug corner he had prepared for
+himself, I was able to approach him without fear of being overheard.</p>
+
+<p>He was just lighting a cigar as I came up, and took no notice of my
+respectful salute till he had inhaled the tobacco smoke two or three
+times and expelled it through his nostrils to test the flavor.</p>
+
+<p>At last he turned to me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221; he said with some sharpness. &#8220;What is the matter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have seen in the passenger list that you are traveling on the
+service of the Czar,&#8221; I answered, &#8220;and I venture to place myself at
+your orders.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken scowled at me haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Does that mean that you want a tip?&#8221; he sneered. &#8220;Or has some fool
+ordered you to shadow me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Neither, Colonel,&#8221; I replied. &#8220;I am a servant of the Czar, like
+yourself, as you may see from my uniform, and as I have reason to
+fear that there is an enemy of his majesty on the train, I wish to
+put you on your guard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Menken gave a self-confident smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am pretty well able to take care of myself, I believe,&#8221; he said
+boastfully. &#8220;As for the Nihilists, I no longer believe in their
+existence. You may point out the man you suspect, if you like, of
+course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It is not a man, Colonel, it is a woman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case the adventure promises to be interesting. I do not know
+any of the women on board except the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know her!&#8221; I allowed a note of surprise to appear in my voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess is related to me,&#8221; the Czar&#8217;s messenger declared, with
+a rebuking frown. &#8220;I presume she is not the object of your
+suspicions?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And if she were?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If she were, I should tell you that you had made a very absurd
+mistake, my good fellow. The Princess is in the confidence of the
+Dowager Empress; she is perfectly aware of the object of my mission,
+and she has just promised me that if I carry it out successfully she
+will become my wife.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcc.jpg" title="C" height="70" width="70" alt="C" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">C</span>olonel Menken regarded me with ironical contempt as I tried to
+apologize for my hinted distrust of his betrothed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will do, my man. I shall tell the Princess of your blunder, and
+I can assure you she will be heartily amused by it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At least you will remember that I wear his imperial majesty&#8217;s
+uniform,&#8221; I ventured. &#8220;And, however much I have been misled as to the
+intentions of her highness, I submit that I am entitled to secrecy on
+your part.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Am I to understand that some one has given you orders referring to
+the Princess? I thought this was simply some idle suspicion of your
+own?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My instructions were to watch over your safety, without letting you
+perceive it, and to take particular note of any one who seemed to be
+trying to form your acquaintance on the journey. If you now denounce
+me to her highness, she will be annoyed, and in any case I shall be
+of no further use to you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So much the better,&#8221; the Colonel said rudely. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>&#8220;I consider your
+being here at all as an act of impertinence. If I engage to say
+nothing to the Princess&mdash;who, as you say, might be annoyed&mdash;will you
+undertake to leave me alone for the future?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will undertake to leave the train at Tomsk,&#8221; I replied.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken closed with this offer, which was meant as a delusive
+one. I had selected the first important stopping-place at which the
+train waited sufficiently long for me to procure the materials of a
+fresh disguise.</p>
+
+<p>I took the train superintendent into my confidence, as far as to say
+that I wished to assume a false character for the remainder of the
+journey in order to be better able to play the spy on the object of
+my suspicion. We agreed that one of the train attendants should be
+put off at Tomsk, and that I should take his place.</p>
+
+<p>After my scene with the Colonel, I could not venture to do much in
+the way of overlooking them. But I made the best use of my friendship
+with Marie, and she reported to me regularly what she observed of the
+doings of her mistress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is my belief that Sophy is going to marry that stupid Colonel,&#8221;
+she informed me, not long after I had heard of the engagement. &#8220;Why?
+I can&#8217;t think. He has no brains, not much money, and I am certain she
+is not in love with him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;There has been a quarrel of some kind between those two,&#8221; she
+reported later on. &#8220;Colonel Menken has been questioning Sophy about
+her reason for going to Port Arthur just now, when it may be attacked
+by the Japanese.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All this time the Princess had made no move to possess herself of the
+despatch which Menken was carrying&mdash;the real object of her presence
+on board the train.</p>
+
+<p>When Tomsk was reached, I went off into the town and procured
+different hair and beard so as to effect a complete change in my
+appearance. The disguise was clumsy enough, but, after all, neither
+the Colonel nor his companion had had many opportunities of studying
+my personal appearance.</p>
+
+<p>In the little cabin of my friend the superintendent I carried out the
+transformation, and finished by donning the livery of the railway
+restaurant service.</p>
+
+<p>Thus equipped, I proceeded to lay the table at which the betrothed
+pair usually took their meals together.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the next meal, which happened to be dinner, was ready, I
+proceeded to wait upon them. They noticed the change of waiters, and
+asked me what had become of my predecessor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He got off at Tomsk,&#8221; I told them. This was true&mdash;the getting rid of
+the waiter whose place I wished to take had been a simple matter. It
+must be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>remembered that I found myself everywhere received as an
+inspector attached to the secret police, the dreaded Third Section,
+and, in consequence, my word was law to those I had to deal with.</p>
+
+<p>I added with an assumed air of mysterious consequence, &#8220;The Inspector
+of Police also left the train at Tomsk. It is asserted that he is
+going to make an important arrest.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken laughed. Then turning to the beautiful woman who sat
+facing him across the small table, he said smilingly,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is lucky the inspector did not arrest you, my dear.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, what do you mean?&#8221; she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Simply that this officer, according to his own account, was charged
+to watch over and protect your devoted servant, and in the exercise
+of his functions he was good enough to hint to me that you were a
+suspicious character, of whom I should do well to be on my guard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Infamous! The wretch! Why didn&#8217;t you tell me this before?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I promised the fellow not to. He was afraid of getting into trouble,
+and as he had only blundered out of zeal, I let him off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And he has left the train. Why, I wonder?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I ordered him to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; looked less and less pleased. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>A minute later, I
+caught her stealthily glancing in my direction, and realized that her
+keen wits were already at work, connecting my appearance on the scene
+with the disappearance of the inspector.</p>
+
+<p>The next day, Colonel Menken and his betrothed took their seats at a
+different table in the restaurant of the train.</p>
+
+<p>I saw the meaning of this maneuver. It was of course a test by which
+the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; sought to learn if I was a spy, appointed to
+replace the inspector. I took care not to assist her by following
+them to the new table; on the contrary, I refused the offer of my
+brother waiter, who was honest enough not to wish to take my tips
+from me.</p>
+
+<p>When we reached Irkutsk, I had another proof that the Princess was
+beginning to feel uneasy. Marie informed me that her mistress had
+ordered her to go into the town and send off a telegram, as she would
+not trust the railway officials.</p>
+
+<p>The message, which my ally faithfully reported to me, was addressed
+to Petrovitch himself and ran as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Received wire from you at Moscow reporting our friend ill,
+and telling me not to wire you again till my return. I now
+fear some mistake. All going well otherwise.</p></div>
+
+<p>We were carried across the frozen Baikal amid a furious snowstorm.
+Huddled up in thick furs, and fighting to keep our blood circulating
+under the leaden <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>pressure of the cruel frost, there was no time to
+think of conspiracies.</p>
+
+<p>But on resuming the journey on the other side of the lake, I saw that
+the cunning agent of the War Party was maturing some decisive attempt
+on the messenger of peace. The talks of the lovers became closer and
+more confidential, the manner of Colonel Menken grew daily more
+devoted and absorbed, and Marie described her mistress as laboring
+under an extraordinary excitement.</p>
+
+<p>At last, on the very day the train crossed the Chinese frontier on
+the way to Mukden, Marie came to me with a decisive report.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sophy has won!&#8221; she declared. &#8220;I overheard them talking again last
+night. Ever since they left Tomsk they have been having a dispute,
+Sophy declaring that the Colonel did not love her, because he
+suspected her, and he, the stupid creature, swearing that he trusted
+her entirely. It appears she had got out of him that he was carrying
+a paper of some kind, and so she said that unless he gave her this
+paper to keep till they reached Dalny or Port Arthur, she would not
+believe in him, nor have anything more to say to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In the end, she was too many for him. Last night he gave her the
+paper in a sealed envelope, and I saw her take it from her breast
+before she undressed last night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Where is it? What has she done with it?&#8221; I demanded anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t tell you that. She had it in her hand when she dismissed me
+for the night. It looked to me as though she meant to break the seal
+and read it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Full of the gravest forebodings, I hurried to the rear of the train,
+got out my inspector&#8217;s uniform, though without effecting any change
+in my facial appearance, and made my way to the smoking-car.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken, who had just finished breakfast, was settling himself
+down to a cigar and an illustrated magazine.</p>
+
+<p>He gazed up at me in astonishment, as he perceived the change in my
+costume.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So the Princess was right!&#8221; he exclaimed angrily. &#8220;You are another
+policeman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And charged, like the last, to protect me from my cousin and future
+wife!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;From the person who has robbed you of the Czar&#8217;s autograph letter to
+the Emperor of Japan, yes!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Menken recoiled, thunderstruck.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You knew what I was carrying?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As well as I know the contents of the telegram which the Princess
+sent from Irkutsk to the head of the Manchurian Syndicate&mdash;the man
+who has sworn that the Czar&#8217;s letter shall never be delivered.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken staggered to his feet, bewildered, angry, half induced
+to threaten, and half to yield.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You must be lying! Sophy never left my sight while we were at
+Irkutsk!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We can discuss that later. Will you, or will you not, reclaim his
+majesty&#8217;s letter&mdash;the letter entrusted to your honor?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Menken turned white.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&mdash;I will approach the Princess,&#8221; he stammered, obviously divided
+between fear of losing her, and dread of myself and any action I
+might take.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will not do for me,&#8221; I said sternly. &#8220;I can only make you this
+offer: Come with me at once to this lady&#8217;s sleeping berth and regain
+the despatch, and I will agree to say no more about it; refuse, and I
+shall report the whole affair to his majesty personally.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who are you?&#8221; inquired the dismayed man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is of no consequence. You see my uniform&mdash;let that be enough
+for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He staggered down the car. I followed, and we reached the car where
+the Princess was at the moment engaged, with Marie&#8217;s aid, in putting
+the last touches to her toilet.</p>
+
+<p>She looked up at our appearance, gave an interrogative glance first
+at Menken and then, at me, and evidently made up her mind.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it, gentlemen?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The&mdash;the paper I gave&mdash;that you offered to&mdash;that&mdash;in short, I want
+it immediately,&#8221; faltered my companion.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I have no paper of yours, and I do not know what you are talking
+about, my friend,&#8221; said the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;</span> with the calmest air in
+the world.</p>
+
+<p>Menken uttered a cry of despair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The letter, the letter I gave you last night&mdash;it was a letter from
+the Czar,&#8221; he exclaimed feebly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think you must have dreamed it,&#8221; said the Princess with extreme
+composure. &#8220;Marie, have you seen any letter about?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, your highness,&#8221; returned the servant submissively.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you think there is anything here, you are welcome to look,&#8221; her
+mistress added with a pleasant smile. &#8220;As for me, I never keep
+letters, my own or anybody else&#8217;s. <i>I always tear them up.</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And with these words, and another smile and a nod, she stepped
+gracefully past us, and went to take her seat in the part of the
+train reserved for ladies.</p>
+
+<p>Somewhere, doubtless, on the white Manchurian plain we had crossed in
+the night, the fragments of the imperial peacemaker&#8217;s letter were
+being scattered by the wind.</p>
+
+<p>Menken&#8217;s face had changed utterly in the last minute. He resembled an
+elderly man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell the Czar that I alone am to blame,&#8221; were his last words.</p>
+
+<p>Before I could prevent him, he had drawn a revolver from his pocket,
+and put two bullets through his head.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>&#160; week later, that is to say, on the 8th of February, 1904, I was in
+Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>The behavior of the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; on hearing of the death of her
+victim had been a strange mixture of heartlessness and hysterical
+remorse.</p>
+
+<p>At the first sound of the fatal shots, she came rushing to the scene
+of the tragedy, and cast herself on the floor of the corridor beside
+the dead man, seizing his hands, crying his name aloud, and weeping
+frantically.</p>
+
+<p>When I tried to raise her, so that the body might be removed, she
+turned on me fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is your fault!&#8221; she cried. &#8220;Who are you, and how dared you
+interfere with me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As you see by my uniform, I am an inspector of police attached to
+the Third Section.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She gazed at me searchingly for a moment, and then, lowering her
+voice, and bringing her lips to my ear, she said with intense energy:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It is a lie. I am here by the orders of the Minister himself, as you
+must know well. You are acting against us, whoever you are.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am acting by order of the Czar,&#8221; I responded.</p>
+
+<p>She smiled scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect that is another lie. You could not have got so far as you
+have unless you had some one else behind you. Poor Nicholas!&mdash;Every
+one knows what he is, and that he has less power than any other man
+in Russia. Are you Witte&#8217;s man, I wonder?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a bold woman to question me,&#8221; I said. &#8220;How do you know that
+I am not going to arrest you for stealing and destroying the Czar&#8217;s
+letter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should not remain long under arrest,&#8221; was the significant answer.
+She gave me another searching look, and muttered to herself, &#8220;If
+I did not know that he was safe in the hands of my friends in
+Petersburg I should think you must be a certain Monsieur &mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She broke off without pronouncing my name, and turned away.</p>
+
+<p>At Mukden, the next stopping place, the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; left the
+train, no doubt intending to travel back to Russia and report her
+success.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, I had reason to think she had notified her friends
+in Manchuria to keep an eye on me.</p>
+
+<p>All the way to Dalny I felt by that instinct which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>becomes second
+nature to a man of my profession that I was under surveillance.
+I detected a change in the manner of my friend the train
+superintendent. My trifling luggage was carefully searched. In the
+night when I was asleep some one went through my pockets. I was able
+to see that even the contents of my cigarette case, which I had not
+opened since leaving Petersburg, had been turned out and put back
+again.</p>
+
+<p>As the train neared Dalny I began to feel a little nervous. I had a
+dread of being stopped on my way to embark on board the steampacket
+which was still running to Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>The train drew up at last, at the end of its five-thousand-mile-run,
+and I stepped off it to the platform, carrying my valise in my hand.</p>
+
+<p>The platform was literally swarming with spies, as it was easy for a
+man of my experience to detect. I walked calmly through them to the
+cab-stand, and hailed a droshky.</p>
+
+<p>The driver, before starting off, exchanged a signal almost openly
+with a stout man in plain clothes, who dogged me from the railway
+carriage.</p>
+
+<p>Presently I sighted the steamer, alongside the principal wharf, with
+the smoke pouring out of its funnel, all ready to start.</p>
+
+<p>The cabman whipped his horse and drove straight past the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where are you going?&#8221; I shouted.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;To the Custom House first; it is the regulation,&#8221; was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>Taking out my long neglected case, I placed a cigarette between my
+lips, and asked the driver for some matches.</p>
+
+<p>He passed me a wooden box. I struck several, but each went out in the
+high wind before igniting the tobacco.</p>
+
+<p>I was making another attempt as the droshky drew up outside the steps
+of the Custom House. I dismounted negligently, while one of the
+officials came and clutched my luggage. Then I walked slowly up the
+steps, pausing in the porch to strike a fresh match.</p>
+
+<p>A porter snatched the box from my hand. &#8220;Smoking is forbidden,&#8221; he
+said roughly. &#8220;Wait till you are out again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders, pinched the burning end of the cigarette,
+which I retained in my mouth, and sauntered with an air of supreme
+indifference after the man who was carrying my bag.</p>
+
+<p>He led me into a room in which a severe-looking official was seated
+at a desk.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your papers,&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>I produced the papers with which I had been furnished by Rostoy.</p>
+
+<p>The customs official scrutinized them, evidently in the hope of
+discovering some flaw.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;On what business are you going to Tokio?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>I smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Since when have the police of the Third Section been obliged to
+render an account of themselves to the officers of the customs?&#8221; I
+asked defiantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How do I know that you are not a Japanese spy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must be mad. How do I know that you are not a Nihilist?&#8221; I
+retorted.</p>
+
+<p>The customs officer turned pale. I saw that my chance shot had gone
+home. The Russian imperial services are honeycombed by revolutionary
+intrigues.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I shall detain your luggage for examination,&#8221; he declared.</p>
+
+<p>This time I pretended the greatest agitation. Of course, the more I
+resisted the more he insisted. In the end he allowed me to depart
+without my person being searched. The fact is I had convinced him
+that he held an important prize in my worthless valise.</p>
+
+<p>I was just in time to catch the steamer. As I crossed the gangway, a
+man dressed like a coal-trimmer turned on me a last careful scrutiny,
+and remarked,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your cigarette has gone out, Mister.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you give me a light? Thank you!&#8221; I struck a match, drew a puff
+of smoke, and handed him back <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>the box. Then I walked on board, the
+gangway was drawn in, and the Japanese steamer headed out to the open
+sea.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching Tokio I experienced some difficulty in obtaining an
+audience of the Japanese ruler.</p>
+
+<p>I was obliged to announce my name. It will hardly be believed, but
+the chamberlain whom I had entrusted with the important secret,
+brought back the answer that the Mikado had never heard of me!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell his imperial majesty that there is no monarch of Europe, and
+only two of Asia, who could say the same. I am here as the
+confidential plenipotentiary of the Czar, with an autograph letter
+addressed to the Mikado, and I respectfully ask leave to present it
+in person.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Such a demand of course could not be refused. But even now the
+haughty Japanese did not receive me in the privacy of his own
+cabinet. On the contrary, I found myself introduced into the State
+Council-Room, in which his majesty was seated at a table surrounded
+by his chief advisers.</p>
+
+<p>In particular I remarked the venerable Yamagata, conqueror of China,
+and the round bullet-head of Oyama, the future overthrower of
+Kuropatkin.</p>
+
+<p>On the table was spread out a large map, or rather plan, of the
+entire theater of war, including Manchuria, Korea, Japan and the seas
+between. A man in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>naval uniform was standing beside the imperial
+chair, with an expectant look on his face.</p>
+
+<p>All eyes were turned upon me at my entrance. The Mikado beckoned to
+me to approach him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it true that you bring me a letter from the Russian Emperor?&#8221; he
+asked abruptly. &#8220;We have received information that such a letter was
+on its way, but that the bearer was murdered on the Manchurian
+railway four days ago.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty&#8217;s information is substantially correct,&#8221; I answered.
+&#8220;The messenger, a Colonel Menken, was seduced into parting with his
+despatch, and committed suicide in consequence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, and what about yourself?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Foreseeing that the unscrupulous men who have been trying to force
+on a war between his Russian majesty and your majesty would leave no
+stone unturned to intercept this despatch, the Czar wrote a duplicate
+with his own hand, which he entrusted to me, in the hope that I might
+baffle the conspirators.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I endeavored to conceal it by unstitching the front of the shirt I
+am wearing, and sewing it up between the folds.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Unfortunately I was drugged at a dinner party in Petersburg just
+before starting. I was unconscious for an hour and a half, and I fear
+that the opponents of peace have taken advantage of the opportunity
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>to find and rob me of the letter. But I will see, with your majesty&#8217;s
+permission.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Mikado made no answer. Amid a breathless silence, with all the
+room watching my movements, I tore open my shirt-front and extracted
+a paper.</p>
+
+<p>It was blank.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So,&#8221; commented the Japanese Emperor, sternly, &#8220;you have no such
+credentials as you boasted of having.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pardon me, sire. Anticipating that the War Party would suspect the
+object of my mission, and would resort to some such step to defeat
+it, I purposely provided them with a document to steal, believing
+that when they had robbed me of it they would allow me to proceed
+unmolested. My real credentials are here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew out my cigarette case, found the partially smoked cigarette I
+had had in my mouth when I ran the gauntlet of the spies at Dalny,
+and proceeded to cut off the paper. On the inner surface these words
+were written in the hand of the Czar:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The bearer of this, M. V&mdash;&mdash;, has my full confidence, and
+is authorized to settle conditions of peace.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Nicholas</span>.</p></div>
+
+<p>As I respectfully placed the scrap of paper, with its charred edges,
+in the Mikado&#8217;s hand, I was conscious of a profound sensation in the
+room. Aged statesmen and brilliant commanders bent eagerly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>across
+the table to learn the character of the message thus strangely
+brought to its destination.</p>
+
+<p>His majesty read the brief note aloud. It was received with a murmur,
+not entirely of satisfaction I was surprised to note.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that the Mikado made no remark, I ventured to say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope that the extreme character of the measures adopted by the
+Czar to assure your majesty of his peaceful sentiments will have the
+effect of convincing you that they are genuine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor of Japan glanced around his council board as if to
+satisfy himself that he and his advisers were of one mind before
+replying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I appreciate the zeal and the extraordinary skill with which you
+have carried out your mission. I regret that I cannot give you a
+favorable answer to take back to your nation.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was thunderstruck at this exordium. Slightly raising his voice, the
+Mikado went on:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell the Emperor of Russia that I do not distrust his sincerity, but
+I distrust his power. The monarch who cannot send a letter through
+his dominions in safety; who has to resort to stratagems and
+precautions like these to overcome the opposition of his own
+subjects, is not the ruler of his empire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, sir, do you suppose that if I had a message to send to my
+brother in St. Petersburg I should have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>to stoop to arts like these?
+That any subject of mine would dare to plot against me, to seduce my
+messengers, to drug and rob them? Incredible! The tale you have told
+me completely confirms everything I and my advisers have already
+heard with regard to the Russian Government. It is a ship without a
+captain, on which the helm is fought for and seized by different
+hands in turn. To-day the real rulers of Russia are the men who are
+bent on war&mdash;and who, while we are talking, have actually begun the
+war!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I gazed around the Council-Room, unable to believe my ears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; the stern sovereign continued, &#8220;while you, sir, were entering
+the Inland Sea, charged with this offer of peace&#8221;&mdash;his majesty tossed
+the precious piece of paper on the table with a look of disdain&mdash;&#8220;a
+Russian gunboat, the <i>Korietz</i>, was firing the first shot of the war
+at one of my squadrons off Chemulpo.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The glances directed by those present at the naval officer behind the
+imperial chair convinced me that he had just brought the fatal news
+to the Council.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; added the Mikado, &#8220;I will give my reply to the real
+masters of Russia&mdash;to the directors of the <i>Korietz</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He nodded to the naval officer, who walked across the floor to a box
+on the wall like a telephone receiver, and pressed a button.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;That,&#8221; his majesty explained, &#8220;is the signal for a flotilla of
+torpedo boats to enter the harbor of Port Arthur and blow up the
+Russian fleet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I think a faint cry of remonstrance or misgiving must have escaped
+me. The Japanese monarch frowned, and his voice took a still sterner
+ring.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go back to your unfortunate master, and tell him that when he can
+send me a public envoy, in the light of day, to ask for peace, and to
+undertake the fulfilment of the pledges which his Ministers have
+broken, I will grant his request.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3>WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; left the presence of the Japanese Emperor deeply disheartened.</p>
+
+<p>It is true I had myself foretold this failure, and that his Japanese
+majesty and his advisers had been good enough to compliment me in
+almost extravagant terms on the energy and resourcefulness I had
+shown in baffling the enemies of peace.</p>
+
+<p>But I am unaccustomed to defeat, no matter what are the odds against
+me, and I felt that the first point in the game had been scored
+against by the formidable woman whose beauty and strangely composite
+character had fascinated me, even while I was countermining her.</p>
+
+<p>For my work was not yet over. Indeed, it had but just begun.</p>
+
+<p>I had not succeeded in averting war between the two great Powers of
+Asia. But I hoped to thwart the efforts which I feared would be made
+to extend the conflagration to Europe.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I had found myself once more on civilized <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>ground, I had
+despatched a cable to my Paris office, announcing my whereabouts and
+asking for information.</p>
+
+<p>The reader may be excused if he has forgotten a little episode which
+marked my stay in Petersburg. I had noticed something peculiar and at
+the same time familiar in the scent of the tobacco smoked by
+Petrovitch, the financial adventurer whose scheme to enrich himself
+and a corrupt clique of courtiers out of the spoils of Korea and
+China was the true cause of the war.</p>
+
+<p>By a ruse I had secured one of the cigarettes, smoked by this
+dangerous plotter, and having ascertained that it bore the mark
+<i>Gregorides, Crown Aa</i>, had instructed my staff to ascertain the
+history of this particular make of cigarettes.</p>
+
+<p>While I was resting in my hotel in Tokio, waiting for the reply to my
+cable, I was honored by a visit from no less a personage than Privy
+Councillor Katahashi, President of the Imperial Bank of Japan.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have come,&#8221; the Privy Councillor explained as soon as the door was
+closed, &#8220;to express the high sense of your ability and devotion which
+we all possess, and to ask if it is possible for Japan to secure your
+services.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Deeply gratified by this proposal, I was obliged to explain that I
+was already retained in the interest of Russia.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;But what interest?&#8221; Mr. Katahashi persisted. &#8220;It is clear that you
+are not acting on behalf of that group which has just succeeded in
+its purpose of forcing a war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is so,&#8221; I admitted. &#8220;It is no breach of confidence&mdash;in fact, I
+serve my employers by assuring you that my efforts are directed
+toward peace.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case there can be no antagonism between us, surely. Is it
+not possible for you and me&mdash;I say nothing about our respective
+Governments&mdash;to co-operate for certain purposes?</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know enough of the conditions which prevail in the Russian Court
+to feel pretty sure that it was not Nicholas II. who originally
+sought you out, and entrusted you with this mission,&#8221; the Japanese
+statesman added.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At the close of the last war in this part of the world,&#8221; the Privy
+Councillor went on, &#8220;Japan was robbed of the fruit of her victories
+by an alliance of three Powers, Russia, Germany, and France. This
+time we know that England will support us against any such
+combination. Thanks to King Edward VII. we have nothing to fear. His
+diplomacy, moreover, has secured the powerful influence of France on
+the side of peace. Although nominally allied with the Czar, we know
+that the French Government is determined to limit the area of the
+war, and to take no part against us, except in one event.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You mean,&#8221; I put in, &#8220;in the event of an attack by England on
+Russia.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly. And therefore we know that King Edward is making it his
+particular care that no cause of conflict shall arise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He paused, and glanced at me as though he considered that he had
+sufficiently indicated the source from which my instructions were
+received.</p>
+
+<p>I contented myself with bowing.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We know, also, that the most restless and ambitious of living
+monarchs has been bending his whole thoughts and schemes, ever since
+he ascended the throne, to one supreme end&mdash;the overthrow of the
+British Empire by a grand combination of all the other Powers of the
+world. If that monarch can force on a general strife in which England
+will be involved on the side of Japan, while practically every other
+European Power is leagued against her, M. Petrovitch and his timber
+concessions will have done their work.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew a deep breath as I looked at the Japanese statesman with a
+questioning gaze.</p>
+
+<p>As if in answer to my unspoken query, a waiter of the hotel knocked
+at the door in the same moment, and brought me the long-expected
+cable from my agent in Europe.</p>
+
+<p>I tore it open and read:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Cigarettes Gregorides Crown Aa special brand manufactured
+to order of Marx, Berlin, tobacconist to German Emperor.</p></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p><p>I looked up from reading the telegram to see the eyes of the Japanese
+Privy Councillor fixed upon me with the inscrutable, penetrating gaze
+of the Oriental.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The message you have just received bears on the subject of our
+conversation, does it not?&#8221; he inquired, but in the tone of one who
+does not doubt what the answer will be.</p>
+
+<p>With the caution which has become a habit with me, I read the cable
+through carefully for the second time, and then placed it on the
+fire, where it was instantly consumed.</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese statesman smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You forget, I think, M. V&mdash;&mdash;, that you have come here as the
+emissary of a sovereign with whom we are at war, and that,
+consequently, we cannot afford to respect your privacy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have a copy in my pocket,&#8221; he went on urbanely. &#8220;You have felt
+some curiosity about a particular brand of cigarettes, and your
+friends have just informed you that they are those supplied to the
+German Emperor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I looked at Mr. Katahashi with new respect.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your secret service is well managed, sir,&#8221; I observed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Such a compliment from such a quarter is an ample reward for what
+little pains I may have taken.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then it is you who are&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;The organizer of our secret service during the war?&mdash;I am.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you are a banker?&#8221; I turned my eyes to the card by which Mr.
+Katahashi had announced his visit.</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese gave another of his subtle smiles&mdash;those peculiar smiles
+of the Oriental which make the keenest-witted man of the West feel
+that he is little better than a blunderer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I came here prepared to take you into my confidence,&#8221; he said
+gravely. &#8220;I am well aware that it is the only safe course in dealing
+with the Bismarck of underground diplomacy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am equally well aware,&#8221; the Privy Councillor added, &#8220;that a secret
+confided to Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash; is as safe as if it had been told in
+confidence to a priest of Buddha, for whom the penalty of betrayal is
+to be flayed alive.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">&#8220;T</span>hree years ago,&#8221; Mr. Katahashi proceeded, &#8220;when we first recognized
+that Japan would be obliged to fight Russia for her existence as a
+free and independent country, his imperial majesty the Mikado
+appointed me head of the intelligence department.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I perceived that it would be necessary for me to establish centers
+in the chief European capitals, and to have at my command a corps of
+agents whose comings and goings would not attract the attention that
+is usually given to the movements of persons connected with the staff
+of an embassy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In our case precautions were necessary which would not have been
+recognized in the case of another country.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On the one hand, our Government has laid to heart the profound
+advice of Herbert Spencer, that whatever is done for Japan should be
+done by Japanese.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On the other hand, our people have characteristic <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>racial features
+which make it practically impossible for a Japanese to disguise
+himself as a Western European, so as to deceive European eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was therefore necessary to provide an excuse for distributing
+Japanese agents over the West without the true reason of their
+presence being known.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I solved this problem by founding the Imperial Bank of Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, surely!&#8221; I exclaimed, &#8220;the Imperial Bank of Japan is a <i>bona
+fide</i> concern? Its shares are regularly quoted on the stock
+exchanges. It negotiates loans, and carries on the ordinary business
+of a bank?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly. Why not? You forget that Japan is not a rich country.
+What we lack in gold, we are obliged to make up in ingenuity and
+devotion. Thanks to this idea of mine, the secret service of Japan
+pays for itself, and even earns a small profit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It gave me something like a cold shock to comprehend the character of
+this people whom the Russians had so recklessly provoked to draw the
+sword.</p>
+
+<p>I thought of the intelligence departments of some Western Powers, of
+the rank corruption that reigned on the Neva, where every secret had
+its price; of the insane conceit of Berlin, which had forgotten
+nothing and learned nothing since the days of Moltke; of the
+luxurious laziness of Pall Mall, where superannuated soldiers dozed
+in front of their dusty pigeon-holes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>after apoplectic lunches, and
+exercised their wits chiefly in framing evasive answers suited to the
+intelligence of the House of Commons.</p>
+
+<p>And beside these pictures I placed this of the prosperous commercial
+house, founded by the man before me, a man whose salary would
+probably be sniffed at by a deputy-assistant controller in the
+British War Office.</p>
+
+<p>A bank, paying its way, and adding to the revenues of Japan, and yet
+every member of its staff a tireless spy, ready to go anywhere and
+risk everything on behalf of his native country!</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi seemed to ignore the effect produced on my mind by his
+modest explanation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have told you this,&#8221; he resumed, &#8220;because if I can succeed in
+satisfying you that we are both working for the same ends, or at
+least against the same enemy, I hope it will be agreeable to you to
+co-operate with me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew my brows together in anxious thought. In spite of the flattery
+and deference of the Privy Councillor I could not but feel that I
+should be the junior partner in any such combination as he proposed,
+or, rather, I should find myself an instrument in the hands of one
+whose methods were strange to me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Although his imperial majesty was not familiar with your name, you
+must not suppose that your reputation is not known in the right
+quarters. I have a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>very full report on your work in my office. I had
+intended from the first to engage your services if we required any
+Western aid; and, as a matter of fact, I was on the eve of sending
+you a retainer, when I heard I had been anticipated <span style="white-space: nowrap;">by&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By Lord Bedale,&#8221; I put in swiftly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By Lord Bedale, certainly,&#8221; the Japanese acquiesced with a polite
+bow and smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;After your interview with him, I lost sight of you,&#8221; my
+extraordinary companion went on. &#8220;Your wonderful transformation into
+a Little Englander of the Peace-at-any-Price school threw my agents
+off the scent. But I heard of your interview with Nicholas II.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You did!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I recognized you in that transaction. I even guessed that you might
+make an attempt to carry through a message from the Czar. But,
+knowing the influences arrayed against you, I never expected you to
+succeed. Your appearance in our Council-Room was a triumph on which I
+congratulate you warmly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; the Mikado&#8217;s Privy Councillor continued, &#8220;there remain two
+questions:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Supposing you are satisfied that the real author of this war is not
+any one in Russia, but a certain monarch who smokes cigarettes made
+by the house of <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Gregorides&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And that the same ambitious ruler is now weaving his snares to
+entangle Great Britain, in short your own employer, <span style="white-space: nowrap;">the&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Marquis of Bedale,&#8221; I again slipped in.</p>
+
+<p>Again the same polite but incredulous bow and smile from the Japanese
+statesman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Would you be willing to accept a retainer from us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I sat upright, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>The somewhat haughty attitude of the Emperor of Japan still rankled
+within me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will accept a retainer from his majesty the Mikado,&#8221; I announced
+stiffly. &#8220;From no one else.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi looked thoughtful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will see what can be done,&#8221; he murmured. &#8220;The second question&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a momentary hesitation in his manner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have just spoken to you of the precept of the great English
+philosopher.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was, if I remember rightly, that you should employ only Japanese
+in the service of Japan?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Privy Councillor bowed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Therefore, you will see, we are obliged to make a proposal which may
+seem to you unusual&mdash;perhaps unreasonable.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And this proposal is?&#8221; I asked, with undisguised curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That you should become a Japanese.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p><p>I threw myself back in my chair, amazed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your Excellency, I am an American citizen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So I have understood.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An American citizen is on a level with royalty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is admitted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Even the Dowager Empress of China, when engaging me in her service,
+though she raised my ancestors to the rank of marquises, did not ask
+me to forego my citizenship of the United States.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is not necessary,&#8221; the Privy Councillor protested.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Explain yourself, if you will be so good.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A man may be an American citizen, although by birth he is a
+Frenchman, a German, or even a negro. You yourself are a Pole, I
+believe.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I could only bow.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now I do not propose that you should relinquish your political
+allegiance, but only that you should exchange your Polish nationality
+for a Japanese one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But how, sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is very simple. By being adopted into a Japanese family.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I sat and stared at the Japanese statesman, with his mask-like face
+and impenetrable eyes. I seemed to be in some strange dream.</p>
+
+<p>Who shall judge the ways of the Asiatic! This daring organizer, a
+match for the most astute minds of the West, believed that he could
+only make sure of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>fidelity by persuading me to go through what
+seemed the comedy of a mock adoption, a ceremony like the blood
+brotherhood of an African tribe.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And suppose I consent, into what family do you purpose to introduce
+me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Privy Councillor&#8217;s look became positively affectionate as he
+responded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you would honor me by becoming my kinsman?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I rose to my feet, shaking my head slowly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I appreciate the compliment your Excellency pays me. But, as we have
+just now agreed, an American citizen has no equals except royalty.
+Let us return to the German Emperor and his designs. If I cannot
+serve you directly I may be able to do so indirectly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese made no attempt to press his proposal.</p>
+
+<p>Instead he plunged into a discussion of the intrigues which radiated
+from Berlin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In nearly all the international difficulties and disagreements of
+the last twenty years,&#8221; he said, &#8220;it is possible to trace the evil
+influence of Germany.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To German sympathy, a secret encouragement, was due the wanton
+invasion of Cape Colony by the Boers. To the Kaiser, and his promises
+of support, was due the hopeless defiance of the United States by
+Spain. The same Power tried to drag Great Britain <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>into collision
+with your Republic over the miserable concerns of Venezuela. For
+years, Germany has been secretly egging on the French to raise
+troubles against the English in Egypt. In the same spirit, the Sultan
+has been abetted, first against England and next against Russia.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All these schemes have been spoiled by the action of King Edward
+VII. in establishing cordial relations with France, and even to a
+certain extent with Russia.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now Wilhelm II. has taken advantage of the attraction of France to
+England, to draw nearer to Russia. He has secured in his interest
+some of the most influential personages at the Russian Court. The
+Anglophobe grand dukes, the fire-eaters of the Admiralty, are all his
+sworn allies.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that is not the worst.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By some means which I have not yet been able to trace, the Kaiser
+seems to have acquired a peculiar hold over Nicholas II.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The whole policy of Russia seems to be tinged by this influence.
+Even where the instigation of Germany is not directly apparent, yet
+in a hundred ways it is clear that the Russian Government is playing
+the German game. The cause of all this is a riddle, a riddle which it
+is for you to solve.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The words escaped me involuntarily. I had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>listened with growing
+uneasiness to the Privy Councillor&#8217;s revelations.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Undoubtedly. You have facilities which no one else possesses. You
+enjoy the confidence of the Czar. You cannot be suspected of any
+selfish designs, still less of any hostile feeling against Wilhelm
+II., who is understood to be almost your personal friend.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never allow personal friendships to influence me in the discharge
+of my duty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is because I believe that, that I am talking to you like this,&#8221;
+Mr. Katahashi responded quickly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well!&#8221; he added after a short silence, &#8220;what do you say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must have the night to decide.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese Privy Councillor rose to say good-by.</p>
+
+<p>After he had gone I sat up late into the night considering how far I
+could serve my employer in England by entering into the projects of
+the secret service of Japan.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning, I was still undecided, but on the whole it seemed to
+me that it would be better to act independently.</p>
+
+<p>I was considering how to convey this decision to the Mikado&#8217;s
+minister, when he again presented himself before me.</p>
+
+<p>His manner was deeply agitated. It was evident that he came to make a
+communication of the highest importance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p><p>Instead of taking the chair I offered him, he stood regarding me with
+an expression that seemed one of awe.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; he said at length, &#8220;your conditions are accepted by
+his imperial majesty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What conditions?&#8221; I asked, bewildered for the moment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Last night you informed me that an American citizen occupied the
+same rank as royalty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Mikado offers to make you a member of the imperial family by
+adoption, and one of his majesty&#8217;s cousins has consented to make you
+his son!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3>HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>n these days, when princes resign their rank to marry commoners, and
+queens elope with tutors, it is probable that most Western minds will
+see nothing out of the way in the condescension of the Japanese ruler
+in admitting a diplomatic agent to the honor of the imperial
+cousinship.</p>
+
+<p>But the dynasty of Japan is the most illustrious in the world,
+excepting only that of Great Britain. Like Edward VII., the Mikado
+traces his lineage back to pagan gods. From the days of the famous
+Empress Jimmu, an unbroken line of sacred sovereigns has filled the
+throne of the Realm of the Rising Sun during more than two thousand
+years.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi was evidently pleased to see that I appreciated to the
+full the tremendous honor accorded to me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An imperial carriage is waiting to convey you to the Palace,&#8221; he
+said. &#8220;But it will not be becoming for you to wear that uniform. I
+have brought you a Japanese dress.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p><p>An attendant came into the room bearing a gorgeous robe of green silk
+embroidered with golden chrysanthemums.</p>
+
+<p>I put it on like one in a dream. The Privy Councillor with his own
+hands girt around my waist the two weapons, sacred from time
+immemorial to the use of the Japanese noble, the sword with which to
+behead his friend, and the dagger with which to disembowel himself.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say, I had no expectation that I should ever have
+occasion to regard these magnificently embellished weapons in any
+other light than as ornamental badges of rank.</p>
+
+<p>As we rode to the Palace, I could not forbear contrasting this
+splendid treatment with that which I had been accustomed to receive
+from some of the European sovereigns to whom I had rendered important
+services.</p>
+
+<p>Even the German Kaiser, who trusted me more than the head of his own
+police, who talked to me almost on the footing of an intimate friend,
+had never offered me so much as the coveted &#8220;von&#8221; before my name&mdash;had
+not given me even the pretty Red Eagle which is lavished on
+second-rate generals and lords-in-waiting.</p>
+
+<p>I became well-nigh appalled as I contrasted the sluggish
+conversation, the hide-bound officialism, the stereotyped and sleepy
+methods of the Western Powers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> with the sleepless energy, the daring
+initiative, the desperate industry and courage of this rejuvenated
+Eastern race.</p>
+
+<p>What could any of these obsolete European Governments effect against
+a nation which was really a vast secret society of forty-five
+millions, directed by a sacred chief, and wielding all the mechanical
+resources of the West with the almost inhuman subtlety and
+ruthlessness of the Orient?</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Anything can be done for money.&#8221; This maxim, which is forever on the
+lips of Russian statesmen, no longer sounded true in the meridian of
+Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>The ruler of Japan had not offered me so much as a yen. Nay, it was
+clearly expected and intended that I should devote myself to the
+service of my new country without pay, and with the same
+single-hearted devotion as Mr. Katahashi himself. The Mikado was
+going to enroll in his services as an unpaid volunteer the most
+highly-paid, in other words, the most trusted and feared, secret
+service agent of two hemispheres.</p>
+
+<p>And it was to cost him? An embroidered garment and two sentences
+spoken in a private audience!</p>
+
+<p>Such are the methods of Japan!</p>
+
+<p>On our arrival at the Palace we were received by a chamberlain, who
+conducted us by the private staircase to the Hall of the Imperial
+Family.</p>
+
+<p>The Hall is an imposing room, hung with portraits <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>of deceased
+mikados. A single chair, decorated with the emblem of the Rising Sun,
+stood at the upper end.</p>
+
+<p>Almost as soon as we had taken our places, a door behind the chair
+was thrown up, and a number of the officers of the household, all
+wearing the ancient national costume, filed in, and grouped
+themselves around the imperial chair.</p>
+
+<p>Then a silver bell sounded, and his imperial and sacred majesty,
+Mutsuhito CXXI., Mikado, walked slowly forward into the Hall,
+accompanied by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Yoshihito, and an
+elderly man, attired with great richness, who was, as my guide
+whispered to me, his imperial highness Prince Yorimo, second cousin
+to the Emperor, and the man who had consented to be my titular
+father.</p>
+
+<p>The ceremony was brief but impressive. I could not but be struck by
+the contrast between the two Mikados&mdash;the one whom I had seen
+yesterday, an alert statesman, wearing Western clothes, and speaking
+French with hardly a trace of accent, and the one before me now, a
+solemn, pontifical figure, in his immemorial robes, moving, speaking
+with the etiquette of a bygone age.</p>
+
+<p>Everything passed in the Japanese language, of which I did not then
+know a single word.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi did his best to provide a running translation,
+whispering in my ear, and prompting me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>with the Japanese words which
+it was necessary for me to pronounce.</p>
+
+<p>As far as I could understand, Prince Yorimo asked permission of the
+Emperor to adopt a son, as he was childless and desired to have some
+one who would sacrifice to his own spirit and those of his father and
+grandfather after he was dead.</p>
+
+<p>The Mikado graciously consenting, I was brought forward, and made to
+renounce my own family and ancestors, and promise to sacrifice
+exclusively to those of my new father.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Yorimo next brought forward a robe embroidered with the
+imperial emblems, the most prominent of which was the Rising Sun. I
+was divested of the dress lent me by Katahashi, and my adoptive
+father flung the imperial garment over my shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>The girding on of the samurai weapon followed, and my father
+addressed me a short exhortation, bidding me hold myself ready at all
+times to obey the will of the Divine Emperor, even to the point of
+committing <i>seppuku</i> at his command.</p>
+
+<p><i>Seppuku</i> is the correct name of the rite known in the West by the
+vulgar name of <i>hara-kiri</i>, or the &#8220;happy despatch.&#8221; It is a form of
+voluntary execution permitted by the ancient laws of Japan to men of
+noble rank, much as European nobles were allowed to be beheaded
+instead of being hanged.</p>
+
+<p>I was then permitted to kiss the hand of Prince <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>Yorimo, who formally
+presented me to the Mikado, whose hand also I had to kiss, kneeling.</p>
+
+<p>That was the whole of the ceremony, at the close of which Mr.
+Katahashi bade me a temporary farewell, and my princely father
+carried me off to a banquet in his own mansion.</p>
+
+<p>Tedious and uninteresting as I fear these details must seem to the
+reader, I have thought it right to record them as an illustration of
+the spirit of Japan, of that country of which I am proud to be an
+adopted son.</p>
+
+<p>The moment we had quitted the Hall of the Imperial Family, Prince
+Yorimo began to talk to me in French.</p>
+
+<p>He proved to be a most fascinating companion. Old enough to remember
+the feudal age, which was still in full vigor in Japan forty years
+ago, he had since mastered most of the knowledge of the West.</p>
+
+<p>I soon found that the Prince was by no means disposed to treat the
+adoption as a mere form. It was evident that the old gentleman had
+taken a strong fancy to me. He gave me a most affectionate welcome on
+the threshold of his house, and immediately calling his servants
+around him, introduced me to them as their future master, and bade
+them obey me as himself.</p>
+
+<p>I was more touched than I care to say by this kind treatment. My own
+parents have long been dead; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>I know nothing of any other relations,
+if I have any; I have long been a wanderer and an adventurer on the
+face of the earth, and now, at last, I felt as though I had found a
+home.</p>
+
+<p>Something of this I tried to convey to his imperial highness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My son,&#8221; he replied with deep tenderness, &#8220;I feel that to me you
+will be a son indeed. You shall learn the language of our beautiful
+country, you shall grow used to our national ways. Before long you
+will let me provide you with a daughter of the Chrysanthemum to be
+your wife, and my grandchildren shall be Japanese indeed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A sound of bells was heard outside.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My friends are coming to pay the customary congratulation,&#8221; the aged
+prince explained. &#8220;As it is necessary that you should have a name
+suited to your new rank, I ask you to take that of my father,
+Matsukata.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A few words of direction were spoken to the steward of the chambers,
+who went out. Immediately afterward he returned, throwing open the
+doors widely, and announced:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Marquis Yamagata to congratulate his imperial highness Prince
+Matsukata!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And the Prime Minister of Japan came toward me.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SUBMARINE MINE</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dch.jpg" title="H" height="70" width="68" alt="H" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">H</span>aving told the reader as much as was necessary to enable him to
+understand my subsequent proceedings, and the real forces at work in
+the underground struggle which produced the tragedy of the Dogger
+Bank, I will suppress the remainder of my adventures in Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>When I left the capital of my new country I wore around my neck,
+under the light shirt of chain mail without which I have never
+traveled for the last twenty years, a golden locket containing the
+miniature portrait of the loveliest maiden in the East or in the
+West.</p>
+
+<p>It was a pledge. When little, tender fingers had fastened it in its
+place, little moving lips had whispered in my ear, &#8220;Till peace is
+signed!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I had decided to return to the capital of what was now the country of
+my enemies, by much the same route as I had left it.</p>
+
+<p>To do so, it was necessary to run the blockade of Port Arthur, or
+rather to feign to do so, for the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>Japanese Minister of Marine had
+been asked by my friend Katahashi to give secret instructions to
+Admiral Togo on my behalf.</p>
+
+<p>In order to ensure a welcome from the Russian commander, and to
+dispel any suspicions, I planned to take in a cargo of Welsh steam
+coal.</p>
+
+<p>Through an agent at Yokohama I chartered a British collier lying at
+Chi-fu, with a cargo for disposal. Leaving the Japanese port on a
+steamer bound for Shanghai, I met the collier in mid-ocean, and
+transferred myself on board her.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I had taken command, I ordered the skipper to head for
+Port Arthur.</p>
+
+<p>This was the first intimation to him that he was expected to run the
+blockade, and at first he refused.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not afraid&mdash;myself,&#8221; the sturdy Briton declared, &#8220;but I&#8217;ve got a
+mixed crew on board, Germans and Norwegians and Lascars, and all
+sorts, and I can&#8217;t rely on them if we get in a tight place.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I glanced around at the collection of foreign faces and drew the
+captain aside. He, at least, was an Englishman, and I therefore
+trusted him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no danger, really,&#8221; I said. &#8220;Admiral Togo has had secret
+orders to let me through. This cargo is merely a pretext.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The rough sailor scratched his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, maybe you&#8217;re telling the truth,&#8221; he grunted. &#8220;But, dang me, if
+I can get the hang of it. You <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>might belong to any country almost by
+the cut of your jib; you say you&#8217;ve fixed things up with the blessed
+Japs, and you&#8217;re running a cargo of coal for the blessed Rooshians.
+It&#8217;s queer, mortal queer, that&#8217;s all I can say. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Howsomdever&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>I took out a flask of three-star brandy, and passed it to the
+doubting mariner.</p>
+
+<p>He put it first to his nose, then to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! Nothing wrong about that, Mister,&#8221; he pronounced, as he handed
+back the flask.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a fifty-pound job for yourself, no matter what becomes of the
+cargo,&#8221; I insinuated.</p>
+
+<p>The worthy seaman&#8217;s manner underwent a magic change.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Port your helm!&#8221; he yelled out suddenly and sharply to the man at
+the wheel. &#8220;Keep her steady nor&#8217;-east by nor&#8217;, and a point nor&#8217;. Full
+steam ahead! All lights out! And if one of you lubbers so much as
+winks an eyelid, by George, I&#8217;ll heave him overboard!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The crew, who had shown a good many signs of uneasiness since my
+coming over the side, seemed to think this last hint worth attending
+to. They slunk forward to their duties, leaving the captain and
+myself to pace the quarter-deck alone.</p>
+
+<p>We steamed swiftly through the darkness till we began to see the
+search-lights of the Japanese fleet like small white feathers
+fluttering on the horizon.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Come up on the bridge,&#8221; the skipper advised. &#8220;Got a revolver handy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I showed him my loaded weapon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Right! I ain&#8217;t much afraid of the Japs, but we may have trouble with
+some of that all-sorts crew I&#8217;ve got below.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>By and by the white plumes became bigger. All at once a ship lying
+dark on the water, scarcely a mile away on the weather-bow, spat out
+a long ribbon of light like an ant-eater&#8217;s tongue, and we found
+ourselves standing in a glare of light as if we were actors in the
+middle of a stage.</p>
+
+<p>There was a howl from below, and a mixed body of Lascars, headed by
+one of the Germans, rushed toward the helm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Back, you milk-drinking swabs!&#8221; the skipper roared. &#8220;As I&#8217;m a living
+man, the first one of you that lays a hand on the wheel, I&#8217;ll fire
+into the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hark ye here!&#8221; their commander said with rough eloquence. &#8220;In the
+first place, it don&#8217;t follow that because you can see a flashlight
+the chap at t&#8217;other end can see you. Second place, no ship that does
+see us is going to sink us without giving us a round of blank first,
+by way of notice to heave to. Third place, if we do get a notice, I&#8217;m
+going to stop this ship. And, fourth place, you&#8217;ve got five seconds
+to decide whether you&#8217;d rather be taken into Yokohama by a prize crew
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>of Japs, or be shot where you stand by me and this gentleman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The crew turned tail. Before five seconds had elapsed, not a head was
+to be seen above decks, except that of the man at the helm, who
+happened to be a Dane, to be first mate, and to be more than
+three-parts drunk.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say the warning shot was not fired.</p>
+
+<p>We steamed steadily on through the fleet, every vessel of which was
+probably by this time aware of our presence. The search-lights
+flashed and fell all around us, but not once did we have to face
+again that blinking glare which tells the blockade runner that the
+game is up.</p>
+
+<p>But there was another peril in store on which we had not reckoned.
+The sea all around Port Arthur had been strewn with Russian mines!</p>
+
+<p>Unconscious of what was coming, we steamed gaily past the last
+outlying torpedo-boat of Admiral Togo&#8217;s squadron.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Through!&#8221; cried my friend the skipper, pointing with a grin of
+delight at the Port Arthur lights as they came into view around the
+edge of a dark cliff.</p>
+
+<p>And even as he looked and pointed, there was a terrific wave, a rush,
+a flare and a report, and I felt myself lifted off my feet into
+mid-air.</p>
+
+<p>I fancy I must have been unconscious for a second or two while in the
+air, for the splash of the sea as I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>struck it in falling seemed to
+wake me up like a cold douche.</p>
+
+<p>My first movement, on coming to the surface again, was to put my hand
+to my neck to make sure of the safety of the precious locket which
+had been placed there by my dear little countrywoman.</p>
+
+<p>My second was to strike out for a big spar which I saw floating amid
+a mass of tangled cordage and splinters a few yards in front of me.</p>
+
+<p>Strange as it may seem, only when my arms were resting safely on the
+spar, and I had time to look about me and take stock of the
+situation, did I realize the extreme peril I had been in.</p>
+
+<p>Most dangers and disasters are worse to read about than to go
+through. Had any one warned me beforehand that I was going to be
+blown up by a mine, I should probably have felt the keenest dread,
+and conjured up all sorts of horrors. As it was, the whole adventure
+was over in a twinkling, and by the greatest good luck I had escaped
+without a scratch.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the forts at the entrance to Port Arthur, attracted, no
+doubt, by the noise of the explosion, were busily searching the spot
+with their lights.</p>
+
+<p>The effect was truly magnificent.</p>
+
+<p>From the blackness of the heights surrounding the famous basin, fiery
+sword after fiery sword seemed to leap forth and stab the sea. The
+wondrous blades <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>of light met and crossed one another as if some
+great archangels were doing battle for the key of Asia.</p>
+
+<p>The whole sea was lit up with a brightness greater than that of the
+sun. Every floating piece of wreckage, every rope, every nail stood
+out with unnatural clearness. I was obliged to close my eyes, and
+protect them with my dripping hand.</p>
+
+<p>Presently I heard a hail from behind me. I turned my head, and to my
+delight saw the brave skipper of the lost ship swimming toward me.</p>
+
+<p>In another dozen strokes he was alongside and clinging with me to the
+same piece of wood, which he said was the main gaff.</p>
+
+<p>He was rather badly gashed about the head, but not enough to threaten
+serious consequences. So far as we could ascertain, the whole of the
+crew had perished.</p>
+
+<p>I confess that their fate did not cost me any very great pang, after
+the first natural shock of horror had passed. They owed their death
+to their own lack of courage, which had caused them to take refuge in
+the lowest part of the ship, where the full force of the explosion
+came. The captain and I, thanks to our position on the bridge, had
+escaped with a comparatively mild shaking.</p>
+
+<p>The steersman would have escaped also, in all probability, had he
+been sober.</p>
+
+<p>In a very short time after the captain had joined <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>me, our eyes were
+gladdened by the sight of a launch issuing from the fort to our
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>The officer in charge had thoughtfully provided blankets and a flask
+of wine. Thus comforted, I was not long in fully recovering my
+strength, and by the time the launch had set us on shore my comrade
+in misfortune was also able to walk without difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant who had picked us up showed the greatest consideration
+on learning that we had been blown up in an attempt to run a cargo of
+coal for the benefit of the Russian fleet. On landing we were taken
+before Admiral Makharoff, the brave man whom fate had marked out to
+perish two months later by a closely similar catastrophe.</p>
+
+<p>The story which I told to the Admiral was very nearly true, though of
+course I suppressed the incidents which had taken place in Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>I said that I had been charged to deliver a private communication
+from the Czar to the Mikado, sent in the hope of averting war, that I
+had arrived too late, and that, having to make my way back to
+Petersburg, I had meant to do a stroke of business on the way on
+behalf of his excellency.</p>
+
+<p>My inspector&#8217;s uniform, which I had resumed on leaving Yokohama,
+confirmed my words, and Admiral Makharoff, after thanking me on
+behalf of the navy for my zeal, dismissed me with a present of a
+thousand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> rubles, and a permit to travel inland from Port Arthur.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say I did not forget to say good-by to my brave
+Englishman, to whom I handed over the Russian Admiral&#8217;s reward, thus
+doubling the amount I had promised him for his plucky stand against
+the mutineers.</p>
+
+<p>I have hurried over these transactions, interesting as they were, in
+order to come to the great struggle which lay before me in the
+capital of Russia.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ADVISER OF NICHOLAS II</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcb.jpg" title="B" height="70" width="71" alt="B" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">B</span>y the second week in March I was back in Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p>On the long journey across Asia, I had had time to mature my plans,
+with the advantage of knowing that the real enemy I had to fight was
+neither M. Petrovitch nor the witching Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, but the Power
+which was using them both as its tools.</p>
+
+<p>It was a frightful thing to know that two mighty peoples, the
+Japanese and Russians, neither of which really wished to fight each
+other, had been locked in strife in order to promote the sinister and
+tortuous policy of Germany.</p>
+
+<p>So far, the German Kaiser had accomplished one-half of his program.
+The second, and more important, step would be to bring about a
+collision between the Russians and the English.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the situation resolved itself into an underground duel between
+Wilhelm II. and myself, a duel in which the whole future history of
+the world, and possibly the very existence of the British Empire,
+hung in the balance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p><p>And the arbiter was the melancholy young man who wandered through the
+vast apartments of his palace at Tsarskoe-Selo like some distracted
+ghost, wishing that any lot in life had been bestowed on him rather
+than that of autocrat of half Europe and Asia.</p>
+
+<p>It was to Nicholas that I first repaired, on my return, to report the
+result of my mission.</p>
+
+<p>I obtained a private audience without difficulty, and found his
+majesty busily engaged in going through some papers relating to the
+affairs of the Navy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So they have not killed you, like poor Menken,&#8221; he said with a
+mixture of sympathy and sadness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Colonel Menken killed!&#8221; I could not forbear exclaiming.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes. Did you not hear of it? A Japanese spy succeeded in
+assassinating him, and stealing the despatch, just before Mukden. A
+lady-in-waiting attached to the Dowager Czaritza happened to be on
+the train, and brought me the whole story.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fear your majesty has been misinformed. Colonel Menken committed
+suicide. I saw him put the pistol to his head and shoot himself. His
+last words were a message to your majesty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Czar raised his hand to his head with a despairing gesture.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will these contradictions never end!&#8221; he exclaimed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> &#8220;Really, sir, I
+hope you have made a mistake. Whom <i>can</i> I trust!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew myself up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have no desire to press my version on you, sire,&#8221; I said coldly.
+&#8220;It is sufficient that the Colonel was robbed, and that he is dead.
+Perhaps Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; has also given you an account of my own
+adventures?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nicholas II. looked at me distrustfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us leave the name of the Princess on one side,&#8221; he said in a
+tone of rebuke. &#8220;I have every reason to feel satisfied with her
+loyalty and zeal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed, and remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You failed to get through, I suppose,&#8221; the Czar continued, after
+waiting in vain for me to speak.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I beg pardon, sire, I safely delivered to the Emperor of Japan your
+majesty&#8217;s autograph on the cigarette paper. I was robbed of the more
+formal letter in the house of M. Petrovitch, before starting.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nicholas frowned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Petrovitch again! Another of the few men whom I know to be my real
+friends.&#8221; He fidgeted impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what did the Mikado say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I had intended to soften the reply of the Japanese Emperor, but now,
+being irritated, I gave it bluntly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His majesty professed to disbelieve in your power to control your
+people. He declared that he could <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>not treat a letter from you
+seriously unless you were able to send it openly, without your
+messengers being robbed or murdered on the way across your own
+dominions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The young Emperor flushed darkly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Insolent barbarian!&#8221; he cried hotly. &#8220;The next letter I send him
+shall be delivered by the commander of my army on the soil of Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was secretly pleased by this flash of spirit, which raised my
+respect for the Russian monarch.</p>
+
+<p>A recollection seemed to strike him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hear that you were blown up in attempting to bring some coal into
+Port Arthur,&#8221; he said in a more friendly tone. &#8220;I thank you, <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Monsieur
+V&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>I bowed low.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some of my admirals seem to have been caught napping,&#8221; Nicholas II.
+added. &#8220;I have here a very serious report about Admiral Stark at
+Vladivostok.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You surprise me, sire,&#8221; I observed incautiously. &#8220;Out in Manchuria I
+heard the Admiral praised on all hands for his carefulness and good
+conduct.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Carefulness! It is possible to be too careful,&#8221; the Czar complained.
+&#8220;Admiral Stark is too much afraid of responsibility. We have
+information that the English are taking all kinds of contraband into
+the Japanese ports, and he does nothing to stop them, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>for fear of
+committing some breach of international law.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I began to see what was coming. The Emperor, who seemed anxious to
+justify himself, proceeded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The rights of neutrals have never been regarded by the British navy,
+when they were at war. However, I have not been satisfied with taking
+the opinion of our own jurists. I have here an opinion from Professor
+Heldenberg of Berlin, who of course represents a neutral Power, and
+he says distinctly that we are entitled to declare anything we please
+contraband, and to seize English ships&mdash;I mean, ships of
+neutrals&mdash;anywhere, even in the English Channel itself, and sink them
+if it is inconvenient to bring them into a Russian port.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The insidious character of this advice was so glaring that I wondered
+how the unfortunate young monarch could be deceived by it.</p>
+
+<p>But I saw that comment would be useless just then. I must seek some
+other means of opening his eyes to the pitfalls which were being
+prepared for him.</p>
+
+<p>I came from the Palace with a heavy heart. The next day, Petersburg
+was startled by the publication of a ukase recalling Vice-Admiral
+Stark and Rear-Admiral Molas, his second in command, from the
+Pacific.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately on hearing this news I sent a telegram in cipher to Lord
+Bedale. For obvious reasons <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>I never take copies of my secret
+correspondence, but to the best of my recollection the wire ran as
+follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Germany instigating Russian Navy to raid your shipping on
+the pretext of contraband. Object to provoke reprisals
+leading to war.</p></div>
+
+<p>As the reader is aware, this warning succeeded in defeating the
+Kaiser&#8217;s main design, the British Government steadily refusing to be
+provoked.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately this attitude of theirs played into German hands in
+another way, as English shippers were practically obliged to refuse
+goods for the Far East, and this important and lucrative trade passed
+to Hamburg, to the serious injury of the British ports.</p>
+
+<p>But before this development had been reached, I found myself on the
+track of a far more deadly and dangerous intrigue, one which is
+destined to live in history as the most audacious plot ever devised
+by one great Power against another with which it proposed to be on
+terms of perfect friendship.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3>A STRANGE CONFESSION</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; had last seen the strange, beautiful, wicked woman known as the
+Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; bending in a passion of hysterical remorse over the
+body of the man she had driven to death, on the snow-clad train
+outside Mukden.</p>
+
+<p>I have had some experience of women, and especially of the class
+which mixes in the secret politics of the European Courts. But Sophia
+Y&mdash;&mdash; was an enigma to me. There was nothing about her which
+suggested the adventuress. And there was much which tended to support
+the story which had won the belief of her august mistress&mdash;that she
+was an involuntary agent, who had been victimized by an unscrupulous
+minister of police, by means of a false charge, and who genuinely
+loathed the tasks she was too feeble to refuse.</p>
+
+<p>I had not been back in Petersburg very long when one afternoon the
+hotel waiter came to tell me that a lady desired to see me privately.
+The lady, he added, declined to give her name, but declared that she
+was well known to me.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p><p>I had come back to the hotel, I should mention, in the character of
+Mr. Sterling, the self-appointed agent of the fraternity of British
+peace-makers. It was necessary for me to have some excuse for
+residing in Petersburg during the war, and under this convenient
+shelter I could from time to time prepare more effectual disguises.</p>
+
+<p>I was not altogether surprised when my mysterious visitor raised her
+veil and disclosed the features of the Princess herself.</p>
+
+<p>But I was both surprised and shocked by the frightened,
+grief-stricken look on the face of this woman whom I had come to
+dread as my most formidable opponent in the Russian Court.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Sterling!&mdash;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221; she cried in an agitated voice that
+seemed ready to break down into a sob. &#8220;Can you forgive me for
+intruding on you? I dare not speak to you freely in my own house. I
+am beset by spies.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sit down, Princess,&#8221; I said soothingly, as I rolled forward a
+comfortable chair. &#8220;Of course I am both charmed and flattered by your
+visit, whatever be its cause.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With feminine intuition she marked the reserve in my response to her
+appeal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! You distrust me, and you are quite right!&#8221; she exclaimed,
+casting herself into the chair.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p><p>She fixed her luminous eyes on me in a deep look, half-imploring,
+half-reproachful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is true, then, what they have been telling me? You were the man,
+dressed as an inspector of the Third Section who traveled on the
+train with me? And you saw the death&#8221;&mdash;her words were interrupted by
+a shudder&mdash;&#8220;of that unhappy man?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was not very easy to preserve my composure in the face of her
+emotion. Nevertheless, at the risk of appearing callous, I replied:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I cannot pretend to understand your question. However, even if I did
+it would make no difference.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Since you know my name is A. V&mdash;&mdash;, you must know also that I never
+allow myself to talk about my work.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess winced under these cold words almost as though she had
+been physically rebuffed. She clasped her delicately-gloved hands
+together, and murmured as though to herself:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He will not believe in me! He will not be convinced!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I felt myself in a very difficult position. Either this woman was
+thoroughly repentant, and sincerely anxious to make some genuine
+communication to me, or else she was an actress whose powers might
+have excited envy in the Bernhardt herself.</p>
+
+<p>I concluded that I could lose nothing by encouraging her to speak.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You must pardon me if I seem distrustful,&#8221; I said with a wholly
+sympathetic expression. &#8220;I have my principles, and cannot depart from
+them. But I have every wish to convince you of my personal
+friendship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She interrupted me with a terrible glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Personal friendship! Monsieur, do you know what I have come here to
+tell you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And rising wildly to her feet, she spread out her hands in a gesture
+of utter despair:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They have ordered me to take your life!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I am not a man who is easily surprised.</p>
+
+<p>The adventures I have passed through, some of them far more
+extraordinary than anything I have recorded in my public revelations,
+have accustomed me to meet almost any situation with diplomatic
+presence of mind.</p>
+
+<p>But on this occasion I am obliged to admit that I was fairly taken
+aback.</p>
+
+<p>As the lovely but dangerous woman whom I had cause to regard as the
+most formidable instrument in the hands of the conspirators, avowed
+to my face that she had been charged with the mission to assassinate
+me, I sprang from my chair and confronted her.</p>
+
+<p>She stood, swaying slightly, as though the intensity of her emotion
+was about to overpower her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you mean what you say? Do you know what you have said?&#8221; I
+demanded.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p><p>The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; made no answer, but she lifted her violet eyes to
+mine, and I saw the big tears welling up and beginning to overflow.</p>
+
+<p>I was dismayed. My strength of mind seemed to desert me. I have
+looked on without a tear when men have fallen dead at my feet, but I
+have never been able to remain calm before a woman in tears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Madame! Princess!&#8221; I was on the point of addressing her by a yet
+more familiar name. &#8220;At least, sit down and recover yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Like one dazed, I led her to a chair. Like one dazed, she sank into
+it in obedience to my authoritative pressure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come,&#8221; I said in a tone which I strove to render at once firm and
+soothing, &#8220;it is clear that we must understand each other. You have
+come here to tell me this, I suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At the risk of my life,&#8221; she breathed. &#8220;What must you think of me!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I recalled the fate of poor Menken, whom the woman before me had led
+to his doom, though she had not struck the blow.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of myself, a momentary shudder went through me.</p>
+
+<p>The sensitive woman saw or felt it, and shook in her turn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Believe me or not, as you will,&#8221; she exclaimed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>desperately. &#8220;I
+swear to you that I have never knowingly been guilty of taking life.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never for one moment did I anticipate that that poor man would do
+what he did,&#8221; the Princess went on with passionate earnestness. &#8220;I
+tempted him to give me the Czar&#8217;s letter, and I destroyed it&mdash;I
+confess that. Are not such things done every day in secret politics?
+Have you never intercepted a despatch?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was a suggestive question. I thought of more than one incident in
+my own career which might be harshly received by a strict moralist.
+It is true that I have always been engaged on what I believed was a
+lawful task; but the due execution of that task had sometimes
+involved actions which I should have shrunk from in private life.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will not excuse myself, Madame,&#8221; I answered slowly. &#8220;Neither have
+I accused you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your tone is an accusation,&#8221; she returned with a touch of
+bitterness. &#8220;Oh, I know well that men are ready to pardon many things
+in one another which they will not pardon in us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sorry if I have wounded you,&#8221; I said with real compunction.
+&#8220;Let us say no more about the tragedy that is past. Am I right in
+thinking that you have come to me for aid?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not know. I do not know why I am here. Perhaps it is because I
+am mad.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p><p>I gazed at her flushed face and trembling hands, unable to resist the
+feeling of compassion which was creeping over me.</p>
+
+<p>What was I to think? What was this woman&#8217;s real purpose in coming to
+me?</p>
+
+<p>Had her employers, had the unscrupulous Petrovitch, or the ruthless
+Minister of Police, indeed charged her to remove me from their path;
+and had her courage broken down under the hideous burden?</p>
+
+<p>Or was this merely a ruse to win my confidence; or, perhaps, to
+frighten me into resigning my task and leaving the Russian capital?</p>
+
+<p>Did she wish to save my life, or her own?</p>
+
+<p>I sat regarding her, bewildered by these conjectures.</p>
+
+<p>I saw that I must get her to say more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At least you have come to aid me,&#8221; I protested. &#8220;You have given me a
+warning for which I cannot be sufficiently grateful.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you believe it is a genuine one,&#8221; she retorted. Already she had
+divined my difficulties and doubts.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not doubt that you mean it genuinely,&#8221; I hastened to respond.
+&#8220;There is, of course, the possibility that you yourself have been
+deceived.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She looked up at me in what I could not think was other than real
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You think so?&#8221; she cried eagerly. The next moment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> her head drooped
+again. &#8220;No, no. I have known them too long. They have never trifled
+with me before. Believe me, Monsieur, when they told me that you were
+to be murdered they were not joking with me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But they might have meant to use you for the purpose of terrifying
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She stared at me in unaffected astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Terrify&mdash;<i>you</i>!&#8221; She pronounced the words with an emphasis not
+altogether unflattering. &#8220;You are better known in Russia than you
+imagine, M. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">V&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>I passed over the remark.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Still they must have foreseen the possibility that you would shrink
+from such a task; that your womanly instincts would prove too much
+for you. At least they have never required such work of you before?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Against my will the last words became a question. I was anxious to be
+assured that the hands of the Princess were free from the stain of
+blood.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never! They dared not! They <i>could</i> not!&#8221; she cried indignantly.
+&#8220;You do not know my history. Perhaps you do not care to know it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Whatever I knew or suspected, I could make only one answer to such an
+appeal. Indeed, I was desirous to understand the meaning of one word
+which the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had just used.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Listen,&#8221; she said, speaking with an energy and dignity which I could
+not but respect, &#8220;while I tell you what I am. I am a condemned
+murderess!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Impossible!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Impossible in any other country, I grant you, but very possible in
+Russia. You have heard, I suppose, everybody has heard, of the deaths
+of my husband and his children. The first two deaths were natural, I
+swear it. I, at all events, had no more to do with them than if they
+had occurred in the planet Saturn. Prince Y&mdash;&mdash; committed suicide.
+And he did so because of me; I do not deny it. But it was not because
+he suspected me of any hand in the deaths of his children. It was
+because he knew I hated him!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The story is almost too terrible to be told. That old man had bought
+me. He bought me from my father, who was head over ears in debt, and
+on the brink of ruin. I was sold&mdash;the only portion of his property
+that remained to be sold. And from the first hour of the purchase I
+hated, oh, how I loathed and hated that old man!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a wild note in her voice that hinted at unutterable things.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And he,&#8221; she continued with a shiver, &#8220;he loved me, loved me with a
+passion that was like madness. He could hardly bear me out of his
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I killed him, yes, morally, I have no doubt I killed him. He
+lavished everything on me, jewels, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>wealth, all the forms of luxury.
+He made a will leaving me the whole of his great fortune. But I could
+not endure him, and that killed him. I think,&#8221; she hesitated and
+lowered her voice to a whisper, &#8220;I think he killed himself to please
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hardened as I am, I felt a thrill of horror. The Princess was right;
+the story was too terrible to be told.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then the police came on the scene. From the first they knew well
+enough that I was innocent. But they were determined to make me
+guilty. The head of the secret service at that time was Baron Kratz.
+He had had his eye on me for some time. The Czar, believing in my
+guilt, had ordered him not to spare me, and that fatal order gave him
+a free hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How he managed it all, I hardly know. The servants were bullied or
+bribed into giving false evidence against me. But one part of their
+evidence was true enough; even I could not deny that I had hated
+Prince Y&mdash;&mdash;, and that his death came as a welcome relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There was a secret trial, and I was condemned. They read out my
+sentence. And then, when it was all over, Kratz came to me, and
+offered me life and liberty in return for my services as an agent of
+the Third Section.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And to save your life you consented. Well, I do not judge you,&#8221; I
+said.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p><p>The Princess glanced at me with a strange smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To save my life! I see you do not yet know our Holy Russia. Shall I
+tell you what my sentence was?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Was it not death, then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, death&mdash;by the knout!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My God!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I gazed at her stupified. Her whole beauty seemed to be focussed in
+one passionate protest. Knouted to death! I saw the form before me
+stripped, and lashed to the triangles, while the knotted thong,
+wielded by the hangman&#8217;s hands, buried itself in the soft flesh.</p>
+
+<p>I no longer disbelieved. I no longer even doubted. The very horror of
+the story had the strength of truth.</p>
+
+<p>For some time neither of us spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But now, surely, you have made up your mind to break lose from this
+thraldom?&#8221; I demanded. &#8220;And, if so, and you will trust me, I will
+undertake to save you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You forget, do you not, that you yourself are not free? You surely
+do not mean that you would lay aside your work for my sake?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was a question which disconcerted me in more ways than one. In a
+secret service agent, suspicion becomes second nature. I caught
+myself asking whether all that had gone before was not merely
+intended<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> to lead up to this one question, and I cursed myself for
+the doubt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My duty to my present employer comes first, of course,&#8221; I admitted.
+&#8220;But as soon as I am free <span style="white-space: nowrap;">again&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you are still alive,&#8221; she put in significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! You mean?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I mean that when they find out that I am not to be depended on, they
+will not have far to look for others.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is strange that they should have chosen you in the first place,&#8221;
+I said thoughtfully. &#8220;You said they <i>could</i> not ask you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They did not offer me this mission. I volunteered.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You volunteered!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She shook herself impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely you understand? I heard them deciding on your death. And so I
+undertook the task.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because I wished to save you. I had great difficulty. At first they
+were inclined to refuse me&mdash;to suspect my motives. I had to convince
+them that I hated you for having outwitted me. And I persuaded them
+that none of their ordinary instruments were capable of dealing with
+you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you meant to give me this warning all along?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I meant to save you from them. Do you not see, as long as we are
+together, as long as you are visiting me, and I am seen to be
+following you up, they will not interfere. If I manage the affair
+skilfully it may be weeks before they suspect that I am playing them
+false. I shall have my excuse ready. It is no disgrace to be foiled
+by A. V.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again there was an interval of silence. The Princess prepared to go.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stay!&#8221; I protested. &#8220;I have not thanked you. Indeed, I do not seem
+to have heard all. You had some reason, surely, for wishing to
+preserve my life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what does my reason matter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It matters very much to me. Perhaps,&#8221; I gave her a searching look,
+&#8220;perhaps the Dowager Czaritza has enlisted you on our side?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful woman rose to her feet, and turned her face from me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Think so, if you will. I tell you it does not matter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I tell you it does matter. Princess!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t! Don&#8217;t speak to me, please! Let me go home. I am not well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Trembling violently in every limb, she was making her way toward the
+door, when it was suddenly flung open, and the voice of the hotel
+servant announced:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;M. Petrovitch!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The head of the Manchurian Syndicate walked in with a smile on his
+face, saw the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; coming toward him, and stopped short, the
+smile changing to a dark frown.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h3>A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcw.jpg" title="W" height="70" width="70" alt="W" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">W</span>hether because he saw that I was watching him, or because he placed
+his own interpretation on the circumstances, the war plotter changed
+his frown into a smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am glad to see, Princess,&#8221; he said to the trembling woman, &#8220;that
+you have so soon found our good friend Mr. Sterling again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; gave him a glance which seemed to enjoin silence,
+bowed with grace, and left the room in charge of the servant who had
+announced M. Petrovitch.</p>
+
+<p>The latter now advanced to greet me with every appearance of
+cordiality.</p>
+
+<p>The last time I had met this well-dressed, delicate scamp, he had
+drugged and robbed me. Now I had just been told that he was setting
+assassins on my track.</p>
+
+<p>But it is my rule always to cultivate friendly intercourse with my
+opponents. Few men can talk for long without exposing something of
+their inner thoughts. I wanted M. Petrovitch to talk.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p><p>Therefore I returned his greeting with equal cordiality, and made him
+sit down in the chair from which the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had just risen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will be surprised to hear, no doubt, Mr. Sterling, that I have
+brought you an invitation from the Emperor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;From what Emperor?&#8221; was the retort on the tip of my tongue.
+Fortunately I suppressed it; there is no accomplishment so fatal to
+success in life as wit, except kindness.</p>
+
+<p>I simply answered,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am not readily surprised, M. Petrovitch. Neither, I imagine, are
+you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The financier smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;May I call you M. V&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221; he asked. &#8220;His majesty has told me who you
+are.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Were you surprised by that?&#8221; I returned with sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch fairly laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hear you have been denouncing me to Nicholas,&#8221; he said lightly.
+&#8220;Can&#8217;t I persuade you to let our poor little Czar alone. I assure you
+it is a waste of breath on your part, and you will only worry a
+well-meaning young man who has no head for business.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was plain speaking. It argued no ordinary confidence on the part
+of the intriguer to speak in such a fashion of the Autocrat of All
+the Russias.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p><p>Already the interview was telling me something. Petrovitch must have
+some strong, secret hold on Nicholas II.</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders as I answered in my friendliest manner,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have no personal feeling against you, my dear Petrovitch. But to
+use drugs&mdash;come, you must admit that that was a strong measure!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I apologize!&#8221; laughed the Russian. &#8220;All the more as I find you were
+too many for us after all. I would give something to know how you
+managed to hide the letter you got through.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was my turn to laugh. I had reason to feel satisfied. Weak as the
+Russian Emperor might be, it was evident that he had not betrayed my
+secret.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, now,&#8221; the promoter resumed, &#8220;all that being over, is there any
+reason why we should not be friends? Be frank with me. What end have
+you in view that is likely to bring us into collision?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no reason why I should not be frank with you,&#8221; I answered,
+racking my brain for some story which the man before me might be
+likely to believe, &#8220;especially as I do not suppose that either of us
+is likely to report this conversation quite faithfully to his
+imperial majesty. I am a Japanese spy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch gave me a glance in which I thought I detected a mingling
+of incredulity and admiration.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Really, you are a cool hand, my dear V&mdash;&mdash;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Why, is there anything in that to make us enemies? You are not going
+to pose as the zealous patriot, I hope. I thought we had agreed to be
+frank.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The financier bit his lip.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I do not deny that I am before all things a man of business,&#8221;
+he returned. &#8220;If your friends the Japanese can make me any better
+offer than the one I have had from another quarter, I do not say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will see what I can arrange for you,&#8221; I answered, not wholly
+insincerely. &#8220;In the meantime, I think you said something about an
+invitation?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, from Nicholas. He wants to see you. He has some scheme or
+other in which he thinks that you and I can work together, and he
+wants us to be friends, accordingly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we are friends, after to-day, I understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is as you please, my dear V&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; replied the conspirator with a
+slightly baffled air. &#8220;You have made a good beginning, apparently,
+with the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>I put on the self-satisfied air of the man who is a favorite with
+women.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess has been extremely kind,&#8221; I said. &#8220;She has pressed me
+to visit her frequently. Oh, yes, I think I may say we are good
+friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch nodded. I had purposely prepared his mind for the story
+which I anticipated he would hear <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>from my beautiful protector.
+Evidently it would be necessary for her to tell the Syndicate that
+she was feigning affection for me in order to draw me into a trap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, as my carriage is outside, may I take you to the Winter
+Palace?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That seems the best plan,&#8221; I acquiesced. &#8220;It will convince the Czar
+that we are on good terms.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>We drove off together, sitting side by side like two sworn friends. I
+do not know what thoughts passed through his mind; but I know that
+all the way I kept my right hand on the stock of my revolver, and
+once, when one of the horses stumbled, M. Petrovitch was within an
+instant of death.</p>
+
+<p>At the Palace he put me down and drove off. I was admitted to the
+Czar&#8217;s presence without difficulty, and found him, as usual,
+surrounded by piles of state papers.</p>
+
+<p>Nicholas II. looked up at my entrance with evident pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, that is right, M. V&mdash;&mdash;. I hope that, since you have come so
+promptly in response to the message I gave that worthy M. Petrovitch,
+you and he are now good friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I could only bow silently. I was a Japanese, related to the sovereign
+with whom he was at war, and I was acting in the service of Great
+Britain. Petrovitch had just forced on the war which Nicholas had
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>wished to avert, and he was still acting secretly in the interests
+of Germany. And the Czar was congratulating himself that we were
+friends. It was useless to try to undeceive him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sit down, if you please, M. V&mdash;&mdash;. I have something of the greatest
+importance to tell you. Stay&mdash;Perhaps you will be good enough to see
+first that the doors are all secured. I dislike interruptions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I went to the various entrances of the room, of which there were
+three, and turned the keys in the doors.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Even M. Petrovitch does not know what I am going to tell you,&#8221;
+Nicholas said impressively as I returned to my seat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty does not trust him entirely, then?&#8221; I exclaimed, much
+pleased.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mistake me. I do not distrust M. Petrovitch; but this is a
+matter of foreign politics, with which he is not familiar. He admits
+frankly that he knows nothing about diplomacy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I gazed at the benevolent young monarch in consternation. It was the
+spy of Wilhelm II., the agent of the most active diplomatist in the
+world, of whom he had just spoken!</p>
+
+<p>There was no more to be said.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor proceeded to put a most unexpected question.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you a believer in spirits, M. V&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am a Roman Catholic, sire. Whatever my Church teaches on this
+subject, I believe. I am rather neglectful of my religious duties,
+however, and do not know its attitude on this subject.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I honor your loyalty to your communion, M. V&mdash;&mdash;. But as long as you
+do not know what is the attitude of your Church on this subject, you
+cannot feel it wrong to listen to me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I perceived that if his majesty was no politician, he was at least
+something of a theologian.</p>
+
+<p>The Czar proceeded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is in Petersburg one of the most marvelous mediums and
+clairvoyants who has ever lived. He is a Frenchman named Auguste. He
+came here nearly a year ago&mdash;just when the difficulty with Japan was
+beginning, in fact; and he has given me the most valuable information
+about the progress of events. Everything he has foretold has come
+true, so far. He warned me from the first that the Japanese would
+force me into war, just as they have done. In short, I feel I can
+rely on him absolutely.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was not the first time I had heard of the spiritualist who had
+established such an extraordinary hold on the Russian ruler&#8217;s mind.
+The common impression was that he was a mystic, a sort of Madame
+Kr&uuml;dener. At the worst he was regarded as a charlatan of the ordinary
+spirit-rapping type, cultivating the occult as a means of making
+money.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p><p>But now, as I listened to the credulous monarch, it suddenly struck
+me what an invaluable tool such a man might prove in the hands of a
+political faction, or even of a foreign Power astute enough to
+corrupt him and inspire the oracles delivered by the spirits.</p>
+
+<p>I listened anxiously for more.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor, evidently pleased with the serious expression on my
+face, went on to enlighten me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Last night M. Auguste was here, in this room, and we held a private
+<i>s&eacute;ance</i>. He succeeded in getting his favorite spirit to respond.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it permissible to ask the spirit&#8217;s name?&#8221; I ventured
+respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is Madame Blavatsky,&#8221; he answered. &#8220;You must have heard of her,
+of course. She was practically the founder of rational psychical
+knowledge, though she died a victim to persecution.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I nodded. I had heard of this celebrated woman, who still numbers
+many followers in different parts of the world.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Last night, as soon as we found that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky
+was present, I asked Auguste to question it about the Baltic fleet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had been holding a preliminary review of the fleet in the morning,
+as you may have seen from the papers. The officers and men seemed
+thoroughly nervous, and very doubtful whether it would ever be in a
+condition to sail. Even the Admiral, Rojestvensky,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> did not seem
+quite happy, and he found great fault with the stores and equipments.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had to authorize a delay of another month, and the Marine
+Department would not promise to have the fleet ready even then.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Naturally, I wished to know what would become of the fleet when it
+did sail. Auguste questioned the spirit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His majesty broke off to feel in his pocket for a small slip of
+paper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I took down the answer myself, as the spirit rapped it out.&#8221; And he
+read aloud:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Baltic Fleet threatened. Japanese and English plotting to
+destroy it on the way to Port Arthur.</p></div>
+
+<p>I started indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you believe that, sire! You believe that the British Government,
+which has been straining every nerve to maintain peace, is capable of
+planning some secret outrage against your Navy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It does not say the Government,&#8221; he announced with satisfaction.
+&#8220;The spirit only warns me against the English. Private Englishmen are
+capable of anything. At this very moment, two Englishmen are
+arranging to run a torpedo boat secretly out of the Thames, disguised
+as a yacht, and to bring her to Libau for us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This piece of information silenced me. It was no <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>doubt possible that
+there might be Englishmen daring enough to assist the Japanese in
+some secret enterprise against a Russian fleet. But I felt I should
+like to have some better authority for the fact than the word of
+Madame Blavatsky&#8217;s spirit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The warning is a very vague one, sire,&#8221; I hinted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;True. But I hope to receive a more definite message to-morrow night.
+I was going to ask you if you would have any objection to be present.
+You might then be able to put pressure on the British Government to
+prevent this crime.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say I accepted the imperial invitation with eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>And I retired to send the following despatch to Lord Bedale:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>When Baltic Fleet starts prepare for trouble. Have all
+ports watched. It is believed here that attack on it is
+preparing in England.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcw.jpg" title="W" height="70" width="70" alt="W" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">W</span>ho was M. Auguste?</p>
+
+<p>This was the question that kept my mind busy after my singular
+interview with the Russian Emperor.</p>
+
+<p>In accordance with my rule to avoid as much as possible mentioning
+the names of the humbler actors in the international drama, I have
+given the notorious medium a name which conceals his true one.</p>
+
+<p>He appeared to be a foreigner, and the Czar&#8217;s weakness in this
+direction was too well known for his patronage of the quack to excite
+much attention; apparently it had occurred to no one but myself that
+such a man might be capable of meddling in politics.</p>
+
+<p>In his more public performances, so far as I could learn, the
+revelations of the spirits were confined to more harmless topics,
+such as the nature of the future state, or the prospect of an heir
+being born to the Russian crown.</p>
+
+<p>In my quest for further light on this remarkable personage, my
+thoughts naturally turned to the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p><p>I have not concealed that at our first meeting the charming
+collaborator of M. Petrovitch had made a very strong impression on
+me. Her subsequent conduct had made me set a guard on myself, and the
+memory of the Japanese maiden whose portrait had become my cherished
+&#8220;mascot,&#8221; of course insured that my regard for the Princess could
+never pass the bounds of platonic friendship.</p>
+
+<p>But the strange scene of the day before had moved me profoundly.
+Vanity is not a failing of which I am ever likely to be accused by my
+worst detractor, yet it was impossible for me to shut my eyes or ears
+to the confession which had been made with equal eloquence by the
+looks, the blushes and even the words of the beautiful Russian.</p>
+
+<p>Was ever situation more stupid in all the elements of tragedy! This
+unhappy woman, spurred to all kinds of desperate deeds by the awful
+fear of the knout, had been overcome by that fatal power which has
+wrecked so many careers.</p>
+
+<p>In the full tide of success, in the very midst of a life and death
+combat with the man it was her business to outwit and defeat, she had
+succumbed to love for him.</p>
+
+<p>And now, to render her painful situation tenfold more painful, she
+was holding the dagger at his breast as the only means of keeping it
+out of the clutch of some more murderous hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p><p>Had I the pen of a romancer I might enlarge on this sensational
+theme. But I am a man of action, whose business it is to record
+facts, not to comment on them.</p>
+
+<p>I sought the mansion on the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to see its
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently the visit was expected. The groom of the chambers&mdash;if that
+was his proper description&mdash;led me up-stairs, and into a charming
+boudoir.</p>
+
+<p>A fire replenished by logs of sandalwood was burning in a malachite
+stove, and diffusing a dream-like fragrance through the chamber. The
+walls of the room were panelled in ivory, and the curtains that hung
+across the window frames were of embroidered silk and gold. Each
+separate chair and toy-like table was a work of art&mdash;ebony, cinnamon,
+and other rare and curious woods having been employed.</p>
+
+<p>But the rarest treasure there was the mistress of all this luxury.
+The inmate of the sumptuous prison, for such it truly was, lay back
+on a leopard-skin couch, set in the frame of a great silver
+sea-shell.</p>
+
+<p>She had dressed for my coming in the quaint but gorgeous costume of
+ancient Russia, the costume worn by imperial usage at high State
+functions like coronations, weddings and christenings.</p>
+
+<p>The high coif above her forehead flamed with jewels, and big, sleepy
+pearls slid and fell over her neck and bosom.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p><p>At my entrance she gave a soft cry, and raised herself on one white
+arm. I stepped forward as though I were a courtier saluting a queen,
+and pressed my lips to her extended hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expected you, Andreas.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Only two women in my life have I ever allowed to call me by my
+Christian name. One was the ill-starred lady who perished in the
+Konak in Belgrade. The other&mdash;but of her I may not speak.</p>
+
+<p>But it was not for me to stand on ceremony with the woman who had
+interposed herself as a shield between me and the enemies who sought
+my death.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You knew that I should come to thank you,&#8221; I said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not wish for thanks,&#8221; she answered, with a look that was more
+expressive than words. &#8220;I wish only that you should regard me as a
+friend.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And in what other light is it possible for me to regard you, dear
+Princess?&#8221; I returned. &#8220;Only this friendship must not be all on one
+side. You, too, must consent to think of me as something more than a
+stranger whose life you have saved.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you doubt that I have done so for a long time?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It needed the pressure of the locket against my neck to keep me from
+replying to this tenderly-spoken sentiment in a way which might have
+led to consequences, for the Russian Empire as well as for the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>Princess and myself, very different to those which have actually
+flowed from our conjunction.</p>
+
+<p>Conquering my impulses as I best could, I sought for a reply which
+would not wear the appearance of a repulse.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You misunderstand me,&#8221; I said, putting on an expression of pride.
+&#8220;You little know the character of Andreas V&mdash;&mdash; if you think he can
+accept the humiliating position of the man who is under obligation to
+a woman&mdash;an obligation which he has done nothing to discharge. Not
+until I can tell myself that I have done something to place me on a
+higher level in your eyes, can my thoughts concerning you be happy
+ones.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A shade of disappointment passed over Sophia&#8217;s face. She made a
+pettish gesture.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Does not&mdash;friendship do away with all sense of obligation?&#8221; she
+complained.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not with me,&#8221; I answered firmly. &#8220;No, Sophia, if you really care for
+me&mdash;for my friendship&mdash;you must let me do what I have sworn to do
+ever since I first saw you and heard some rumors of your tragic
+story.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mean?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must let me break your odious bondage. I can deliver you, if you
+will only trust me, from the power of the Russian police, or any
+other power, and set you free to live the life of fascination and
+happiness which ought to be yours.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p><p>The Princess seemed plunged in meditation. At length she looked
+up&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You would undertake a hopeless task, my dear Andreas. Not even you
+can fathom all the ramifications of the intrigues in which I find
+myself an indispensable puppet. Those who control my movements will
+never let go the strings by which they hold me, and least of all,
+just now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was distressed to see that the Princess was disposed to evade my
+appeal for confidence. I answered with a slightly wounded air:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I may know more than you think, more even than you know yourself on
+certain points. But of course you are not willing to confide in me
+<span style="white-space: nowrap;">fully&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There can be no perfect trust without perfect&#8221;&mdash;The Princess, who
+spoke this sentence in Russian, concluded it with a word which may
+mean either friendship or love according to circumstances. As she
+pronounced it, it seemed like love.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There can be no perfect love without perfect trust,&#8221; I responded
+quickly, striving to assume the manner of an exacting lover.</p>
+
+<p>And then, a happy thought striking me, I added in an aggrieved voice,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you think it is nothing to me that you should be associated with
+other men in the most secret enterprises, holding private conferences
+with them, receiving them in your house, perhaps visiting them in
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>theirs; that you should appear to be on intimate terms with the
+Grand Duke Staniolanus, with M. Petrovitch, with a man like this M.
+<span style="white-space: nowrap;">Auguste&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>At the sound of this last name, to which I had artfully led up,
+Sophia sprang into a sitting posture and gave me a look of anger and
+fear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who told you anything about M. Auguste?&#8221; she demanded in hoarse
+tones. &#8220;What has he to do with me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nay, it is not you who ought to ask me that,&#8221; I returned. &#8220;You may
+be a believer in his conjuring tricks, for aught I know. He may be
+more to you than a comrade, or even a prophet&mdash;more to you than I.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who told you that he was my comrade, as you call it?&#8221; the Princess
+insisted, refusing to be diverted from her point.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No one,&#8221; I said quite truthfully. &#8220;I should be glad to know that he
+was only that. But it is natural for me to feel some jealousy of all
+your friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess appeared relieved by this admission. But this relief
+confirmed all my suspicions. I now felt certain that the medium was
+an important figure in the plot which I was trying to defeat. I saw,
+moreover, that however genuine my beautiful friend might be in her
+love for me and her desire to save my life, she had no intention of
+betraying the secrets of her fellow conspirators.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p><p>Her character presented an enigma almost impossible to solve. Perhaps
+it is not the part of a wise man ever to try to understand a woman.
+Her motives must always be mysterious, even to herself. It is
+sufficient if one can learn to forecast her actions, and even that is
+seldom possible.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you refuse my help?&#8221; I asked reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You cannot help me,&#8221; was the answer. &#8220;At least, that is, unless you
+possess some power I have no idea of at present.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was an ingenious turning of the tables. Instead of my questioning
+the Princess, she was questioning me, in effect.</p>
+
+<p>I made what was perhaps a rash admission.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am not wholly powerless, at all events. There are few sovereigns
+in Europe whom I have not obliged at some time or other. Even the
+German Emperor, though I have more than once crossed his path in
+public matters, is my personal friend. In spite of his occasional
+political errors, he is a stainless gentleman in private life, and I
+am sure he would hear with horror of your position and the means by
+which you had been forced into it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Sophia looked at me with an expression of innocent bewilderment which
+I could scarcely believe to be real.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The German Emperor! But what has he to do with me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;He is said to have some influence with the Czar,&#8221; I said drily.</p>
+
+<p>My companion bit her lip.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, the Czar!&#8221; Her tone was scathing in its mixture of pity and
+indifference. &#8220;Every one has some influence with the Czar. But is
+there any one with whom Nicholas has influence?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was the severest thing I had ever heard said of the man whom an
+ironical fate has made master of the Old World.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the manner of the Princess underwent a sudden change.</p>
+
+<p>She rose to her feet and gave me a penetrating glance, a glance which
+revealed for the first time something of that commanding personality
+which had made this slight, exquisite creature for years one of the
+most able and successful of secret negotiators, and a person to be
+reckoned with by every foreign minister.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You do not trust me, Andreas V&mdash;&mdash;. It is natural. You do not love
+me. It is possible that it is my fault. But I have sworn to save your
+life, and I will do it in your own despite. In order that I may
+succeed, I will forget that I am a woman, and I will forget that you
+regard me as a criminal. Come here! I will show you into my oratory,
+into which not even my confidential maid is ever allowed to
+penetrate. Perhaps what you will see there may convince <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>you that I
+am neither a traitor nor a Delilah.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With the proud step of an empress, she led the way into the adjoining
+room, which was a bedroom sumptuously enriched with everything that
+could allure the senses. The very curtains of the bed seemed to
+breathe out languorous odors, the walls were hung with ravishing
+groups of figures that might have come from a Pompeiian temple, the
+dressing-table was rich with gold and gems.</p>
+
+<p>Without pausing for an instant the mistress of the chamber walked
+straight across it to a narrow door let into the farther wall, and
+secured by a tiny lock like that of a safe.</p>
+
+<p>Drawing a small key from her bosom, the Princess inserted it in the
+lock, leaving me to follow in a state of the most intense
+expectation.</p>
+
+<p>The apartment in which I found myself was a narrow, white-washed cell
+like a prison, lit only by the flames of two tall wax candles which
+stood on a table, or rather an altar, at the far end.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the altar, the sole object in the room was a wooden step in
+front of it. Over the altar, in accordance with the rule of the Greek
+Church, there hung a sacred picture. And below, between the two
+candlesticks, there rested two objects, the sight of which fairly
+took away my breath.</p>
+
+<p>One was a photograph frame containing a portrait of myself&mdash;how
+obtained I shall never know. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>portrait was framed with
+immortelles, the emblems of death, and the artist had given my face
+the ghastly pallor and rigidity of the face of a corpse.</p>
+
+<p>The other object on the altar was a small whip of knotted leather
+thongs.</p>
+
+<p>Without uttering a word, without even turning her head to see if I
+had followed, the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; knelt down on the step, stripped her
+shoulders with a singular determined gesture, and then, taking the
+knout in one hand, began to scourge the bare flesh.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>t the hour appointed by the Czar I presented myself at the Winter
+Palace to assist at the spiritualist experiments of M. Auguste.</p>
+
+<p>I shall not attempt to describe the impression left by the weird
+scene in the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;&#8217;s oratory.</p>
+
+<p>To those who do not know the Slav temperament, with its strange
+mixture of sensuality and devotion, of barbarous cruelty and
+over-civilized cunning, seldom far removed from the brink of
+insanity, the incident I have recorded will appear incredible. I have
+narrated it, simply because I have undertaken to narrate everything
+bearing on the business in which I was engaged. I am well aware that
+truth is stranger than fiction, and I should have little difficulty,
+if I were so disposed, in framing a story, full of plausible,
+commonplace incidents, which no one could doubt or dispute.</p>
+
+<p>I have preferred to take a bolder course, knowing that although I may
+be discredited for a time, yet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>when historians in the future come to
+sift the secret records of the age, I shall be amply vindicated.</p>
+
+<p>I shall only add that I did not linger a moment after the unhappy
+woman had begun her penance, if such it was, but withdrew from her
+presence and from the house without speaking a word.</p>
+
+<p>The feelings with which I anticipated my encounter with the medium
+were very different. Whatever might be my doubts with regard to the
+unfortunate Sophia&mdash;and I honestly began to think that the suicide of
+Menken had affected her brain&mdash;I had no doubt whatever that M.
+Auguste was a thoroughly unscrupulous man.</p>
+
+<p>The imperial servant to whom I was handed over at the entrance to the
+Czar&#8217;s private apartments conducted me to what I imagine to have been
+the boudoir of the Czaritza, or at all events the family sitting
+room.</p>
+
+<p>It was comfortably but plainly furnished in the English style, and
+was just such a room as one might find in the house of a London
+citizen, or a small country squire. I noticed that the wall-paper was
+faded, and the hearth-rug really worn out.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor of All the Russias was not alone. Seated beside him in
+front of the English grate was the beautiful young Empress, in whose
+society he finds a refuge from his greedy courtiers and often
+unscrupulous ministers, and who, I may add, has skilfully<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> and
+successfully kept out of any entanglement in politics.</p>
+
+<p>Rising at my entrance, Nicholas II. advanced and shook me by the
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In this room,&#8221; he told me, &#8220;there are no emperors and no empresses,
+only Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He presented me to the Czaritza, who received me in the same style of
+simple friendliness, and then, pointing to a money-box which formed a
+conspicuous object on the mantel-shelf, he added:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For every time the word &#8216;majesty&#8217; is used in this room there is a
+fine of one ruble, which goes to our sick and wounded. So be careful,
+M. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">V&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>In spite of this warning I did not fail to make a good many
+contributions to the money-box in the course of the evening. In my
+intercourse with royalty I model myself on the British Premier
+Beaconsfield, and I regard my rubles as well spent.</p>
+
+<p>We all three spoke in English till the arrival of M. Auguste, who
+knew only French and a few words of Russian. I remarked afterward
+that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky, a Russian by birth, who had
+spent half her life in England, appeared to have lost the use of both
+languages in the other world, and communicated with us exclusively in
+French.</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of M. Auguste did not help to overcome<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> my prejudice
+against him. He had too evidently made up for the part of the mystic.</p>
+
+<p>The hair of M. Auguste was black and long, his eyes rolled much in
+their sockets, and his costume was a compromise between the frock
+coat and the cassock.</p>
+
+<p>But it was above all his manner that impressed me disagreeably. He
+affected to be continually falling into fits of abstraction, as if
+his communings with the spirits were diverting his attention from the
+affairs of earth. Even on his entrance he went through the forms of
+greeting his host and hostess as though scarcely conscious of their
+presence. I caught a sly look turned on myself, however, and when I
+was presented to him as &#8220;Mr. Sterling&#8221; his reception of the name made
+me think that he had expected something else.</p>
+
+<p>The Czar having explained that I was a friend interested in
+spiritualism, in whose presence he wished to hear again from Madame
+Blavatsky, M. Auguste rolled his eyes formidably, and agreed to
+summon the departed theosophist.</p>
+
+<p>A small round table was cleared of the Czaritza&#8217;s work-basket&mdash;she
+had been knitting a soldier&#8217;s comforter&mdash;and we took our seats around
+it. The electric light was switched off, so that we were in perfect
+darkness, except for the red glow of the coal fire.</p>
+
+<p>A quarter of an hour or so passed in a solemn <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>silence, broken only
+by occasional whispers from &#8220;Mr. Nicholas&#8221; or the medium.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a long time answering,&#8221; the Czar whispered at last.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fear there is a hostile influence,&#8221; M. Auguste responded in the
+jargon of his craft.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had the words left his lips when a perfect shower of raps
+seemed to descend on all parts of the table at once.</p>
+
+<p>Let me say here, once for all, that I am not prepared to offer any
+explanation of what happened on this occasion. I have read of some of
+the devices by which such illusions are produced, and I have no doubt
+a practised conjurer could have very easily fathomed the secrets of
+M. Auguste. But I had not come there with any intention of detecting
+or exposing him.</p>
+
+<p>The medium pretended to address the author of the raps.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If there is any hostile influence which prevents your communicating
+with us, rap twice.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Two tremendous raps nearly drowned the last word. The spirit seemed
+to be quick-tempered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it is a woman, rap once&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>No response. This was decidedly clever.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it is myself, rap.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This time, instead of silence, there was a faint scratching under the
+surface of the table.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;The negative sign,&#8221; M. Auguste explained blandly, for our benefit.</p>
+
+<p>Then, addressing himself once more to the invisible member of the
+party, he inquired:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it is Mr. Nicholas, rap.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Silence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must excuse me,&#8221; the medium said, turning his face in my
+direction. &#8220;If it is Mr. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Sterling&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>A shower of raps. I really thought the table would have given way.</p>
+
+<p>This was discouraging. The Czar came to my rescue, however.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I particularly wish Mr. Sterling to be present,&#8221; he observed with a
+touch of displeasure&mdash;whether intended for M. Auguste or the
+spiritual visitant I could not tell.</p>
+
+<p>The hierophant no doubt saw that he must submit. His retreat was
+executed with great skill.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If the obstacle is one that can be removed, rap once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A rap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you spell it for us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In the rather cumbrous alphabet in use among the shades, the visitor
+spelled out in French:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Son nom.</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is there something you object to about his name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A rap.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Is it an assumed name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A very loud rap. Decidedly the spirit was indignant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you tell us his real name? His initials will do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A. V.&#8221; spelled the unseen visitor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is that right?&#8221; M. Auguste inquired with well-assumed curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is marvelous!&#8221; ejaculated the Emperor. &#8220;You will understand, of
+course, Auguste, that this must be kept a secret among ourselves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask if it is Madame Blavatsky,&#8221; said the Czar.</p>
+
+<p>We learned that the apostle of theosophy was indeed present.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Would you like to hear from any other spirits?&#8221; M. Auguste asked the
+company.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should be glad of a word with Bismarck,&#8221; I suggested.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes the Iron Chancellor announced himself. His rap was
+sharp, quick and decided, quite a characteristic rap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask if he approves of the present policy of the German Emperor?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A hearty rap. Evidently the spirit had greatly changed its views in
+the other world.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask if he remembers telling me, the last time I saw him, that Russia
+was smothering Germany in bed?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Do you refuse to answer that question?&#8221; M. Auguste put in adroitly.</p>
+
+<p>An expressive rap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will you answer any other questions from this gentleman?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then the spirit of Bismarck spoke out. It denounced me as a worker of
+evil, a source of strife, and particularly as one who was acting
+injuriously to the Russian Empire. I confess M. Auguste scored.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In his lifetime he would have said all that, if he had thought I was
+working in the interest of Russia and against Germany,&#8221; I remarked in
+my own defence.</p>
+
+<p>The spirit of the Iron Chancellor was dismissed, and that of Madame
+Blavatsky recalled.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that the Czar placed particular confidence in his late
+subject. Indeed, if the issues at stake had been less serious, I
+think I should have made an attempt to shake the Emperor&#8217;s blind
+faith in the performances of M. Auguste.</p>
+
+<p>But my sole object was to read, if I could, the secret plans and
+intentions of a very different imperial character, whose agent I
+believed the spirit to be.</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste, I quickly discovered, was distracted between fear of
+offending Nicholas by too much reserve, and dread of enabling me to
+see his game. In the end the Czar&#8217;s persistence triumphed, and we
+obtained something like a revelation.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Tell us what you can see, that it concerns the Emperor to know,&#8221; M.
+Auguste had adjured his familiar.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see&#8221;&mdash;the reply was rapped out with irritating slowness&mdash;I quite
+longed for a slate&mdash;&#8220;an English dockyard. The workmen are secretly at
+work by night, with muffled hammers. They are building a torpedo
+boat. It is to the order of the Japanese Government. The English
+police have received secret instructions from the Minister of the
+Interior not to interfere.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Minister of the Interior&#8221; was a blunder. With my knowledge of
+English politics I am able to say that the correct title of this
+personage should be &#8220;Secretary of State for the Domestic Department.&#8221;
+But few foreigners except myself have been able to master the
+intricacies of the British Constitution.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For what is this torpedo boat designed?&#8221; M. Auguste inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is for service against the Baltic Fleet. The Russian sailors are
+the bravest in the world, but they are too honest to be a match for
+the heathen Japanese,&#8221; the spirit pursued, with some inconsistency.</p>
+
+<p>I could not help reflecting that Madame Blavatsky in her lifetime had
+professed the Buddhist faith, which is that of the majority in Japan.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you see anything else?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see other dockyards where the same work is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>being carried on. A
+whole fleet of warships is being prepared by the perfidious British
+for use against the fleet of Russia.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask her to cast her eye over the German dockyards,&#8221; I put in.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Spirits have no sex,&#8221; M. Auguste corrected severely. &#8220;I will ask
+it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A succession of raps conveyed the information that Germany was
+preserving a perfectly correct course, as usual. Her sole departure
+from the attitude of strict neutrality was to permit certain pilots,
+familiar with the North Sea navigation, to offer their services to
+the Russian fleet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Glance into the future,&#8221; said the Czar. &#8220;Tell us what you see about
+to happen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see the Baltic Fleet setting out. The Admiral has issued the
+strictest orders to neutral shipping to retire to their harbors and
+leave the sea clear for the warships of Russia. He has threatened to
+sink any neutral ship that comes within range of his guns.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As long as he is in the Baltic these orders are obeyed. The German,
+Swedish and Danish flags are lowered at his approach, as is right.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now he passes out into the North Sea. The haughty and hostile
+English defy his commands. Their merchant ships go forth as usual.
+Presuming on their knowledge of international law, they annoy <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>and
+vex the Russian warships by sailing past them. The blood of the brave
+Russian officers begins to boil. Ask me no more.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste, prompted by the deeply interested Czar, did ask more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see,&#8221; the obedient seeress resumed, &#8220;torpedo boats secretly
+creeping out from the British ports. They do not openly fly the
+Japanese flag, but lurk among the English ships, with the connivance
+of the treacherous islanders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Baltic Fleet approaches. The torpedo boats, skulking behind the
+shelter of their friends, steal closer to the Russian ships. Then the
+brave Russian Admiral remembers his promise. Just in time to save his
+fleet from destruction, he signals to the British to retire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They obstinately refuse. The Russian fleet opens fire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can see no more.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The spirit of the seeress, it will be observed, broke off its
+revelations at the most interesting point, with the skill of a
+practised writer of serials.</p>
+
+<p>But the Czar, fairly carried away by excitement, insisted on knowing
+more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask the spirit if there will be any foreign complications,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>I had already remarked that our invisible companion showed a good
+deal of deference to the wishes of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>Nicholas II., perhaps in his
+character of Head of the Orthodox Church.</p>
+
+<p>After a little hesitation it rapped out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The English are angry, but they are restrained by the fear of
+Germany. The German Michael casts his shield in front of Russia, and
+the islanders are cowed. I cannot see all that follows. But in the
+end I see that the Yellow Peril is averted by the joint action of
+Russia and Germany.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This answer confirmed to the full my suspicions regarding the source
+of M. Auguste&#8217;s inspiration. I believed firmly that there was a
+spirit present, but it was not the spirit of the deceased
+theosophist, rather of a monarch who is very much alive.</p>
+
+<p>The medium now professed to feel exhausted, and Madame Blavatsky was
+permitted to retire.</p>
+
+<p>I rose to accompany M. Auguste as soon as he made a move to retire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you will let me drive you as far as my hotel,&#8221; I said to him, &#8220;I
+think I can show you something which will repay you for coming with
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The wizard looked me in the face for the first time, as he said
+deliberately:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall be very pleased to come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DEVIL&#8217;S AUCTION</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; said as little as possible during the drive homeward.</p>
+
+<p>My companion was equally silent. No doubt he, like myself, was
+bracing himself for a duel of wits.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as we were safe in my private room at the hotel, with a
+bottle of vodka and a box of cigars in front of us, I opened the
+discussion with my habitual directness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I need not tell you, M. Auguste, that I have not invited you here to
+discuss questions of psychology. I am a politician, and it matters
+nothing to me whether I am dealing with a ghost or a man, provided I
+can make myself understood.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste bowed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For instance, it is quite clear that the interesting revelations we
+have had to-night would not have been made without your good will. It
+is to be presumed, therefore, that if I can convince you that it is
+better to turn the Emperor&#8217;s mind in another direction, you will
+refuse to make yourself the medium of further communications of that
+precise character.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p><p>M. Auguste gave me an intelligent glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am as you have just said, a <i>medium</i>,&#8221; he replied with significant
+emphasis. &#8220;As such, I need not tell you, I have no personal interest
+in the communications which are made through me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I nodded, and took out my pocket-book, from which I extracted a
+hundred ruble-note (about $75).</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I promised to show you something interesting,&#8221; I remarked, as I laid
+it on the table.</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste turned his head, and his lip curled slightly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid my sight is not very good,&#8221; he said negligently. &#8220;Is not
+that object rather small?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is merely a specimen,&#8221; I responded, counting out nine others, and
+laying them beside the first.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, now I fancy I can see what you are showing me,&#8221; he admitted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is a history attached to these notes,&#8221; I explained. &#8220;They
+represent the amount of a bet which I have just won.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Really! That is most interesting.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I now have another bet of similar nature pending, which I hope also
+to be able to win.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am tempted to wish you success,&#8221; put in the medium encouragingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The chances of success are so great that if you were a betting man I
+should be inclined to ask you to make a joint affair of it,&#8221; I said.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;My dear M. V&mdash;&mdash;, I am not a bigot. I have no objection to a wager
+provided the stakes are made worth my while.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think they should be. Well, I will tell you plainly, I stand to
+win this amount if the Baltic Fleet does not sail for another month.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste smiled pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I congratulate you,&#8221; he said. &#8220;From what I have heard the repairs
+will take at least that time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that is not all. This bet of mine is continuous. I win a similar
+stake for every month which passes without the fleet having left
+harbor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste gazed at me steadily before speaking.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If your bet were renewable weekly instead of monthly, you might
+become quite a rich man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw that I was dealing with a cormorant. I made a hasty mental
+calculation. Half of one thousand rubles was about $375 a week, and
+the information I had led me to believe that Port Arthur was capable
+of holding out for another six months at least. To delay the sailing
+of the Baltic Fleet till then would cost roughly $10,000&mdash;say 15,000
+rubles.</p>
+
+<p>I decided that neither England nor Japan would grudge the price.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think your suggestion is a good one,&#8221; I answered M. Auguste. &#8220;In
+that case, should you be willing to share the bet?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I should be willing to undertake it entirely,&#8221; was the response.</p>
+
+<p>The scoundrel wanted $20,000!</p>
+
+<p>Had I been dealing with an honest man I should have let him have the
+money. But he had raised his terms so artfully that I felt sure that
+if I yielded this he would at once make some fresh demand.</p>
+
+<p>I therefore shook my head, and began picking up the notes on the
+table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That would not suit me at all,&#8221; I said decidedly. &#8220;I do not wish to
+be left out altogether.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste watched me with growing uneasiness as I restored the notes
+one by one to my pocket-book.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look here!&#8221; he said abruptly, as the last note disappeared. &#8220;Tell me
+plainly what you expect me to do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect you to have a communication from your friend Madame
+Blavatsky, or any other spirit you may prefer&mdash;Peter the Great would
+be most effective, I should think&mdash;every time the Baltic Fleet is
+ready to start, warning &#8216;Mr. Nicholas&#8217; not to let it sail.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste appeared to turn this proposal over in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And is that all?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall expect you to keep perfect secrecy about the arrangement. I
+have a friend at Potsdam, and I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>shall be pretty sure to hear if you
+try to give me away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Potsdam!&#8221; M. Auguste seemed genuinely surprised, and even
+disconcerted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you mean to say that you didn&#8217;t know you were carrying out the
+instructions of Wilhelm II.?&#8221; I demanded, scarcely less surprised.</p>
+
+<p>It was difficult to believe that the vexation showed by the medium
+was feigned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course! I see it now!&#8221; burst from him. &#8220;I wondered what she meant
+by all that stuff about Germany. And I&mdash;a Frenchman!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It is extraordinary what unexpected scruples will display themselves
+in the most unprincipled knaves. Low as they may descend, there seems
+always to be some one point on which they are as sensitive as a
+Bayard.</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste, of all men in the world, was a French patriot! It turned
+out that he was a fanatical Nationalist and anti-Semite. He had
+howled in anti-Dreyfusite mobs, and flung stones at the windows of
+Masonic temples in Paris.</p>
+
+<p>I was delighted with this discovery, which gave me a stronger hold on
+him than any bribe could.</p>
+
+<p>But I had noted the feminine pronoun in his exclamation recorded
+above. I did not think it referred to the revealing spirit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have been deceived by the woman who has <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>given you your
+instructions,&#8221; I remarked to him, when his excitement had subsided a
+little. &#8220;I fancy I can guess her name.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes. It is the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; he confessed.</p>
+
+<p>Bewildering personality! Again, as I heard her name connected with an
+intrigue of the basest kind, a criminal conspiracy to influence the
+ruler of Russia by feigned revelations from the spirits of the dead,
+I recalled the sight I had last had of her, kneeling in her oratory,
+scourging herself before&mdash;my portrait!</p>
+
+<p>There was no longer any fear that M. Auguste would prove obdurate on
+the question of terms. He pocketed his first five hundred rubles, and
+departed, vowing that the Baltic fleet should never get farther than
+Libau, if it was in the power of spirits to prevent it.</p>
+
+<p>Desirous to relieve Lord Bedale&#8217;s mind as far as possible I
+despatched the following wire to him the next morning:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Sailing of Baltic Fleet postponed indefinitely. No danger
+for the present. Watch Germany.</p></div>
+
+<p>I sent a fuller account of the situation to a son of Mr. Katahashi,
+who was in England, nominally attached to the staff of the Imperial
+Bank, but really on business of a confidential character which it
+would be indiscreet on my part to indicate.</p>
+
+<p>I may say that I particularly cautioned the young <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>Japanese to avoid
+any action calculated to give the least color to the German legends
+about warships being secretly manufactured in British yards to the
+order of the Mikado&#8217;s Government.</p>
+
+<p>Every reader who has followed the course of the war with any
+attention will recollect the history of the fleet thus detained by my
+contrivance.</p>
+
+<p>Week after week, and month after month, the Baltic Fleet was declared
+to be on the point of departure. Time after time the Czar went on
+board to review it in person, and speak words of encouragement to the
+officers and crew. And every time, after everything had been
+pronounced ready, some mysterious obstacle arose at the last moment
+to detain the fleet in Russian waters.</p>
+
+<p>Journalists, naval experts, politicians and other ill-informed
+persons invented or repeated all sorts of explanations to account for
+the series of delays.</p>
+
+<p>Only in the very innermost circles of the Russian Court it was
+whispered that the guardian spirit of the great Peter, the founder of
+Russia&#8217;s naval power, had repeatedly come to warn his descendant of
+disasters in store for the fleet, should it be permitted to sail.</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste was earning his reward.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+
+<h3>MY FUNERAL</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he extreme privacy with which I had managed my negotiation with M.
+Auguste completely baffled the plotters who were relying on the
+voyage of the Baltic Fleet to furnish a <i>casus belli</i> between Russia
+and Great Britain.</p>
+
+<p>They realized, of course, that some powerful hand was interfering
+with their designs, and they were sufficiently intelligent to guess
+that that hand must be mine.</p>
+
+<p>But they were far from suspecting the method of my operations. They
+firmly believed that M. Auguste was still carrying out their
+instructions, and sowing distrust of England in the mind of Nicholas
+II. Indeed, on one occasion he informed me that the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;
+had sent for him and ordered him not to frighten the Czar to such an
+extent as to make him afraid to let the fleet proceed to sea.</p>
+
+<p>Unable to detect and countermine me, it was natural that they should
+become impatient for my removal.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, I was not surprised to receive an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>urgent message from
+Sophia, late one evening, requesting me to come to her without delay.</p>
+
+<p>By this time our friendship, if such it could be called, had become
+so intimate that I visited her nearly every day on one pretext or
+another.</p>
+
+<p>Her greeting, as soon as I had obeyed the summons, showed me that a
+fresh development had taken place in the situation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Andreas, the hour has come!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The hour?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For your removal. Petrovitch has been here. He suspects something.
+He has rebuked me severely for the delay.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Did you tell him I was not an easy man to kill?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I told him anything and everything. He would not listen. He says
+they have lost confidence in me. He was brutal. He <span style="white-space: nowrap;">said&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what did he say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He said&mdash;&#8221; she spoke slowly and shamefacedly&mdash;&#8220;that he perceived it
+took a man to kill a man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I smiled grimly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;History tells us differently. But what then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To-morrow I shall no longer be able to answer for your life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You think some one else will be appointed to dispose of me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sure that some one else has been appointed already. Most likely
+it is Petrovitch himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Well, I shall look out for him.&#8221; I did not think it necessary to
+tell Sophia that I had been expecting something of this kind, and had
+made certain preparations.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will be useless, Andreas. You do not know the man with whom you
+have to deal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The ignorance may be mutual,&#8221; I observed drily.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess became violently agitated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must let me save you,&#8221; she exclaimed clasping her hands.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In what way?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must let me kill you <i>here</i>, to-night.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you understand?&#8221; she pursued breathlessly. &#8220;It is absolutely
+necessary for your safety, perhaps for the safety of both of us, that
+they should think I have carried out my instructions. You must appear
+to die. Then they will no longer concern themselves about you, and
+you will be able to assume some other personality without being
+suspected.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The scheme appealed to me strongly, all the more that it seemed as
+though it could be made to fit in very well with my own plans.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a clever woman, Sophia,&#8221; I said cautiously. &#8220;How do you
+purpose to carry out your scheme? They will want to see my corpse, I
+suppose.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She drew out the little key I have already described.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come this way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p><p>I followed her through the bedroom as before to the door of the
+locked oratory.</p>
+
+<p>She opened the door and admitted me.</p>
+
+<p>By the light of the wax candles I saw what was surely one of the
+strangest sights ever presented to mortal eyes.</p>
+
+<p>It was myself, lying in state!</p>
+
+<p>On a high bier draped in white and black cloth, I lay, or, rather, my
+counterpart presentment in wax lay, wrapped and shrouded like a dead
+body, a branch of palm in the closed hands, and a small Russian coin
+resting on the lips, in accordance with a quaint custom which
+formerly prevailed in many lands.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of my habitual self-command I was unable to repress a cold
+shiver at this truly appalling spectacle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your stage management is perfect,&#8221; I observed after a pause. &#8220;But
+will they be satisfied with a look only?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not think so. It will be necessary for you to put on the
+appearance of death for a short time, till I have satisfied them.
+Afterward I can conceal you in here, while this&mdash;&#8221; she pointed to the
+ghastly figure&mdash;&#8220;is buried under your name.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us get back to the other room, before we talk about it,&#8221; I
+urged. &#8220;This is not altogether a pleasant sight.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As we passed out of the oratory I stealthily took <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>note of the
+fastening of the door. The lock was on the outside only; in other
+words, if I permitted myself to be immured in the cell-like chamber,
+I should be a prisoner at the mercy of my charming friend.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now, by what means do you purpose that I shall assume the
+appearance of death?&#8221; I inquired as soon as we had returned to the
+boudoir.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess opened a small cabinet, and produced a tiny stoppered
+bottle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By swallowing this medicine,&#8221; she answered. &#8220;I have had it specially
+prepared from a recipe given me ten years ago at a time when I
+thought of resorting to the same contrivance to escape from my
+taskmaster.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I took the bottle in my hand, and examined it carefully. It bore no
+label, and the contents appeared perfectly colorless.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In five minutes after you have swallowed the contents of the
+bottle,&#8221; Sophia explained, &#8220;you will begin to turn cold, at first in
+the feet and hands. As the cold mounts to the brain you will
+gradually lose consciousness, and become rigid. You will look as pale
+as if you were actually dead, and your heart will cease to beat.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And how long will this stupor last?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;About twenty-four hours, more or less, according to your
+constitution.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I looked carefully and steadily into her eyes. She flushed and
+trembled violently, but did not quail.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;What does it taste like?&#8221; I asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a little bitter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will take it in water, then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You can take it in wine, if you like. I have some here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She moved to a small cupboard in the wall.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall tell them that I gave it to you in wine, in any case,&#8221; she
+added.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I prefer water, thank you. May I fetch some from the next room?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will fetch it,&#8221; she said hastily, going to the bedroom.</p>
+
+<p>On an ebony stand beside me there was a large china bowl containing a
+flowering plant in its pot. In a second I had removed the stopper,
+emptied the bottle into the space between the flower-pot and the
+outer bowl, and put the stopper back again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell me,&#8221; I said to the Princess as she hurried back with a carafe
+and tumbler, &#8220;have you thought how I am to get away from this house
+without exciting attention?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will be easy for me to procure you a dozen disguises. I am always
+going to masked balls. But are you in such a hurry to leave me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall find the air of your oratory rather confined, I am afraid.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She hung her head in evident chagrin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But where will you go?&#8221; she demanded.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Oh, that is all arranged. I have taken a small house and furnished
+it, in another name.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where?&#8221; she asked breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps I had better not tell you till this excitement is over. I
+must not burden you with too many of my secrets.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Sophia&#8217;s eyes filled with tears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You distrust me still!&#8221; she cried. &#8220;But, after all, what does it
+matter? I have only to ask Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will be quite unnecessary as well as useless. I pledge myself
+to tell you before I leave this place, and I have not favored M.
+Petrovitch with my new address.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She smiled scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And do you believe that you have succeeded in taking a house in
+Petersburg without his knowledge? You do not know him, I tell you
+again. He has had you watched every hour of the day while you have
+been here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Please credit me with a little resource, as well as your friend,&#8221; I
+answered with some slight irritation. &#8220;I have no doubt the spies of
+M. Petrovitch have watched me pretty closely, but they have not been
+able to watch every person who has come in and out of the hotel. Two
+of my most capable assistants have been in Petersburg for the last
+month&mdash;since the day you hinted that my life was not quite safe, in
+fact.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p><p>The woman before me looked completely overwhelmed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One of them,&#8221; I proceeded with cutting severity, &#8220;has taken the
+house I speak of. The other is watching over my personal safety at
+this moment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess fairly gave way. Sinking on the couch behind her, she
+exclaimed in a faint voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a demon, not a man!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was the finest compliment she could have paid me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; I said carelessly, &#8220;to carry out your admirable little
+idea.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The unhappy woman put up her hands, and turned away her head in sheer
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>I splashed some water into the tumbler, and then trickled in a small
+quantity afterward, to imitate the sound of adding the poison. This
+done I respectfully handed the bottle to my companion.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To our next meeting!&#8221; I called out lightly, as I lifted the tumbler
+to my lips and drained it.</p>
+
+<p>It was the Princess who swooned.</p>
+
+<p>Although I had not foreseen this weakness on her part I took
+advantage of it to draw the tiny key of the oratory from her bosom,
+and hide it in my mouth.</p>
+
+<p>I then touched the bell twice, the signal for the Princess&#8217;s maid to
+appear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fauchette,&#8221; I said, when she entered&mdash;for this was the assistant I
+had alluded to as watching over <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>my personal safety&mdash;&#8220;Madame has just
+given me the contents of that stoppered bottle. Do you know anything
+about them?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette had made good use of her time since obtaining her
+situation. These things are so easily managed that I am almost
+ashamed to explain that a bribe to the former maid had brought about
+a convenient illness, and the recommendation of Fauchette as a
+temporary substitute.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, Monsieur,&#8221; she said quietly. &#8220;I filled the bottle with water
+this afternoon, in case of accident. I have preserved the previous
+contents, in case you should care to have them analyzed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have done well, very well, my girl.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette blushed with pleasure. I do not often say so much to my
+staff.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Madame does not know that I had just emptied the bottle into that
+china bowl,&#8221; I added carelessly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is useless to try to serve Monsieur; he does everything himself,&#8221;
+murmured the poor girl, mortified.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nonsense, Fauchette, I have just praised you. It is always possible
+that I may overlook something.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette shook her head with an incredulous air.</p>
+
+<p>I have found it good policy to maintain this character for
+infallibility with my staff. It is true, perhaps, that I do not very
+often blunder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; I went on, &#8220;it is time for the poison <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>to take effect! As
+soon as I am dead, you will awake Madame.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I lay down on another couch, and composed myself in a rigid attitude
+with my eyes closed. I did not believe, of course, that it would be
+possible to deceive a close observer, but I trusted to the wild
+emotions of the Princess to blind her to any signs of life.</p>
+
+<p>I heard Fauchette dart on her mistress with a well-acted scream, and
+sprinkle her face and neck with cold water.</p>
+
+<p>Sophia seemed to revive quickly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Andreas!&#8221; I heard her gasp. &#8220;Where? What has become of him?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;M. Sterling has also fainted,&#8221; the maid replied with assumed
+innocence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ha!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was more like a shriek than a sob. I heard a hasty rustling of
+skirts, and then Sophia seemed to be kneeling beside me, and feeling
+for the beat of my heart.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go, Fauchette! Send Gregory instantly to M. Petrovitch to inform him
+that M. Sterling has been taken ill in my house, and that I fear he
+is dead.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess began loosening my necktie.</p>
+
+<p>Had Fauchette been present I should have been able to point to this
+as a proof that I was not incapable of an occasional oversight.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of fact, I had not anticipated this very <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>natural action
+on Sophia&#8217;s part. Yet it should have been evident that, were it only
+to keep up appearances before any one who might come to view my
+supposed corpse, she would be bound to free my neck.</p>
+
+<p>And I was wearing the locket which contained the portrait of my
+promised bride!</p>
+
+<p>I lay, really rigid with apprehension, while Sophia&#8217;s caressing
+fingers tenderly removed the necktie, and began unfastening my collar
+and shirt.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly I heard an ejaculation&mdash;at first striking the note of
+surprise and curiosity merely, but deepening to fear.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the locket was lifted from my chest, and forced open with
+a metallic click.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&mdash;Ah!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She let the open locket drop from her fingers on my bare throat.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly it was clutched up again. I could picture the frenzied gaze
+of jealousy and hate in those burning eyes of deepest violet; I could
+actually feel the passionate breathing from between the clenched
+teeth of whitest ivory.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Miserable child!&#8221; she hissed, the hand that held the locket
+trembling so that I could feel it against my neck. &#8220;So <i>you</i> have
+robbed me of him!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She paused, and then added, forcing out each word with a passion of
+distilled <span style="white-space: nowrap;">hate&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you shall never have him! He shall be mine! Mine! Mine, in the
+grave!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+
+<h3>A PERILOUS MOMENT</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; lay with every nerve strained to its utmost tension, listening for
+the least movement on the part of the maddened woman which might
+indicate she was about to stab me then and there.</p>
+
+<p>In the silence that followed, if she did not hear the beating of my
+heart it was only because her own stormy emotions had rendered her
+deaf and blind to everything else.</p>
+
+<p>For a time her rapid breathing continued to warm my uncovered neck.
+Then she snapped-to the locket and let it fall, and rose from my side
+to pace the floor of the room with swift, irregular steps.</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette, who must have been anxious to know how I was faring, now
+came back without waiting to be summoned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221; the Princess demanded, halting in her promenade.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gregory has gone for M. Petrovitch, Madame. Is there anything I can
+do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I have tried every restorative,&#8221; came the answer. &#8220;See if you can
+detect any signs of life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The last command seemed to come as an afterthought. No doubt, Sophia
+wished to test her work before Petrovitch arrived.</p>
+
+<p>I was encouraged to think that she had no immediate intention of
+killing me; and as the maid bent over me I contrived to give her hand
+a reassuring squeeze.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is quite dead, Madame,&#8221; the girl said, turning away. &#8220;Would you
+like to have the body carried into another room?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. Wait till M. Petrovitch comes,&#8221; her mistress replied. &#8220;You can
+go.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As my assistant withdrew I again became on the alert for any
+dangerous move on the part of the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long before I was conscious that the room had grown
+darker.</p>
+
+<p>I gathered that Sophia had switched off some of the lights in order
+to make it more difficult for Petrovitch to detect her fraud, and
+again I took courage.</p>
+
+<p>Some muttered words helped me to understand the plan of the desperate
+woman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will give him one chance. He shall choose. Men do not die for love
+in these days.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was little doubt that she intended to lock me up in her oratory
+and hold me a prisoner till <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>I consented to sacrifice my faith to her
+Japanese rival.</p>
+
+<p>Satisfied that there was little risk of any immediate violence, I
+waited calmly for the arrival of Sophia&#8217;s colleague, or master.</p>
+
+<p>The head of the Manchurian Syndicate lost no time on the way. Very
+soon I heard the door open and the familiar voice, with its slightly
+affected accent, saying,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Permit me to offer you the expression of my sincere regrets, dear
+Princess!&mdash;And my sincere congratulations,&#8221; he added in a more
+business-like tone, as the door closed again.</p>
+
+<p>A sigh was the only audible response.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It has cost you something, I can see,&#8221; the man&#8217;s voice resumed
+soothingly. &#8220;That fact gives you a still stronger claim on our
+gratitude. I confess I began to fear seriously that you were
+deceiving us, and that would have been very dangerous.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Another obscure sound, between a sigh and a sob, from the woman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now we can proceed with light hearts. Within three months from now
+Russia and Great Britain will be at war. I do not mind answering for
+it. There was only one man in Europe who could have prevented it, and
+he lies there!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You would have it so! I still say it would have been enough to
+imprison him somewhere.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You talk foolishly, believe me, Princess. A man like that is not to
+be imprisoned. There is no jailer in the world who would venture to
+undertake to keep the famous A. V. under lock and key.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I would have undertaken it,&#8221; came the answer. &#8220;I would have locked
+him in my oratory, the key of which never leaves my bosom.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nevertheless if it was important to that man to steal it from you,
+it would not remain in your bosom very long.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A startled cry interrupted the speaker, and told me that Sophia had
+made the fatal discovery of the loss of her key.</p>
+
+<p>I held my breath in the most dreadful suspense. Everything now
+depended on this woman. If she allowed the least hint, I knew that
+Petrovitch would never leave the room without at least an attempt to
+change my supposed trance into death.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately the Princess was equal to the emergency. I heard her give
+a slight laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am punished for my assurance,&#8221; she confessed. &#8220;I am not quite
+hardened, as you know; and when I realized that M. V&mdash;&mdash; was actually
+dead, I was obliged to pray for him. I have left the key in the
+door.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go and fetch it, then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The tone in which these words were spoken was harsh. I heard Sophia
+going out of the room, and in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>an instant, with a single bound, as it
+seemed, the man was leaning over me, feeling my pulse, listening for
+my heart, and testing whether I breathed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I had brought so much as a knife with me, I would have made
+sure,&#8221; I heard him mutter to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately Sophia&#8217;s absence did not last ten seconds. She must have
+snatched up the first key that came to hand, that of a jewel-box most
+likely, and hurried back with it.</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch seemed to turn away from me with reluctance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You doubt me, it appears,&#8221; came in angry tones from the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I doubt everybody,&#8221; was the cool rejoinder. &#8220;You were in love with
+this fellow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You think so? Then look at this.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I felt the locket being picked up, and heard the click of the tiny
+spring.</p>
+
+<p>A coarse laugh burst from the financier.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So that is it! Woman&#8217;s jealousy is safer than her sworn word, after
+all. Now I believe he <i>is</i> dead.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess made no reply.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the man spoke again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This must be kept a secret among ourselves, you understand. The
+truth is, I have exceeded my instructions a little. A certain
+personage only authorized detention. It appears he is like you in
+having a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>certain tenderness for this fellow&mdash;why, I can&#8217;t think. At
+any rate his manner was rather alarming when we hinted that a coffin
+made the safest straight-jacket.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible for me to doubt that it was the Kaiser whom this
+villain had insulted by offering to have me assassinated. I thanked
+Wilhelm II. silently for his chivalrous behavior. M. Petrovitch could
+have known little of the proud Hohenzollern whom he tempted.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time, it was a source of serious concern for me to know
+that, just as I had learned that my real opponent was my friend the
+Kaiser, so he in turn had acquired the knowledge that he had me
+against him.</p>
+
+<p>It had become a struggle, no longer in the dark, between the most
+resourceful of Continental sovereigns and myself, and that being so,
+I realized that I could not afford to rest long on my oars.</p>
+
+<p>From the deep breathing of the Princess, I surmised that she was
+choking down the rage she must have felt at the other&#8217;s cynical
+depravity. For Sophia, though capable of committing a murder out of
+jealousy perhaps, was yet incapable of killing for reward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; I heard Petrovitch say in the tone of one who is taking his
+leave, &#8220;I must send some one &#8217;round to remove our friend.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Do not trouble, if you please. I will see to the funeral,&#8221; came in
+icy tones from the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What, still sentimental! Be careful, my good Sophia Y&mdash;&mdash;, you will
+lose your value to us if you give way to such weaknesses.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I heard his steps move across the carpeted floor, and then with
+startling suddenness, the words came out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Curse me if I can believe he <i>is</i> dead!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>My blood ran cold. But it turned out to be only a passing
+exclamation. At the end of what seemed to me minutes&mdash;they can only
+have been seconds&mdash;the footsteps moved on, and the door opened and
+closed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank God!&#8221; burst from Sophia.</p>
+
+<p>Her next words were plainly an apostrophe to myself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you did not trust me after all!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was within an ace of opening my eyes on the supposition that she
+had found me out, when I was reassured by her adding, this time to
+herself,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He must have done it when I fainted!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw that she was referring to my theft of the key.</p>
+
+<p>There was a soft rustle of silk on the floor, and I felt her hands
+searching in my pockets for the stolen key.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fool! To think that I could outwit him!&#8221; she murmured to herself at
+last.</p>
+
+<p>She had taken some time to learn the lesson, however.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2>
+
+<h3>A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>t was soon evident that the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had taken her new maid
+into her confidence to a certain extent.</p>
+
+<p>She must have rung for Fauchette without my hearing anything, for
+presently the door opened again, and I heard my assistant&#8217;s voice.</p>
+
+<p>As the result of a hurried consultation between the two women, in
+which Fauchette played to perfection the part of a devoted maid who
+is only desirous to anticipate the wishes of her mistress, it was
+decided to wheel the sofa on which I lay into the oratory, and to
+bring the wax dummy into the Princess&#8217;s bedroom, to lie in state till
+the next day.</p>
+
+<p>The arrangement did not take long to carry out.</p>
+
+<p>Partly from what I was able to overhear, and partly from the report
+afterward furnished to me by Fauchette, I am able to relate
+succinctly what took place.</p>
+
+<p>To begin with, I was left in the oratory, while the counterfeit
+corpse was duly arranged in the adjoining room.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p><p>Unable to lock me in the smaller apartment, Sophia declared her
+intention of locking both the outer doors of the bedroom, one of
+which gave on a corridor, while the other, as the reader is aware,
+opened into the boudoir where the previous scene had taken place.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess retained one of these keys herself, entrusting the other
+to the maid, of course with the strictest injunctions as to its use.</p>
+
+<p>To keep up appearances before the household, the Princess arranged to
+pass the next few nights in another room on the same floor, which
+usually served as a guest chamber.</p>
+
+<p>It was explained to the servants that the death which had occurred
+had upset the nerves of their mistress, and rendered her own suite of
+rooms distasteful to her for the present.</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette, who thus became my jailer, brought me a supply of cold
+food and wine during the night. I had part of this provision under
+the altar of the oratory, to serve me during the following day.</p>
+
+<p>My cataleptic condition was supposed to endure for nearly twenty-four
+hours. The enforced seclusion was intensely irritating to a man of my
+temperament; but I could not evade it without revealing to Sophia
+that I had heard her confession, and thereby inflicting a deadly
+wound on a woman who loved me.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the arrangements for my funeral had been pressed on.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p><p>Already a telegram had appeared in the London papers announcing the
+sudden and unexpected death from heart-failure of the well-known
+English philanthropist, Mr. Melchisedak Sterling. One or two of the
+journals commented on the fact of Mr. Sterling&#8217;s death having taken
+place while he was on a mission of peace to the Russian capital, and
+expressed a hope that his death would have a chastening effect on the
+War Party in Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p>My friend, the editor of the Peace Review, very generously sent a
+wreath, which arrived too late for the funeral but was laid on my
+grave.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately these newspaper announcements were taken seriously by
+my exalted employers, as well as by the enemies whom I wished to
+deceive, but this could not be helped.</p>
+
+<p>By noon the undertaker&#8217;s men had arrived with my coffin. The Princess
+played upon their ignorance of English customs and burial rites to
+pretend that the work of coffining must be done by women&#8217;s hands. In
+this way she and Fauchette were able to enclose the dummy in its
+wooden shell, leaving to the men only the task of screwing down the
+lid.</p>
+
+<p>The burial took place in the English cemetery. I am glad to say that
+the Princess contrived to avoid the mockery of a religious service by
+alleging that Mr. Sterling had belonged to a peculiar sect&mdash;the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>Quakers, I fancy&mdash;which holds such ceremonies to be worldly and
+unnecessary.</p>
+
+<p>I may add that I have since visited my grave, which is still to be
+seen in a corner of the cemetery. It is marked by a stone slab with
+an inscription in English.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon the faithful Fauchette persuaded her mistress to go
+out for a drive, to soothe her over-strained nerves.</p>
+
+<p>Before quitting the house, the Princess came in to take a last look
+at me.</p>
+
+<p>She lingered minute after minute, as though with some premonition
+that our next meeting would be under widely different circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>To herself, I heard her whisper, sighing softly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Andreas! O Andreas! If I could sleep, or thou couldst never wake!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She crept away, and the better to secure me locked both the bedroom
+doors herself, and carried off the keys.</p>
+
+<p>On her return, two hours later, Sophia, with a look that told the
+watchful Fauchette of her uneasiness, hurried straight up-stairs,
+toward the door of the little oratory.</p>
+
+<p>She found it locked from the outside, with the key in the door.</p>
+
+<p>It had cost me something to break my pledge to the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;
+that I would give her my new address before leaving her.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p><p>But her unfortunate discovery of the portrait I wore around my neck
+and her plainly-declared intention to hold me a prisoner till she
+could shake my fidelity, had rendered it necessary for me to meet
+treachery with treachery.</p>
+
+<p>The secret service, it must always be borne in mind, has its own code
+of honor, differing on many points from that obtaining in other
+careers, but perhaps stricter on the whole.</p>
+
+<p>For instance, I can lay my hand on my heart and declare that I have
+never done either of two things which are done every day by men
+holding high offices and high places in the world&#8217;s esteem. I have
+never taken a secret commission. And I have never taken advantage of
+my political information to gamble in stocks.</p>
+
+<p>The manner of my escape was simplicity itself.</p>
+
+<p>My assistant had not come to live with the Princess without making
+some preparations for the part she was to play, and these included
+the bringing with her of a bunch of skeleton keys, fully equal to the
+work of opening any ordinary lock.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as her mistress was safely out of the way, Fauchette came to
+receive my instructions.</p>
+
+<p>I told her that I did not intend to wait for my jailer&#8217;s return. We
+discussed the best way for me to slip out, without obstruction from
+the servants, and I decided to take advantage of the superstition of
+the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>Russian illiterate class, by enacting the part of my own ghost.</p>
+
+<p>The report that I had been buried without any funeral service had
+already reached the household, and had prepared them for any
+supernatural manifestation.</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette first brought me a little powdered chalk, with which I
+smeared my face. I then put on a long flowing cloak and a sombrero
+hat, part of the wardrobe accumulated by the Princess in the course
+of her gaieties.</p>
+
+<p>I slipped a damp sponge into my pocket and directed the girl to lead
+the way.</p>
+
+<p>She went down-stairs a few yards in front of me, turned into the
+servants&#8217; part of the house and threw open the back door, which led
+out into a courtyard giving on a street used only by tradesmen&#8217;s
+carts. At this hour of the day it was deserted.</p>
+
+<p>I followed cautiously in Fauchette&#8217;s wake, and got as far as the back
+door without meeting any interruption.</p>
+
+<p>But at that point, the porter, who must have been roused by an
+unfamiliar step&mdash;though I understand he swore afterward that the
+passage of the ghost had been absolutely noiseless&mdash;came out and
+stood in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>Without hesitating for an instant I assumed an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>erect posture and
+advanced swiftly toward him with my whitened face well displayed.</p>
+
+<p>The fellow gave vent to a half-articulate call which died down in his
+throat, and bolted back into his room uttering yell after yell.</p>
+
+<p>Fifteen seconds later I was out in the street, sponging the chalk
+from my face.</p>
+
+<p>And five minutes after that I was comfortably seated in a hired
+droshky, on my way to a certain little house in the seafaring quarter
+of the city, which possessed, among other advantages, that of
+commanding an exceedingly fine view of the Admiralty Pier.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2>
+
+<h3>A SECRET EXECUTION</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; now come to a part of my chronicle which I plainly foresee must
+expose me to grave criticism.</p>
+
+<p>To that criticism it is no part of my purpose to attempt any reply.</p>
+
+<p>In the long run, I have found, men&#8217;s minds are not much affected by
+argument and advocacy. Facts tell their own story, and men&#8217;s
+judgments are usually the result of their personal prejudices.</p>
+
+<p>For that reason I shall confine myself to relating facts. I have
+already told the story of my murder&mdash;for such it was in the
+intent&mdash;by Petrovitch. I shall now tell the story of the justice
+meted out by me on the assassin.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I was safely lodged in my house on the Alexander Quay, I
+despatched my assistant, a clever young Frenchman named Breuil, with
+a message to the promoter of the Manchurian Syndicate&mdash;the real
+moving spirit of that War clique in which even the bellicose grand
+dukes had only secondary parts.</p>
+
+<p>The wording of the message had been carefully calculated to arouse
+curiosity, but not apprehension.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;The agent of a foreign Power,&#8221; Breuil was instructed to say to this
+self-styled patriot, &#8220;with very large funds at his disposal, desires
+to see you in strict secrecy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The bait took. Petrovitch, naturally concluding that he was to be
+offered a heavy bribe for some act of treachery to Russia, greedily
+accepted the invitation.</p>
+
+<p>The infatuated man did not take even the ordinary precaution of
+asking for guarantees. He consented to accompany Breuil at once,
+merely asking how far he had to go. This recklessness was the result
+of his supposed triumphant crime. Believing that I was safely
+interred in the English cemetery, he thought there was no one left
+for him to fear.</p>
+
+<p>On the way he did his best to extract some information out of my
+assistant. But Breuil returned the same answer to all his questions
+and hints:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am under orders not to converse with you, monsieur.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The doomed man was in good spirits as the droshky put him down at the
+door of my house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Decidedly an out-of-the-way retreat!&#8221; he commented gaily. &#8220;I should
+hardly be able to find my way here again without your assistance!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The silent Breuil merely bowed, as he proceeded to open the street
+door with a latch key.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps Petrovitch had been a little more nervous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>than he allowed to
+appear. When he noticed that his escort simply closed the door on the
+latch, without locking or bolting it further, he said in a tone of
+relief:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are not much afraid of being visited by the police, I see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil, as silent as ever, led the way into a back parlor,
+overlooking the Neva, where I was waiting to receive my visitor.</p>
+
+<p>The room was plainly furnished as a study, and I had placed myself in
+an arm-chair facing the window, so that my back was turned to the
+door as Petrovitch entered.</p>
+
+<p>I pretended to be writing furiously, as a pretext for not turning my
+head till the visitor had seated himself.</p>
+
+<p>Breuil said quietly, &#8220;M. Petrovitch is here,&#8221; and went out of the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>As the door closed I tossed away my pen and turned around, facing my
+assassin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am pleased to see you, M. Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I thought he would have lost his senses. His whole countenance
+changed. He clung to his chair, and his eyes were fixed on me with an
+expression of panic.</p>
+
+<p>So complete was his collapse that he did not attempt to speak or
+excuse himself. I saw that he was hardly in a condition to listen to
+anything I had to say.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I fear you are unwell, M. Petrovitch. Allow me to offer you a little
+brandy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The wretched man watched me with bewildered looks, as I took a bottle
+and glasses from a cupboard and helped first him and then myself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is quite wholesome, I assure you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As I said the words I raised my own glass to my lips and sipped.</p>
+
+<p>A choking cry escaped from the author of the war. He seized the glass
+I had set before him and feverishly drained it.</p>
+
+<p>I saw that he was burning to know by what means I had escaped the
+fate prepared for me. But I had no object in gratifying his
+curiosity, and mere boasting is not a weakness of mine.</p>
+
+<p>Steadfastly preserving the tone of a business interview between men
+who understand each other, I went on to say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am here, as you know, in the joint interests of England and
+Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>My murderer nodded faintly. I could see him making a tremendous
+effort to control his nerves, and enter into conversation with me on
+my own terms.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I should be glad of a little more brandy. Thank you!&mdash;I am
+not at all myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head compassionately.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You should be careful to avoid too much excitement,&#8221;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> I said. &#8220;Any
+sudden shock is bad for a man with your nerves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The promoter gasped. The situation was clearly beyond him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You,&#8221; I went on in my most matter-of-fact tone, &#8220;on the contrary,
+are acting on behalf of Germany.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who says so!&#8221; He was beginning to speak fiercely; but his eye met
+mine, and the words died on his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will say I dreamed it, if you like,&#8221; I responded drily. &#8220;I have
+very remarkable dreams sometimes, and learn a great deal from them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To confine ourselves to business. I have caused the sailing of this
+Baltic Fleet to be put off, <span style="white-space: nowrap;">because&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&mdash;have caused it!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The interruption burst from him in spite of himself.</p>
+
+<p>I affected to shrug my shoulders with a certain annoyance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your opinion of my powers does not seem to be a very high one,
+unfortunately,&#8221; I remarked with irony. &#8220;It would be better if you
+accepted me as a serious antagonist, believe me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch lowered his eyes in confusion, as he muttered,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I apologize, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;. I have blundered, as I now perceive.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Let us resume. I was about to say that I had prevented the sailing
+of this fleet, because I feared that its voyage might be marked by
+some incident likely to bring Great Britain and Russia into
+collision.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The financier raised his head and watched me keenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You, yourself, M. Petrovitch, have been active, I believe, in
+preparing the mind of the Czar and the Russian public for something
+of the sort. Doubtless you have not done so without very good
+grounds.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My information leads me to think that a flotilla of torpedo boats is
+being kept ready in the English ports for a night attack on our fleet
+during its progress through the North Sea.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I smiled disdainfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is a false report. I have asked you to call here in the hope
+that I might find you ready to assist me in discrediting it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian continued to watch me out of his narrow eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And, also,&#8221; I added, &#8220;to assist me in preventing any attempt to give
+color to it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am not sure that I understand you, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is quite possible. I will speak more plainly. There are some
+prophets who take a little trouble to make their prophesies come
+true. I wish to know whether you and your friends have determined
+that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>this particular prophesy shall come true&mdash;perhaps to fulfill it
+yourselves?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch frowned and compressed his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So that is why you got me here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wished to see,&#8221; I said blandly, &#8220;if it was possible for me to
+offer you terms which might induce you to alter your views
+altogether&mdash;in short, to stop the war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The financier looked thunderstruck.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;, you don&#8217;t know what you ask! But you&mdash;would a
+million rubles tempt you to come over, to be neutral, even?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am a member, by adoption, of the imperial family of Japan,&#8221; I
+replied laconically.</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch was past surprise. If I had informed him that I was the
+Mikado in disguise, I think he would have taken it as a matter of
+course.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This war is worth ten millions to me,&#8221; he confessed hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head with resignation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The price is too high. We must be enemies, not friends, I perceive.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The author of the war, who had regained his self-possession, did not
+blanch at these words.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I regret it,&#8221; he said with a courteous inclination.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have reason to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He gave me a questioning glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Up to the present I have been on the defensive,&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>I explained. &#8220;I
+dislike violent measures. But from this moment I shall hold myself at
+liberty to use them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid I have gone rather too far,&#8221; the promoter hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have drugged me. You have robbed me. You have murdered me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are alive, however,&#8221; he ventured to retort with an impudent
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Unfortunately,&#8221; I went on sternly, &#8220;in murdering me you exceeded
+your instructions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I dreamed that I heard you tell your accomplice so,&#8221; I put in,
+without giving him a chance to speak.</p>
+
+<p>He ceased to meet my gaze.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are therefore not even a political criminal. You are a common
+felon. As such I warn you that I shall execute you without notice,
+and without reprieve.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian scowled fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will see about that,&#8221; he blustered. &#8220;I have a loaded revolver in
+my pocket.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I waved my hand scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Undeceive yourself, George Petrovitch. I am not proposing a duel. I
+cannot be expected to fight with a condemned murderer. I sentence you
+to death&mdash;and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By what right?&#8221; he demanded furiously.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am accredited by the Emperor of Japan to the Emperor of Russia.
+This house is Japanese soil. Farewell!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch rose from his chair, wavering between indignation and
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall defend myself!&#8221; he exclaimed, edging slowly toward the door.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will do better to confess yourself. Is there no prayer that you
+wish to say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian smiled incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You seem very confident,&#8221; he sneered.</p>
+
+<p>I saw that it was useless to try to rouse him to a sense of his
+peril. I pointed to the door, and pressed a knob on the wall.</p>
+
+<p>The murderer made two steps from me, laid his fingers on the
+door-handle&mdash;and dropped dead instantly.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h2>
+
+<h3>A CHANGE OF IDENTITY</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; now approach the crucial portion of my narrative.</p>
+
+<p>The incidents already dealt with, though not without a certain
+interest, perhaps, for those who value exact information about
+political events, are comparatively unimportant, and have been given
+here chiefly in order to inspire confidence in what follows.</p>
+
+<p>At all events, their truth is not likely to be disputed, and I have
+not thought it necessary, therefore, to insist on every corroborative
+detail.</p>
+
+<p>But I am now about to enter on what must be considered debatable
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>I had taken the little house on the Alexander Quay, as the reader
+will have guessed, as a post of observation from which to watch the
+proceedings of the Russian Ministry of Marine, more particularly with
+regard to the fleet under the command of Admiral Rojestvensky.</p>
+
+<p>It is my subsequent observations and discoveries which compel me,
+greatly to my regret, to give a direct contradiction to the gallant
+Admiral&#8217;s version of what <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>took place in the North Sea on the night
+of Trafalgar Day, 1904.</p>
+
+<p>It is for that reason that I desire to exercise particular care in
+this part of my statement.</p>
+
+<p>Such care is the more incumbent on me, inasmuch as I was requested by
+the British Government to furnish a confidential copy of my evidence
+in advance, for the use of the members of the international court
+which sat in Paris to inquire into this most mysterious affair.</p>
+
+<p>The following chapters should be read, therefore, as the sworn
+depositions of a witness, and not as the carelessly worded account of
+a journalist or popular historian.</p>
+
+<p>The electrocution of the murderer, Petrovitch, already described,
+furnished me with a valuable opportunity which I was quick to seize.</p>
+
+<p>I have not extenuated this act, and I will not defend it. I content
+myself with recording that this man had been the principal instrument
+in promoting the Russo-Japanese war, and the principal obstacle to
+peace. In this he was acting as the paid agent of a foreign Power,
+and was therefore guilty of high treason to his own country. On these
+grounds my execution of him, although irregular at the time, has
+since been formally ratified by the highest tribunal of the Russian
+Empire, the Imperial Council of State.</p>
+
+<p>A justification which I value still more, consists in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>the fact that
+the removal of this man proved the turning point in the history of
+the war.</p>
+
+<p>Within a month of his death I had the satisfaction to be made the
+medium of an informal overture for peace. The negotiations thus
+opened have proceeded with great secrecy, but before these lines meet
+the public eye, I have every hope that the calamitous struggle in
+Manchuria will have been suspended indefinitely.</p>
+
+<p>To return:</p>
+
+<p>Owing to the secret life led by the deceased man, it was some time
+before his absence from his usual haunts excited remark.</p>
+
+<p>When it became evident that something must have happened to him,
+people were still slow to suspect that he had come to a violent end.
+Many persons believed that he had been ruined by the ill-success of
+the war, and had gone into hiding from his creditors. Others supposed
+that he had been secretly arrested.</p>
+
+<p>Some of his fellow-plotters in the Russian capital imagined that he
+had fled to Germany to escape the penalty of his treason. In Germany,
+on the other hand, I afterward learned, he was supposed to have been
+sent to Siberia by order of the Czar.</p>
+
+<p>For weeks the &#8220;Disappearance of M. Petrovitch&#8221; was the general topic
+of discussion in the newspapers and in private circles; but no one
+came near guessing the truth.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p><p>There was one person who must have divined from the first what had
+happened. But she held her tongue.</p>
+
+<p>So far as I could gather from the reports which continued to reach me
+from Fauchette, the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;</span> had sunk into a lethargy after my
+evasion. She seemed to wish only to be left alone to brood, perhaps
+to mourn.</p>
+
+<p>The only sign she gave was by depositing a wreath on the empty grave
+in the English cemetery, a wreath which bore the solitary word,
+&#8220;Remembrance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile I had gratifying evidence that the loss of the chief
+conspirator had completely disorganized the schemes of the plotters
+in the Ministry of Marine.</p>
+
+<p>My first proceeding, after disconnecting the powerful battery which I
+had installed in my house for the purpose of the execution, was to
+summon my assistant Breuil.</p>
+
+<p>With his aid, the corpse was stripped and sewn up in a sheet,
+together with some heavy weights. In the middle of the night it was
+committed to the waters of the Neva, almost within sight and sound of
+the fleet.</p>
+
+<p>The papers which we found in his clothes were not numerous or
+important. But there was one which I thought worth preserving.</p>
+
+<p>It was a passport, made out in the name of the deceased, issued by
+the Russian Foreign Office, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>vis&eacute;d by the German Ambassador. This
+passport I still have in my possession.</p>
+
+<p>I now disclosed to my assistant a plan which had been in my own mind
+for some time, though, true to my principle of never making an
+unnecessary confidence, I had not previously mentioned it to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have decided,&#8221; I told him, &#8220;to assume the personality of
+Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil stared at me in consternation. It is only fair to say that he
+had not been with me very long.</p>
+
+<p>I could see that some objection was trembling on the tip of his
+tongue. He had learned, however, that I expect my staff not to
+criticize, but to obey.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You may speak,&#8221; I said indulgently, &#8220;if you have anything to say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was about to remark, sir, that you are not in the least like
+Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Think again,&#8221; I said mildly.</p>
+
+<p>He gave me an intelligent look.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are much about the same height!&#8221; he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But his friends, who see him every day&mdash;surely they cannot be
+deceived? And then his business&mdash;his correspondence&mdash;but perhaps you
+are able to feign handwriting?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I smiled. The good Breuil had passed from one <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>extreme to the other.
+Instead of doubting me, he was crediting me too much.</p>
+
+<p>I proceeded to explain.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, as you very properly suggest, I could not hope to deceive
+Petrovitch&#8217;s friends, nor can I imitate his hand. But remember, that
+in a few days Petrovitch will have disappeared. What will have become
+of him, do you suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil was still puzzled. I had to make my meaning still plainer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He will be in concealment&mdash;that is to say, in disguise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil threw up his hands in a gesture of admiration.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As the disguised Petrovitch I may manage to pass very well, more
+particularly as I shall be meeting people who have never seen the
+real Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil did not quite understand this last observation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am going,&#8221; I exclaimed, &#8220;on board the Baltic Fleet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sir, you are magnificent!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I frowned down his enthusiasm. Compliments are compliments only when
+they come from those who pay us, not from those whom we pay.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go and procure me the uniform of a superintendent of naval stores.
+And ascertain for me where <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>Captain Vassileffsky usually passes his
+evenings.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Vassileffsky was the naval officer who had been present on
+the occasion when I was drugged at Petrovitch&#8217;s table.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI</h2>
+
+<h3>TRAPPED</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he clock was striking eight as I entered the restaurant of the
+Two-Headed Eagle, in the seaport of Revel on the Gulf of Finland,
+about a week after the mysterious disappearance of Petrovitch had
+become the talk of Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p>Picking out a table at which an officer in the uniform of a Russian
+naval captain was already seated, I went up to it, and sat down in
+front of him with the formal bow prescribed by etiquette in the
+circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>The ships intended to sail to the relief of Port Arthur were lying at
+this time some at Revel and others at Libau on the Baltic. From time
+to time their departure was officially announced for a certain date,
+reviews were held, and one or two preliminary trips had been
+undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>But each time some unseen obstacle was interposed, and M. Auguste
+continued to draw his weekly stipend.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless it was beginning to be evident that the game of see-saw
+could not go on forever. Autumn <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>was approaching, the nation was
+becoming impatient, and the scoffs of the foreign press were severely
+galling the naval pride of Russia.</p>
+
+<p>I had picked up a certain amount of information in the capital
+itself, where a great number of the officers were on leave. But I
+wished to get in direct touch with the one man who, I believed, was
+most likely to be in the confidence of Petrovitch, and, finding there
+was no chance of his coming to Petersburg, I had been obliged to make
+the journey to Revel.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky acknowledged my bow with cordiality, at the same time
+fixing his dark, wicked eyes on me with a look which I well
+understood.</p>
+
+<p>I was wearing the uniform which I had ordered my assistant to provide
+me with, and the Captain had been quick to take note of it.</p>
+
+<p>It may be said that the most valuable part of a naval officer&#8217;s
+income in Russia is derived from the peculation of government stores.
+To carry on this lucrative system of plunder there is always a good
+understanding between officials of the Stores Department and the
+combatant officers.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Vassileffsky now studied my face like a man expecting to
+receive some proposal of the kind. I, on my side, made it my business
+to say as little as possible to him till dinner was over.</p>
+
+<p>Then I called for a magnum of champagne, and invited my companion to
+fill a tumbler.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p><p>He did so readily enough, and I gave him the toast,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To the Emperor who wishes us well!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky started, and gave me a penetrating look.</p>
+
+<p>He did not venture to put a question to me, however, and contented
+himself with drinking the toast in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Determined not to say anything as long as the Captain remained sober,
+I plied him with champagne in increasing quantities, while taking as
+little as possible myself.</p>
+
+<p>On his side Vassileffsky was equally reserved. He saw, of course,
+that I had a special object in courting his friendship, and was
+cunning enough to let me make the first advance.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I thought the wine had had time to confuse his faculties,
+I leaned forward and whispered,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve got something to say to you about Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Captain looked at me eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know where he is?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not so loud. Yes. He has had to disguise himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I spoke in a muffled tone, which Vassileffsky imitated in his
+response.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is he? I want to see him very badly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know. He wants to see you. He is here in Revel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;In Revel! Isn&#8217;t that dangerous?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be if he weren&#8217;t so well disguised. You, yourself, wouldn&#8217;t
+know him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky looked incredulous.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I bet I should.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Done with you! What in?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A dozen magnums.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pay for them, then. <i>I&#8217;m Petrovitch.</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Captain started, shook himself, and peered drunkenly into my
+face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Read that then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew out the passport, and spread it before him. The Russian
+spelled his way through it, and nodded solemnly at the end.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, that&#8217;s all right. You must be Petrovitch, I suppose. But you
+don&#8217;t look like him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Didn&#8217;t I tell you I was disguised. I had to clear out in a hurry.
+Some one&#8217;s been denouncing me to Nicholas.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky looked frightened. His eye sought the door, as though he
+no longer felt at ease in my company.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You needn&#8217;t be afraid,&#8221; I assured him. &#8220;No one suspects you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what do you want?&#8221; he asked sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want you to take me on board your ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>An angry frown crossed his face.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You want me to hide you from the police!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nonsense. The police are all right. They want me to get away. They
+could have put their hands on me long ago if they had wanted to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then why have you come here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I told you. I want to have a talk with you about our plans.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The plan is all right. But I want to know when we&#8217;re to sail.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m doing all I can. It&#8217;s only a question of weeks now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky looked hard at me again, bent across the table, and
+whispered a word which I failed to understand.</p>
+
+<p>Something in his face warned me that it was a password. I recovered
+myself from my momentary confusion and smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The word&#8217;s changed,&#8221; I said with an air of authority. &#8220;It&#8217;s <i>North
+Sea</i> and <i>Canal</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian seemed satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; he said, stumbling to his feet, &#8220;if we&#8217;re going on board we&#8217;d
+better go.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t forget the magnums,&#8221; I put in, as I rose in my turn.</p>
+
+<p>The reckoning was settled, and the champagne ordered to follow us
+down to the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky nearly lost his footing as we got out into the fresh
+air, and caught hold of my arm.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll have to lead me,&#8221; he said, speaking thickly. &#8220;Straight along
+the street, and down the first turning on the quay.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>We walked along, arm-in-arm, my companion appearing to become more
+helpless every minute.</p>
+
+<p>As we emerged from the narrow lane which conducted us to the
+waterside, the lights of the harbor burst into view. There on the
+tide lay a long line of stately battleships, cruisers and dark,
+low-lying torpedo boats, their riding lights flashing and twinkling
+in a thousand reflections on the waves.</p>
+
+<p>A drunken hail from the Captain was responded to by a respectful hail
+from a Russian petty officer, who was lounging at the head of some
+stone steps.</p>
+
+<p>He came forward and assisted his commanding officer down and into the
+launch which waited below. I followed, and the bottles of champagne
+were handed in afterward.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky seized the tiller with more energy than he had seemed
+capable of, and headed the launch for a great battleship, the
+<i>Beresina</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes we were alongside. A smart landing stage and ladder
+brought us up on to the deck, and as soon as our feet touched it,
+Captain Vassileffsky, suddenly drawing himself up, said in distinct
+and sober tones,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Consider yourself under arrest, if you please&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was a prisoner on board a Russian man-of-war!</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BALTIC FLEET</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcf.jpg" title="F" height="70" width="69" alt="F" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">F</span>ortunately I am accustomed to face emergencies without losing my
+presence of mind.</p>
+
+<p>The manner of Vassileffsky had prepared me for some display of
+suspicion on his part, though I hardly anticipated his procedure
+would be so theatrical.</p>
+
+<p>Fixing him with my sternest look, I responded,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Captain Vassileffsky, I do not think you quite understand what you
+are doing. I will talk to you in the morning, when you are more
+yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He drew back, considerably disconcerted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well, I will listen to what you have to say in the morning. In
+the meantime you will be under a guard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders with a disdainful smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Be good enough to let me see my quarters,&#8221; I said.</p>
+
+<p>More and more abashed, the Captain summoned one of his officers, and
+gave him some instructions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Follow me, sir,&#8221; said the lieutenant. I walked after him with
+perfect self-possession.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I do not wish to make a fuss to-night, as Captain Vassileffsky is
+not himself,&#8221; I said haughtily, as we drew out of hearing. &#8220;But you
+will understand that unless I receive an apology in the morning, I
+shall complain to his majesty the Czar, by whose orders I am here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant looked badly frightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is not my fault, as you can see, sir. I am only obeying orders.
+Will you accept my own berth for the night, sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I thanked him and entered a small, comfortably-fitted state-room.
+With profuse apologies, he turned the key and left me to my own
+reflections.</p>
+
+<p>I slept soundly, rocked by the tide of the Finland Gulf.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning my jailer came to wake me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Captain Vassileffsky presents his compliments, and asks you to
+breakfast with him in his cabin, in half an hour.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This message was a welcome proof to me that my bluff had produced the
+desired effect. I accepted the invitation as if it was a matter of
+course.</p>
+
+<p>I dressed, and went to the cabin where Vassileffsky awaited me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are we friends or foes this morning?&#8221; I called out with a
+good-humored laugh, as I greeted him.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian looked dull and nervous.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I hope all will be well,&#8221; he muttered. &#8220;Let us have something to eat
+before we talk.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He might have said, something to drink, for his own breakfast was
+mainly of champagne. I, myself, made a point of eating heartily, and
+drank only coffee.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, Vassileffsky,&#8221; I said in authoritative tones, &#8220;to business.
+First of all, you want some money.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was a guess, but a fairly safe one. Without waiting for the
+astonished man to reply, I took out my pocket-book.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How much can you do with till the fleet sails?&#8221; I asked, still in
+the same matter-of-fact tone.</p>
+
+<p>Fairly nonplussed, the Captain blurted out,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should like two thousand.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can let you have only a thousand now, but you shall have the
+balance this day week.&#8221; I counted the thousand rubles, and handed
+them to him. &#8220;They are grumbling, rather, in Berlin over the
+expense.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was, of course, my object to give Vassileffsky no opening for a
+cross-examination, but to take it for granted that we were on
+confidential terms.</p>
+
+<p>At the word &#8220;Berlin&#8221; he opened his eyes pretty wide.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Does this money come from Germany?&#8221; he exclaimed, half-withdrawing
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p><p>I affected surprise in my turn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have not received any information at all, apparently! My message
+must have miscarried. Didn&#8217;t the Princess see you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky looked still more surprised. His demeanor taught me a
+good deal. I saw that Petrovitch had not trusted him very far. The
+financier had evidently kept all the threads of the intrigue in his
+own hands, as far as possible.</p>
+
+<p>So much the better, I reflected. His removal would disorganize
+matters even more thoroughly than I had ventured to hope.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What Princess?&#8221; the Captain asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, of course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He brightened up a little, as though this name, at all events, was
+familiar.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, she has not been here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One can never trust these women,&#8221; I muttered aloud. &#8220;She has not
+been at all the same since the death of her Englishman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of Sterling, do you mean?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes. You heard of it, I suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky grinned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Rather sudden, wasn&#8217;t it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I smiled meaningly, as I retorted,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You remember he fainted rather unexpectedly that night he dined with
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A look of relief broke out on Vassileffsky&#8217;s face, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>I thus
+referred to an incident which he naturally supposed could be known
+only to Petrovitch.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My dear fellow, I beg a thousand pardons for my stupid conduct last
+night,&#8221; he burst out. &#8220;But you must admit that your disguise is
+extraordinary.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not a word!&#8221; I returned. &#8220;It is always better to err on the side of
+distrust. Besides, I wished to spend a night on your ship in any
+case. Your crew can be thoroughly depended on, if I am any judge.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They would bombard the Tower of London, if I gave the word,&#8221; boasted
+Vassileffsky.</p>
+
+<p>It is extraordinary how widely the belief prevails on the Continent
+of Europe that the London Tower is still a fortress, charged with the
+protection of the British capital.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At all events, they will not be frightened by the sight of the Union
+Jack?&#8221; I returned.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian officer gave me an alarmed glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You do not mean&mdash;you are not asking us to fire on the British
+fleet?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no,&#8221; I reassured him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, that is all right. For the moment I confess you frightened me.
+They say we shall have to pass Admiral Beresford!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are you prepared to do?&#8221; I asked, concealing my deep interest
+in the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky&#8217;s manner became slightly reproachful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You did not bargain with me to attack an armed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>ship,&#8221; he said in
+the tone of one who reminds another of his agreement. &#8220;It was
+understood that we were to attack merchantmen, like the
+Vladivostockers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At last I had a direct confirmation of my suspicions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what is the tone of the fleet generally?&#8221; I inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have done my best to make them all of the same mind. They will do
+their best, depend on it. I think there will be a few English vessels
+mysteriously lost at sea during the next two or three months! The
+prize courts cannot always be depended on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>By an effort I restrained my indignation at these atrocious hints.
+The Baltic Fleet was about to seek the open sea, secretly intending
+to miss no chance of sinking a British merchantman that should be
+unlucky enough to cross its path.</p>
+
+<p>It was with a feeling of chagrin that I perceived it would be useless
+to send any message to Lord Bedale of what was in preparation. On
+certain subjects the British people are deaf and blind. They believe
+that all foreign statesmen are as high-minded as a Gladstone, and all
+foreign officials as scrupulous and truthful as the Chevalier Bayard
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Vassileffsky continued,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Our men are badly scared by reports of the Japanese plans. It is
+supposed that they have torpedo<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> boats lurking in the English ports.
+Hull is said to be full of them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, Hull?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky gave me a wink.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hull is the great fishing center. Whole fleets of traders come out
+from there to the fishing banks in the North Sea. We are going to
+stir them up a bit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The outlines of the plot became every moment more clear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On what pretext?&#8221; I asked.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian answered me without noticing that I was not so well
+informed as himself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, we shall find pretexts enough, you bet. For one thing, we shall
+signal them to clear out of the way, and when they have their trawl
+nets down and can&#8217;t move! That will be lively. There will be a
+collision or two, I shouldn&#8217;t wonder.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But isn&#8217;t that against the rule of the road?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Though not a seaman, I had always heard that a vessel in motion is
+bound to avoid one that is at rest. I knew, moreover, that a
+steamship was bound to make way for a sailing vessel.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky cursed the rule of the road.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will be a question of evidence,&#8221; he exclaimed. &#8220;My word against a
+dirty fisherman&#8217;s. What do you say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I pretended to be thoroughly satisfied. Still, knowing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> what I did of
+the Russian character, I had some hope that the Captain was boasting
+in order to impress me, and that he would not really dare to run down
+a British vessel within reach of the shores of England.</p>
+
+<p>Our conversation was interrupted by a gun.</p>
+
+<p>As the report died away, a junior officer ran down the companionway,
+helter-skelter, and burst into the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Something&#8217;s up, sir,&#8221; he cried to his commander. &#8220;They are signaling
+from the Admiral&#8217;s ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky darted up the steps and on to the bridge, and I
+followed.</p>
+
+<p>The Baltic fleet presented a striking spectacle. Every vessel was
+busily reporting the signals from the flag ship, the launches were
+dashing to and fro, and there was every sign of bustle and activity.</p>
+
+<p>The signal officer read out Admiral Rojestvensky&#8217;s order:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The fleet will proceed to Libau to-day <i>en route</i> to the East.
+Anchors will be weighed at noon. By order of the Czar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste had failed me at last!</p>
+
+<p>With the frightful boasts of Vassileffsky still ringing in my ears, I
+felt that I must make one effort to stay its departure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This news compels me to return to Petersburg immediately,&#8221; I told
+the Captain. &#8220;Have the goodness to put me ashore at once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p><p>For a moment or two the Russian made no answer. I glanced at him
+curiously.</p>
+
+<p>His face had gone suddenly livid. His limbs were trembling. He gave
+me the dull look of a man stupefied by fear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Japanese!&#8221; he ejaculated in a thick voice.</p>
+
+<p>I seized him by the arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you pretending?&#8221; I whispered.</p>
+
+<p>He gave me a savage glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s true!&#8221; he said. &#8220;Those devils will be up to something. It&#8217;s all
+over with the fleet. No one believes we shall ever see Port Arthur.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Grave and pre-occupied, I went ashore and caught a fast train to
+Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p>It was late when I got to the little house on the Alexander Quay. The
+faithful Breuil received me with a serious face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fauchette is here,&#8221; he announced.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fauchette?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes. She has some news for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let me see her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I strode in front to my study, where I was immediately joined by the
+maid, who appeared not a little alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>I never like to see my assistants agitated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sit down, my good girl,&#8221; I said soothingly. &#8220;Do not be afraid; I
+know what pains you take to serve me. Now, what is it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Madame has dismissed me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I had feared as much.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On what grounds?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She gave none, except that she was leaving home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I pricked up my ears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Did she tell you where she was going?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, to her estates in the country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was a lie, I suppose. She had come to suspect you, had she not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Since Monsieur&#8217;s escape, I fear yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And have you ascertained&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess has left Petersburg by the midday train for&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For?&#8221; I broke in impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I rang the bell. Breuil appeared.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you got the tickets?&#8221; I asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And my dress as a pilot of the Kiel Canal?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is packed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what time does the next train leave?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In two hours from now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good. And now, my children, we will have supper.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>ON THE TRACK</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>s the really exciting moment of the protracted struggle drew near, I
+summoned all my energies to meet it.</p>
+
+<p>I alighted in Berlin armed only with two weapons, the passport made
+out in the name of Petrovitch, and a fairly accurate knowledge of the
+schemes, or at all events the hopes, of the German Government.</p>
+
+<p>From the first beginning of my long investigation, all the clues I
+had picked up had led steadily in one direction.</p>
+
+<p>The great disorganized Empire of the Czar&#8217;s, with its feeble-willed
+autocrat, its insubordinate grand dukes, its rival ministers pulling
+different ways, and its greedy officials whose country was their
+pocket, had been silently and steadily enfolded in the invisible web
+of German statecraft.</p>
+
+<p>The brilliant personality of Wilhelm II had magnetized the
+vacillating, timorous Nicholas. Count B&uuml;low had courted the Russian
+Foreign Office with the assiduous arts of a lover, and his wooing had
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>been crowned by complete success. Through Petrovitch the grand dukes
+had been indirectly bribed, and the smaller fry like M. Auguste had
+been bought outright. Even the Army and Navy had been cajoled, or
+bought, or terrorized by pretended revelations of Japanese designs.</p>
+
+<p>Russia had become a supple implement in the hands of the German
+Kaiser, the sovereign who for nearly twenty years had been striving
+toward one goal by a hundred different crooked paths.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that the unexplained disappearance of Petrovitch must
+have struck consternation into his employers. I suspected that the
+Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had been summoned to Berlin to throw light on the
+event, and possibly to be furnished with instructions which would
+enable her to take over the dead man&#8217;s work.</p>
+
+<p>My position was now peculiarly difficult. I wished to get in touch
+with the principals for whom Petrovitch had acted, but to avoid, if
+possible, meeting any one who had known him personally.</p>
+
+<p>Above all, I was determined not to risk an encounter with Sophia. She
+knew that I was still alive, and I feared that her feminine
+intuition, quickened by love, would penetrate through whatever
+disguise I might adopt.</p>
+
+<p>Under these circumstances I decided to begin by approaching Herr
+Finkelstein, the head of the imperial Secret Service in Berlin.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p><p>This man was an old crony of mine. While a magnificent organizer of
+espionage, he was a poor observer himself, and I had already
+succeeded on one occasion in imposing myself on him under a false
+identity.</p>
+
+<p>I had brought with me the papers which I had obtained by bribery from
+the police agent Rostoy, representing me as an inspector in the
+secret police of the Russian Empire.</p>
+
+<p>Wearing my pilot&#8217;s dress, but carrying these and other papers in my
+pocket, I presented myself at Finkelstein&#8217;s office, and asked to see
+him.</p>
+
+<p>I was shown in first, as I had expected, to Finkelstein&#8217;s secretary,
+who asked me my business.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can tell that only to the Herr Superintendent himself,&#8221; I said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you will let him know that I have just come from Petersburg, I am
+sure he will receive me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The secretary seemed to think so too. He went straight into his
+chief&#8217;s room and came out immediately to fetch me in.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I found myself alone with the head of the German service,
+I said quietly,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have brought you a message from M. Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Petrovitch!&#8221; exclaimed the Superintendent, surprised out of his
+usual caution. &#8220;But he is dead!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have been misinformed,&#8221; I replied in an assured tone.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p><p>Finkelstein looked at me searchingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My informant does not often make mistakes,&#8221; he observed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess is deceived this time, however,&#8221; was my retort.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fresh surprise for the Superintendent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess! Then you know?&#8221; He broke off short, conscious that he
+was making an admission.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; having left Petersburg, it was natural to suppose
+that she had come here to consult you,&#8221; I answered modestly, not
+wishing to appear too well informed.</p>
+
+<p>Finkelstein frowned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have not yet told me who you are,&#8221; he reminded me.</p>
+
+<p>I produced the forged papers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am an inspector attached to the Third Section, as you will see. I
+must inform you, however, that I am not here with the knowledge of my
+superiors.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The German gave a glance at the papers, which were similar to others
+which he must have had presented to him from time to time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is all satisfactory,&#8221; he said, as he returned them to me. &#8220;But
+you say that you have a message from M. Petrovitch?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He had no opportunity of giving me any but this,&#8221; I responded,
+producing the passport.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p><p>This time Finkelstein seemed really satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is clear that you know something about him, at least,&#8221; he
+remarked. &#8220;I will listen to what you have to say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;M. Petrovitch is confined in Schl&uuml;sselburg.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The name of the dreaded fortress, the last home of so many political
+prisoners, caused Finkelstein a shock.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Gott im Himmel!</i> You don&#8217;t say so! How did he get there? Tell me
+everything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He does not know from what quarter the blow came. The only person he
+can think of who might have denounced him is the Princess herself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The German looked incredulous.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But they were hand in glove. The Princess was his best agent.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;True. Unfortunately there is always one source of danger where a
+woman is concerned&mdash;she cannot control her affections. It appears
+that M. Petrovitch ordered her to remove a certain Englishman, a spy
+of some kind, who was giving trouble, and Madame Y&mdash;&mdash; was attached
+to the fellow. She carried out her orders, but M. Petrovitch fears
+that she has taken revenge on him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Finkelstein gave a superior smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can dispose of that suspicion,&#8221; he said confidently.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> &#8220;The
+Princess did <i>not</i> carry out her orders. The man you speak of&mdash;who is
+the most dangerous and unprincipled scoundrel in the world&mdash;has
+escaped, and we have lost all trace of him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was my turn to show surprise and alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you tell me is appalling! I ought to see the Princess as soon
+as possible. If what she says is true, it must be the Englishman who
+has brought about Petrovitch&#8217;s arrest.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is no Englishman,&#8221; the Superintendent returned. &#8220;He is an
+American, a Pole, a Frenchman, whatever you please. That man has been
+at the bottom of all the troubles in Europe for the last twenty
+years. I have employed him myself, sometimes, so I ought to know
+something about him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I listened with an interest that was not feigned to this character of
+myself. It was, all the same, a lie that Finkelstein had ever
+employed me; on the contrary, I had been called in by his imperial
+master to check his work.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then what is to be done?&#8221; I asked, as the German finished speaking.
+&#8220;M. Petrovitch sent me here to warn you against the Princess, and to
+demand your influence to secure his release.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will be a difficult matter. I shall have to consult the
+Minister. In the meantime, where can I find you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I mentioned the name of a hotel.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;? Where can I see her?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect that she has left for Kiel,&#8221; said the Superintendent. &#8220;She
+has volunteered to carry out the plan originally proposed by
+Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then in that case you will not require my services?&#8221; I said, with an
+air of being disappointed. &#8220;M. Petrovitch thought you might find me
+useful in his place.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must consult others before I can say anything as to that,&#8221; was the
+cautious reply.</p>
+
+<p>He added rather grudgingly,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I did not know M. Petrovitch myself, you see. It was thought better
+that he should not come to Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This statement relieved me of a great anxiety. I now saw my way to
+take a bolder line.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So I understood, sir. But I did not venture to approach his majesty
+except through you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Finkelstein started again, and gave me a new look of curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who authorized you to mention the Emperor?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I tried to play the part of a man who has made an unintentional slip.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I spoke too quickly. Petrovitch informed me&mdash;that is to say, I
+supposed&mdash;&#8221; I broke down in feigned confusion.</p>
+
+<p>I knew inquisitiveness to be the Superintendent&#8217;s <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>besetting sin,
+and, up to a certain point, I had an interest in tempting him on.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You appear to be more in the confidence of M. Petrovitch than you
+are willing to admit,&#8221; he said sagely. &#8220;Up to the present you have
+not explained how he came to make you his messenger.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I leaned back with a faint smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I imagine you are quite astute enough to guess my secret, if you
+choose, Herr Finkelstein. But you must excuse me if I am a little
+careful whom I trust, especially after the behavior of Princess
+<span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are M. Petrovitch himself! Of course! I thought as much all
+along,&#8221; Finkelstein said with a smile of triumph. &#8220;Well, you are
+certainly right to be cautious; but, as you see, it is not easy to
+deceive an old hand like myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At all events you will be at least equally cautious, I hope. What
+you tell me about this international spy being still at large has
+disturbed me a good deal, I confess.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Make your mind easy,&#8221; the German returned with a patronizing air.
+&#8220;We are in Berlin here, not in Petersburg. This gentleman will not
+venture within my reach, I assure you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I professed every satisfaction with this guarantee, and took my
+leave.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX</h2>
+
+<h3>AN IMPERIAL FANATIC</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; was now to face Wilhelm II.</p>
+
+<p>It was solely for this purpose that I had come to Berlin. But I knew
+the great advantage of getting myself vouched for in advance by a
+third party, and therefore I had been anxious to convince Finkelstein
+of my identity in the first place, so that his master might accept me
+without inquiry as to whether I was the man I claimed to be.</p>
+
+<p>I dined quietly in my hotel, a small tavern in a back street. It was
+getting late, and I was on the point of going to bed, when I heard
+the noise of a motor rushing up and stopping suddenly outside the
+little inn.</p>
+
+<p>An aide-de-camp burst in upon me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your name, sir?&#8221; he demanded in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Petrovitch,&#8221; I replied in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come this way, if you please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In less than a minute I was seated in the car, which was dashing at a
+really dangerous pace through the nearly deserted streets.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am taking you to Potsdam,&#8221; was all the explanation my companion
+thought necessary.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take us long to reach the famous palace of Frederick the
+Great, which the growth of Berlin has almost turned into a suburban
+residence.</p>
+
+<p>My conductor brought me past all the sentries and servants, and led
+me down some steps into what seemed to be a subterranean hall. It was
+decorated with statues and paintings of the ancestors of Wilhelm II.,
+together with weapons, suits of armor, and banners of the successive
+periods in which they lived.</p>
+
+<p>But the most striking object in the hall or crypt&mdash;for it might have
+been either&mdash;was a trophy erected on a species of altar at one end,
+exhibiting a variety of crowns.</p>
+
+<p>At the foot were a number of small coronets, representing those worn
+by the former Margraves of Brandenburg, in whom the Hohenzollern
+family took its rise. Above were ranged the crowns of the Kings of
+Prussia, that of Frederick the Great being in the center. Still
+higher rose the three imperial crowns of Germany, those of William
+I., Frederick III., and the present Emperor. And then, right on the
+summit, came a still more gorgeous object, whose like I had never
+seen before.</p>
+
+<p>It was a colossal miter, somewhat after the fashion of the Papal
+tiara, wrought out of pure gold, thickly studded with great pearls,
+and surmounted by a cross.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p><p>But I had barely time to notice this singular display. As my guide
+left me on the threshold of the hall, I was aware that I stood in the
+presence of the German Emperor.</p>
+
+<p>This extraordinary monarch, whose great and far-reaching views are
+combined with a type of extravagance which has long made him looked
+upon as the <i>enfant terrible</i> of Europe, was about to teach me a new
+side of his character.</p>
+
+<p>He received me seated in a small ivory chair like a throne, and
+attired in a garment of pontifical design.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Advance, M. Petrovitch,&#8221; he commanded in a loud voice.</p>
+
+<p>As I stood in front of him, he said theatrically,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I receive you in the Hall of the Hohenzollerns. You see around you
+the sacred memorials of the family which Providence has raised up to
+be the saviors of Europe, and the future rulers of the world.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In response to this invitation I took a longer and more comprehensive
+view of the various objects already described. The Kaiser
+condescended to point some of them out to me with a long two-handed
+sword which he held.</p>
+
+<p>I began to suspect seriously that the megalomania which has always
+formed one of Wilhelm&#8217;s characteristic traits, was overpowering his
+good sense.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;M. Petrovitch,&#8221; my august cicerone proceeded, &#8220;you see there the
+crowns which have been won and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>worn by my illustrious and
+never-to-be-forgotten ancestors. Can you guess the meaning of the
+diadem above&mdash;which I have designed myself?</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That,&#8221; declared the last and most remarkable of the Hohenzollerns,
+&#8220;is intended to be worn by that member of my Family who shall be
+called by the united voice of the other sovereigns to the supreme
+world monarchy. It is destined to be our Planetary Crown.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed in stupefaction. The Kaiser seemed pleased with the
+impression he had made.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; he said, &#8220;since it is necessary that I should be sure of
+you before I trust you with my plans, kneel down.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I knelt, feeling as if I were in a dream. Wilhelm II. solemnly held
+out the hilt of his two-handed sword:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You swear to yield faith, loyalty and utter obedience now and
+henceforth to Almighty God, and the Head of the Hohenzollerns!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It being impossible to refuse the oath in the circumstances, I kissed
+the sword, with a mental reservation.</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. surprised me by thereupon laying it across my shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I dub thee knight of the Sacred Order of the Hohenzollerns! Arise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I got up, thoroughly confused. The Emperor invited<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> me to be seated,
+and proceeded to deliver a harangue&mdash;for it was nothing less.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bismarck had not sufficient genius to see the destiny of the
+Hohenzollerns. With the vision of a mere German Junker, he looked on
+Russia as the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is I who have changed all that. I have taught the Czar to look to
+me for guidance and protection. Should the present revolutionary
+movement become dangerous, I shall march at the head of my army to
+the rescue, and reinstate the Romanoffs as my vassals.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The only obstacle in the path of the Hohenzollerns is an island
+which two of my Army Corps could subdue in a fortnight. But in order
+to invade it with safety, I must have France on my side.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is for this end that I have been working. France cherishes a
+grudge against me because of the glorious exploits of my immortal
+grandfather. Moreover, my uncle, Edward VII., has contrived to win
+the friendship of the Republicans.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But France is the ally of Russia, and if Russia is attacked, France
+must draw the sword on her behalf.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You understand?&mdash;with the first shot which is fired by a British
+warship on the Russian flag, I shall be able to invade England.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I understood indeed. Briefly and plainly Wilhelm II. had summed up
+the result of my own inquiries and reasonings.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It is you,&#8221; the Emperor proceeded, &#8220;who have undertaken to secure
+this result.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed, intensely desirous to know exactly what it was that
+Petrovitch had pledged himself to do.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have just rewarded you for the services you have already rendered,
+by admitting you to my Family Order, an order which I intend shall
+take precedence of the Golden Fleece, and even the Garter. Should you
+carry out your present task to my satisfaction I shall consider no
+reward too great for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I trembled as I listened to this wild vaporing. If such were the
+private thoughts of the Kaiser, no wonder some of his public
+utterances smacked of the visionary.</p>
+
+<p>I could not doubt that he was thoroughly in earnest. Long brooding on
+the greatness of his ancestors, and his own importance as the sole
+European ruler who has kings for his satellites, had filled him with
+the fanatical spirit of a Mohammed or a Hildebrand. He believed,
+firmly and sincerely believed, that Providence had called him to the
+sovereignty of the globe, and authorized him to sweep every rival out
+of his path.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty overwhelms me,&#8221; I murmured. &#8220;Consider, sire, that to be
+your servant is in itself an honor so great that no other reward is
+necessary.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser smiled graciously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, now, M. <i>de</i> Petrovitch&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; his majesty emphasized<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> the
+particle by way of reminding me that I was now a knight of the
+important Order of Hohenzollern&mdash;&#8220;let us discuss your next step.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I seized the opportunity to obtain the information I was so anxious
+to secure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should feel it presumptuous to enter into anything like a
+discussion with you, sire. If your majesty will be gracious enough to
+impart your criticism on my proposal?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. looked at me as though he found me to be a person of much
+good sense.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your idea, my dear de Petrovitch, as I understand it, is to provoke
+the British to reprisals by some outrage on the part of the Baltic
+Fleet during its passage to the Far East.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Unfortunately, as you must see, the British are determined not to be
+provoked. Remember what has been done already. You have captured and
+sunk their ships, in violation of international law; you have sent
+out volunteer cruisers from the Black Sea in defiance of treaties,
+and turned back their mail steamers with government stores on board.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What has been the result? The English Government has complained to
+yours; the Czar has ordered explanations to be given, and the thing
+has blown over.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This time there must be something more than that. There must be
+something which cannot be explained away. We must if possible place
+Nicholas <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>II., as well as Great Britain, in a position from which
+neither can retreat without loss of honor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To this end it is necessary that the Baltic Fleet should commit an
+act of war, and that the Czar should be convinced that the
+provocation has come from the English side. Do you understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I recalled the hints dropped by Captain Vassileffsky at Revel.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty has been informed perhaps that I have caused the
+officers and men of the Fleet to believe that they will find Japanese
+torpedo boats lying in wait for them among the English fishing
+vessels in the North Sea. In consequence, they will be ready to fire
+without waiting to see if the torpedo boats are really there,
+especially if the fishermen fail to retire as the Fleet approaches.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All that is leaving too much to chance, my good de Petrovitch. What
+is required is something more positive. In short, the torpedo boats
+must really be there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I lifted my eyes to his.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is not a Japanese torpedo boat within ten thousand miles of
+the North Sea, unfortunately.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. smiled a meaning smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If that is all, we must so far forget the duties of neutrality as to
+allow the friends of Japan to procure a craft suitable for the
+purpose from our dockyard at Kiel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STOLEN SUBMARINE</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>s the full extent of this audacious plot was laid bare before my
+eyes I had a difficulty in believing in its reality.</p>
+
+<p>I was obliged to remind myself of some of the maneuvres which have
+marked German statecraft in the recent past, of the forgeries and
+&#8220;reinsurance&#8221; treaties of Bismarck, of the patronage extended to
+Abdul Hamid, of the secret intrigue that brought about the disasters
+of Greece.</p>
+
+<p>If I had had any scepticism left, the Emperor would have dispelled it
+by the clear and business-like explanations which followed.</p>
+
+<p>His majesty produced a chart of the North Sea, showing the coasts of
+Great Britain and Germany, with the Kiel Canal and so forth. Half-way
+between the opposite shores a dotted outline marked the situation of
+the great shoals which attract the fish, and from which the harvests
+of the sea are gathered by the brave and industrious toilers of
+Grimsby, Hull, and many another port.</p>
+
+<p>From the northern point of Denmark, two lines in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>red ink were drawn
+right down the map to where the North Sea narrows into the Straits of
+Dover.</p>
+
+<p>The first of these lines was fairly direct, passing about thirty
+miles to the eastward of the great fishing grounds.</p>
+
+<p>The second line took a wide curve to the west, and crossed right over
+the center of a shoal marked &#8220;Dogger Bank.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser proceeded to explain.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is a duplicate of the charts used by the pilots of the North
+Sea. I have offered my brother Nicholas as a special favor the
+services of German pilots, and they will board the vessels of the
+Baltic Fleet as soon as it leaves Danish waters.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As you see, the right course would take the fleet a long way off the
+English fishing-boats. But the pilots who go on board will receive
+secret orders at the last moment to take the Russian ships over the
+Dogger Bank, and, if possible, into the very midst of any fishing
+fleet that may be there.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then all that is required is that you should be on the spot, and
+should fire the first shot from the midst of the fishing-boats.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I endeavored to preserve a calm demeanor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;May I suggest to your majesty that the presence of a torpedo boat
+among them is likely to arouse suspicion beforehand. The English
+sailors have keen eyes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I have thought of that. It will be necessary for you to have a
+submarine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A submarine, sire!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly. I have had six submarine torpedo boats built by my own
+designs at Kiel since this war broke out, for use in defending the
+approaches to the Canal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;These boats are now lying in the inner harbor, all fitted out and
+ready for sea.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will take one, with a crew of your own, whom you must enlist
+secretly, and slip out through the Canal into the North Sea.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will proceed, keeping under the surface, till you reach the
+Dogger Bank, and find yourself among the trawl nets of the English
+fishermen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There you will wait till such time as the Russian ships come up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As soon as the right moment has arrived, you will rise to the
+surface and discharge a torpedo. As soon as you have drawn the fire
+of the Russians, and have seen an English fishing-boat struck, you
+can go beneath the surface again, and make the best of your way back
+to Kiel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your plan is perfection itself, sire!&#8221; I exclaimed with an
+admiration which was not wholly pretended, since the idea really was
+not lacking in cleverness.</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser nodded good-humoredly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Russians will never be persuaded they were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span>not attacked first,
+and the English will never pass over such an outrage in their own
+waters,&#8221; his majesty remarked complacently. &#8220;Lord Charles Beresford
+will do the rest.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am ready to carry out your orders, sire. All I require is an
+authority to take the submarine from Kiel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser frowned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you had any authority from me for anything you have done up to
+the present, sir?&#8221; he demanded harshly.</p>
+
+<p>As an answer in the negative was clearly expected, I gave it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Understand me, M. de Petrovitch, I repose every confidence in you;
+but I should not have held this conversation with any man, even my
+Chancellor, if I thought it could ever be used against me. If I gave
+you the authority you ask for, I should not be able to deny that I
+had ever employed you, in case of trouble.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you propose, sire&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I intend you to take this vessel secretly, without authority from me
+or from any one else.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And if I am caught in the act of taking it? If any of the naval
+authorities question my movements?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will not be caught. Your movements will not be questioned. I can
+assure you of so much.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I thank you, sire. That is quite sufficient.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I retired from the imperial presence, though not, as I have had some
+reason to suspect, from the imperial observation. In other words, I
+felt pretty well convinced that there would be a watch on my
+movements till my task was over.</p>
+
+<p>The same aide-de-camp awaited me outside the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, and carried me back to my obscure hotel with the same
+speed and silence as he had brought me.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning I arose to find the papers filled with the news of
+the departure of the Baltic Fleet from Libau.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian Admiral, as if in obedience to the secret promptings of
+Berlin, was reported as having issued a preposterous and illegal
+warning that he should fire on any ship of any nation that presumed
+to venture within reach of his guns. I could not help wondering what
+would be thought of this proclamation in the British Admiralty.</p>
+
+<p>There being no more for me to do in Berlin, I took the first train to
+Kiel, the Portsmouth of Germany. Kiel itself, it will be remembered,
+stands at the Baltic end of the famous canal which the present Kaiser
+has had constructed for his warships to pass out to the North Sea
+without going around Denmark.</p>
+
+<p>It was late when I arrived, but I determined to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>lose no time in
+seeing how far the secret orders of the Kaiser extended.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, as soon as I had dined, I went out and took my way
+toward the government dockyard.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance to the dockyard was guarded by a sentry with fixed
+bayonet. Behind him I saw a large iron gate which appeared to be
+heavily barred, with a small postern at one side, which was also
+closed.</p>
+
+<p>I advanced toward the sentry, expecting every moment to hear a
+challenge ring out. To my genuine astonishment, nothing of the kind
+occurred. The sentry did not pay the slightest attention to me, but
+went on pacing to and fro as though I had been wearing a cap of
+invisibility.</p>
+
+<p>I went up to the postern door, and tried the handle. It opened at a
+touch, and I found myself alone in the deserted dockyard.</p>
+
+<p>For some time I groped my way forward by the light of the few
+scattered electric lights, till I reached the edge of a large basin
+which appeared to communicate with the outer harbor of Kiel.</p>
+
+<p>Turning the opposite way, I went along the edge of the wharf, picking
+my way among timber balks, stacks of iron sheeting, chains, ropes,
+and all the other things that are found scattered about a naval
+dockyard.</p>
+
+<p>At the head of the great basin I found a lock giving access to a
+small inner dock, in which a number of vessels were moored.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p><p>I made my way around, searching everywhere for the vessels I had been
+told I should find.</p>
+
+<p>At last, in the farthest and most secluded corner, I perceived a row
+of small craft, shaped much like a shark, with a long narrow tube or
+funnel rising up from the center of each.</p>
+
+<p>They lay low in the water, without being submerged. Alone among the
+shipping they carried no riding-lights. They appeared dark, silent,
+and deserted.</p>
+
+<p>Almost unconsciously I ran my eye along them, counting them as they
+lay. Suddenly I was aroused to keen attention.</p>
+
+<p>One&mdash;two&mdash;three&mdash;four&mdash;five. The Kaiser had assured me that I should
+find six submarines to choose from!</p>
+
+<p>I counted once more with straining eyes.</p>
+
+<p><i>One</i>&mdash;<i>two</i>&mdash;<i>three</i>&mdash;<i>four</i>&mdash;<i>five</i>.</p>
+
+<p>One of the mysterious craft had been taken away!</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE KIEL CANAL</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>t was impossible to resist the conclusion suggested by the absence
+of the sixth submarine.</p>
+
+<p>I was not the only person who had been authorized, or rather
+instructed, to carry out the design against the Baltic Fleet. My
+august employer had thought it better to have two strings to his bow.</p>
+
+<p>Who, then, was the person by whom I had been anticipated?</p>
+
+<p>To this question an answer suggested itself which I was tempted to
+reject, but which haunted me, and would not be dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had arrived in Berlin twelve hours before me. She
+had come, fully believing that Petrovitch was dead, and prepared to
+take his place.</p>
+
+<p>She had interviewed Finkelstein, as I knew. Was it not possible that
+she, also, had been received in the crypt at Potsdam, had been shown
+the chart of the North Sea, with its ominous red lines, and had
+accepted the task of launching one of the submarines on its fatal
+errand?</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p><p>In spite of all the stories which had been told me of Sophia&#8217;s daring
+and resource, in spite of my own experiences of her adventures and
+reckless proceedings, I did not go so far as to credit her with
+having proceeded to sea in the missing craft.</p>
+
+<p>But it struck me as altogether in keeping with her character that she
+should have arranged for the withdrawal of the boat, provided it with
+a crew, and despatched it fully instructed as to the work to be done.</p>
+
+<p>But whether these suspicions were well founded or otherwise, of one
+thing there could be no doubt. A submarine had been taken by some
+one, and was now on its way to the North Sea, to lie in wait for the
+ships of Admiral Rojestvensky.</p>
+
+<p>This discovery entirely changed the position for me.</p>
+
+<p>I had come down to Kiel intending to take a submarine out to sea, to
+watch for the approach of the Russian fleet, and to take whatever
+steps proved practicable to avert any collision between it and the
+fishing-boats on the Dogger Bank.</p>
+
+<p>I now saw that the chance of my preventing a catastrophe depended
+entirely on the movements of the boat which had left already. This
+boat had become my objective, to use a strategical phrase.</p>
+
+<p>Somewhere in the North Sea was a submarine boat, charged with the
+mission of provoking a world-wide war. And that boat I had to find.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p><p>There was no time to be lost. I hastened back by the most direct way
+I could find, to the dockyard gates. The little postern was still
+unlocked, and I passed out, the sentry again taking no notice of my
+passage.</p>
+
+<p>But at the first street corner I saw a man in seafaring dress who
+fixed a very keen gaze on me as I came up, and saluted me by touching
+his cap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-night,&#8221; I said in a friendly voice, slowing down in my walk.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-night, sir. Beg pardon, Captain,&#8221;&mdash;he came and moved along
+beside me&mdash;&#8220;but you don&#8217;t happen to know of a job for a seafaring
+man, I suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I stopped dead, and looked him straight in the eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How many men do you estimate are required to navigate a submarine?&#8221;
+I asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fifteen,&#8221; was the prompt answer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How soon can you have them here?&#8221; was my next question.</p>
+
+<p>The fellow glanced at his watch.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s half-past eleven now, Captain. I could collect them and bring
+them here by half-past one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do it, then,&#8221; I returned and walked swiftly away.</p>
+
+<p>The whole thing, it was evident, had been prearranged, and I did not
+choose to waste time in mock negotiations.</p>
+
+<p>I went back to my inn to wait, but there was nothing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>for me to do,
+except examine the cartridges in my revolver. I was not quite sure
+how much my crew had been told, and I thought it just possible that I
+might have some trouble with them when they found out the nature of
+my proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>Punctually at the hour fixed I returned to the street outside the
+dockyard, where I found fifteen men assembled.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing over them, I formed the opinion that they were picked men,
+on whom I could have relied thoroughly for the work I had been
+ordered to do, but who might be all the more likely to mutiny if they
+suspected that I was playing false.</p>
+
+<p>I stood in front of them in the silence of the street.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, my men, if there is any one of you who is not prepared to obey
+me, even if I order him to scuttle the ship, let him fall out before
+we start.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Not a man stirred. Not an eyelash quivered. The German discipline had
+done its work.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I give you notice that the first man who hesitates to carry out my
+orders will be shot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The threat was received with perfect resignation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Follow me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I turned on my heel, and led the way to the dockyard gates, the men
+marching after me with a regular tramp which could only have been
+acquired on the deck of a man-of-war.</p>
+
+<p>The sentry was, if possible, more indifferent to our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>approach than
+he had been when I had been alone. I threw open the wicket, and bade
+the last man close it.</p>
+
+<p>Then we marched in the same order to the place where the five
+submarines were moored.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am going on board one of these boats,&#8221; I announced. &#8220;Find
+something to take us off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man whom I had engaged originally, taking on himself the part of
+mate, repeated my directions. A large whale-boat was found tied up in
+a convenient spot beside the wharf.</p>
+
+<p>We all got in, and I took the tiller. The mate, who answered to the
+Russian name of Orloff, though the only language I heard him speak
+was German, said nothing till I brought the whale-boat alongside of
+the nearest submarine.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I beg pardon, Captain, but I have a fancy that the boat at the far
+end is in better trim, if you have no choice.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why didn&#8217;t you tell me so at once?&#8221; I returned sharply, not too well
+pleased to find him so well informed.</p>
+
+<p>We boarded the submarine pointed out, and found it, of course,
+provided with everything necessary for an immediate departure,
+including provisions for a week.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You understand the navigation of the Canal, I suppose?&#8221; I inquired
+of Orloff.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I do, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very good. Take the boat through. And ascertain all that you can
+about another submarine which must have passed through yesterday.
+Wake me if you hear or see anything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I lay down in the captain&#8217;s berth and tried to sleep. But the
+excitement and, I may say, the romantic interest of the adventure
+proved too strong for me.</p>
+
+<p>I rose again, and came to where my deputy was seated, carefully
+conning the boat out of the dockyard basin into the Baltic end of the
+great Canal.</p>
+
+<p>We were already submerged, only the tip of our conning staff being
+out of the water. But by an ingenious system of tiny mirrors the
+steersman was able to see his way as plainly as if he had been on
+deck above the surface.</p>
+
+<p>On approaching the lock by which the basin opened into the Canal, no
+signal appeared to be given. Silently, as if of their own accord, the
+huge sluices opened and shut, and we glided out into the great
+waterway which has made the German Navy independent of Danish
+good-will.</p>
+
+<p>The voyage along the Kiel Canal in the silence of the night was
+deeply interesting, and were I not obliged to restrict myself
+severely to the naked outline of such facts as bear directly on the
+catastrophe, I should like to attempt a description of the weird and
+picturesque scene.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p><p>Keeping steadily just under the surface, we proceeded swiftly past
+ports and villages and lonely wharves, till the stars paled and
+disappeared and a faint flush overspreading the sky in front warned
+us that day was breaking behind us.</p>
+
+<p>I searched the banks for anything resembling the craft of which I was
+in search, but in vain. We passed many other ships, chiefly
+merchantmen bound for Lubeck and Dantzig and other Baltic ports, but
+of course without being perceived ourselves.</p>
+
+<p>When we reached the mouth of the Canal, I ordered Orloff to stop.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must go ashore here, and inquire about the other boat,&#8221; I
+explained.</p>
+
+<p>I saw from the expression of his face that this step was not quite to
+his liking, but he did not venture on any remonstrance.</p>
+
+<p>He brought the boat alongside the bank, and raised her gently to the
+surface, to enable me to step on shore.</p>
+
+<p>But my quest proved useless, as perhaps I ought to have foreseen.</p>
+
+<p>The harbor-master, or port captain, to whom I addressed myself,
+affected the most entire ignorance of the exit of any submarine
+within the last week or more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you suggest is impossible,&#8221; he assured me. &#8220;Every submarine is
+well known and carefully guarded, and if one had been permitted to
+leave Kiel <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span>by way of the Canal, I should have been notified in
+advance. No such notification has reached me, and therefore, as you
+will see, no such boat can possibly have left.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I suspected that he was lying, but I thought it unsafe to persist.</p>
+
+<p>It occurred to me too late that I had been guilty of some imprudence
+in showing so much anxiety on the subject. It was only too probable
+that my inquiries would be reported to the Kaiser, who would draw his
+own inferences in the event of anything going wrong.</p>
+
+<p>I returned on board my own boat, saying nothing to Orloff, and gave
+the order to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>Orloff had handed over the wheel to one of his subordinates, who
+steered the submarine out into the blue waters of the North Sea.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as we were well out of reach of the Slesvig shore, I said to
+the steersman,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now I will take the helm.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Instead of promptly relinquishing it to me, the man turned his head
+in search of Orloff, saying at the same time,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you understand the course, sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw that if I meant to be master of the vessel, I must prove that
+my words of the night before were spoken in earnest. I drew my
+revolver, and put a bullet through the mutineer&#8217;s head.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DOGGER BANK</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he sound of the explosion reverberated through the little craft like
+thunder. Orloff and half a dozen more men came rushing up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This man disobeyed me,&#8221; I said, quietly, slipping a fresh cartridge
+into the smoking chamber of my revolver. &#8220;Throw the body overboard,
+and return to your duties.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>What instructions Orloff and his men had received it was impossible
+for me to guess. But they clearly did not authorize any breach of
+discipline at this stage of the voyage.</p>
+
+<p>Without the slightest demur they lifted up the body, and carried it
+off. I had learned the way to manage the submarine by watching Orloff
+during the night, and I now pressed a lever which brought us swiftly
+to the surface. There was a sound of trampling feet overhead,
+followed by a splash, and I saw the mutineer&#8217;s body drift past.</p>
+
+<p>It would be idle to seek for words in which to describe the
+overpowering anxiety which racked my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>nerves as we tore through the
+water. The peace of Europe, the safety of Japan and Great Britain,
+perhaps the future of the world, might be at stake.</p>
+
+<p>Everything depended on my finding the other submarine before it had
+launched its bolt against the great war fleet which was even now
+steaming through the Danish Belts, officered by men, some of whom I
+knew to be ready to take advantage of any pretext for outraging the
+peace of the seas.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take me long to decide that the neighborhood of the Dogger
+Bank was the most likely place, in fact the only place, for my
+search.</p>
+
+<p>I am not wholly unskilled in navigation, having given up a good deal
+of my spare time to yachting. With the aid of a chart which was on
+board, I had little difficulty in keeping a fairly straight course
+for the famous fishing ground.</p>
+
+<p>On the way I did not neglect the opportunity of acquiring a complete
+command over the movements of the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>It was driven by electricity, and so designed that by means of
+various knobs, one man could control it entirely, steering it,
+raising or lowering it in the water, increasing or slackening speed,
+stopping, backing, and even discharging the torpedo which was its
+only weapon of attack&mdash;with the exception of a small sharp ram at the
+bow.</p>
+
+<p>Having asserted my authority, and acquired the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>practical knowledge I
+needed, I at last called Orloff to me, and gave him the wheel.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take me to the Dogger Bank. Warn me as soon as we get near any
+fishing-boats, and above all keep a careful lookout for our consort.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was by this name that I thought it most prudent to refer to the
+object of my search.</p>
+
+<p>Orloff took the wheel, and said immediately with an air of great
+respect,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have laid a marvelously straight course, Captain. I was not
+aware that you were familiar with these waters. The Dogger Bank is
+right ahead, and we shall reach it in less than an hour.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>An hour later I was conscious of a light shock as the submarine
+stopped.</p>
+
+<p>We had grounded on the sandy shoal of the Dogger, in twenty fathoms
+of water, and overhead I could see great black shadows sweeping
+slowly past.</p>
+
+<p>They were cast by the trawlers of the Gamecock fleet.</p>
+
+<p>It being still daylight I did not venture to let the submarine show
+itself on the surface of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Hugging the bottom, I steered in and out among the great trailing
+nets of the fisher fleet.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time I ordered my crew to keep a sharp watch for the
+first submarine, promising fifty marks<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> to the man who sighted her.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p><p>The rest of that day passed without anything happening.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as darkness fell I brought my boat up to the surface, partly
+in order to renew the air supply, and partly to scan the horizon in
+search of the oncoming Russian fleet.</p>
+
+<p>But thanks to the promptness with which I had gone out to sea I had
+anticipated Rojestvensky by twenty-four hours. The Baltic Fleet was
+still in Danish waters, waiting to pick up the German pilots who were
+to lure it from its course.</p>
+
+<p>Finding there were no signs of the Russians, I submerged the
+submarine, all except the little conning tube, which was invisible in
+the darkness, and ran in among the English smacks.</p>
+
+<p>As I heard the brave, hardy fishermen talking to one another, the
+temptation was a strong one to disclose myself, and warn them of the
+coming peril.</p>
+
+<p>Only my experience of the uselessness of such warnings restrained me.
+I knew that these simple, law-abiding citizens would laugh me in the
+face if I told them that they were in danger from the warships of a
+foreign Power.</p>
+
+<p>As my unseen vessel glided softly past the side of one fishing-boat,
+whose name I could just make as the <i>Crane</i>, I overheard a few scraps
+of conversation, which threw a pathetic light on the situation.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;We shall have the Rooshians coming along presently,&#8221; said one voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; answered another, &#8220;they won&#8217;t come anywhere near us. &#8217;Tis out
+of their course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They do say the Rooshians don&#8217;t know much about seamanship,&#8221; a third
+voice spoke out. &#8220;Like as not we&#8217;ll see their search-lights going
+by.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, if they come near enough, we&#8217;ll give the beggars a cheer; what
+d&#8217;ye say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Aye, let&#8217;s. Fair play&#8217;s what I wishes &#8217;em, and let the best man
+win.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The words died away along the water, as I drew off and let my craft
+sink under once again.</p>
+
+<p>That night I slept soundly, making up for the vigil of the night
+before. The submarine rested on the sea floor, in a hollow of the
+undulating Bank, and one of the crew kept watch in case a &#8220;trawl&#8221;
+should come too close.</p>
+
+<p>But there was no sign of the mysterious companion which had come out
+of Kiel Harbor in front of me, and was even now prowling somewhere in
+the dark depths around.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII</h2>
+
+<h3>TRAFALGAR DAY</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>n the morning I was conscious of a certain stir and display on board
+some of the fishing boats among which I continued to lurk.</p>
+
+<p>At first I supposed that the Baltic Fleet must have been sighted. But
+in the course of the day I gathered from various cries and shouts
+which were borne across the water, that the fishermen were keeping
+the anniversary of the most glorious day in the history of England,
+the day on which the immortal Nelson annihilated the united fleets of
+France and Spain, and shattered the dream of the great Napoleon that
+he could tame the haughty Island Power.</p>
+
+<p>As long as daylight lasted I scoured the sea for a distance of five
+miles all around the devoted fishing fleet, without coming on the
+slightest trace of the other submarine.</p>
+
+<p>A delusive hope assailed me that some accident might have overtaken
+it. But I did not relax my vigilance, and when night fell I took up a
+station <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>about a mile in front of the English smacks, in the
+direction from which I had reason to expect the approach of
+Rojestvensky.</p>
+
+<p>A few hours elapsed, then my watchfulness was rewarded.</p>
+
+<p>Away down on the horizon toward the northeast, there glittered out a
+row of twinkling lights, one behind the other, as though a lamp-lit
+thoroughfare had got afloat and drifted out to sea.</p>
+
+<p>The sinuous streak of lights, shifting as they approached like the
+coils of some great water-snake, glided toward us at what seemed a
+fearful speed, and as they drew near the white lights were
+interspread with green and crimson points, like rubies and emeralds
+set between rows of diamonds. And ever and anon the swift electric
+tongues of the search-lights spat forth and licked the dark face of
+the waters like hungry things.</p>
+
+<p>Keeping my upper deck just awash, I lay still and beheld at last the
+great black sides of the battleships tower up, pierced with
+illuminated windows.</p>
+
+<p>My heart began to throb wildly. If only the other submarine failed to
+appear; if only the English fishermen would realize their danger and
+flee in time, disaster might be averted.</p>
+
+<p>The hope had scarcely formed itself in my mind when Orloff, who had
+come to repose confidence in me, respectfully touched my arm and
+pointed ahead.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p><p>Not two hundred yards from me, stealing along about a mile in advance
+of the Russian fleet, I perceived a small dark object, showing hardly
+a foot above the surface of the waves.</p>
+
+<p>It was the rival submarine!</p>
+
+<p>Instead of proceeding direct to the Dogger Bank, as I had done, the
+other boat must have joined Admiral Rojestvensky&#8217;s squadron, and come
+on before it like a jackal pointing out the lion&#8217;s prey.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go forward,&#8221; I commanded the German mate. &#8220;Let no one disturb me
+till this business is over.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Orloff gave me a wondering look, but obeyed without an instant&#8217;s
+hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as his back was turned, I swung the wheel around, put on the
+full power of the engines, and went after the craft I had been
+searching for during the last forty-eight hours.</p>
+
+<p>Had the commander of the other submarine noticed mine, and did he
+suspect my intention to frustrate his design? It almost seemed so.
+His boat, scarcely visible in the gloom, fled in front of me to where
+the foremost fishing boats were riding lazily over the shoals,
+dragging their nets along the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>It was a weird chase. Neither of us showed a glint of light, or made
+the smallest sound. Like two great shadowing fish we darted through
+the depths of the sea, hunter and hunted.</p>
+
+<p>In between the sagging nets with their load of cod <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>and flounders,
+shot the phantom boat I was pursuing, and I followed, obliged to
+slacken speed as we twisted in and out under the keels of the
+unconscious fishermen.</p>
+
+<p>And all this time the huge warships in two lines astern were plunging
+through the seas, heading straight for the unfortunate smacks.</p>
+
+<p>The chase seemed to be aware that it was a case of now or never. I
+was catching up with it fast; I was able to mark its course by the
+broken water churned up by its propeller; when, all at once, I saw it
+rise with the swift motion of a bird.</p>
+
+<p>I had no alternative but to do the same.</p>
+
+<p>As I emerged upon the surface I found my boat in the very center of
+the full glare of a search-light which lit up the whole scene with
+dazzling radiance.</p>
+
+<p>Fresh from the depths below, where all had been dark, my eyes fairly
+blinked in the sudden splendor of light.</p>
+
+<p>Then, for what might have been from three to five seconds, I saw
+everything that passed.</p>
+
+<p>The foremost vessels of the Russian fleet had already gone past the
+group of drifting trawlers. One large cruiser was passing within a
+stone&#8217;s-throw of the nearest fishing-boat, and the English fishermen
+were playfully holding up some of their freshly-caught fish, as
+though offering it to the Russian sailors.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p><p>Another line of warships was coming up behind, with its search-lights
+thrown out in front.</p>
+
+<p>And then, right across the range of lights, and in a straight line
+between the Russian battleships and the English smacks, I saw the
+phantom torpedo boat pass deliberately, as high out of the water as
+she could show.</p>
+
+<p>What happened next took place so swiftly, and with such confusion
+that I cannot pretend to describe it with accuracy.</p>
+
+<p>Shouts rang out on some of the Russian ships, the submarine headed
+around as though to seek refuge among the trawlers, and then a gun
+was fired, and a cannon-ball struck the water within a few feet of
+me.</p>
+
+<p>All at once, it seemed to me, and as though by some preconcerted
+plan, half the ships of the Baltic Fleet opened fire on the English
+fishermen, who seemed too surprised and horrified to do anything. I
+saw ball after ball crash into one luckless smack, which quickly
+began to fill and sink. But, generally speaking, the marksmanship of
+the Russians was too wild for the firing to have serious effect.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I realized that I had become a mark for the Russian guns I
+sank beneath the surface. It is no doubt this voluntary move on my
+part which has given rise to the belief cherished by some of the
+officers of the Baltic Fleet, and indorsed by Admiral Rojestvensky,
+that a torpedo boat was sunk by their fire.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p><p>But I knew that the massacre&mdash;for it was nothing less&mdash;would go on as
+long as the other submarine remained on the surface, mixing among the
+luckless fishing boats with the deliberate intention of drawing on
+them the Russian fire.</p>
+
+<p>I marked her course, put my engines to their fullest speed one more,
+and rushed after her.</p>
+
+<p>This time my coming was not watched by the hostile commander. Like
+Admiral Rojestvensky, he may have believed that my boat had been sunk
+by the ball which had come so close. Or else, perhaps, in his
+exultation at having brought about an event which seemed to make war
+inevitable, he had forgotten his former fears.</p>
+
+<p>But the truth will never be known.</p>
+
+<p>I brought my own boat right under the demon craft, and then, tilting
+her up at a sharp angle, rammed the other in the center of her keel.</p>
+
+<p>There was a concussion, a muffled sound of tearing iron, and as I
+backed away at full speed astern, I saw the waters of the North Sea
+pour through a long jagged rent in the bottom of the doomed
+submarine, and watched her go down staggering like a wounded vulture
+through the air.</p>
+
+<p>The shock of the collision had brought Orloff and the rest of my crew
+running aft.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An accident,&#8221; I explained coolly. &#8220;I have sunk some boat or other in
+the dark.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p><p>The men exchanged suspicious glances.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was the other submarine, sir,&#8221; said Orloff, still preserving his
+respectful tone. &#8220;Will you permit us to see whether it is possible to
+save any of the crew?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do as you please,&#8221; I returned, leaving the helm. &#8220;My work here is
+done, and I am ready to go back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I intended them to think I referred to the attack on the
+fishing-boats. The cannonade died away as I spoke.</p>
+
+<p>We went down through the water to where the wrecked submarine was
+lying half over on her side. Some frightened faces peered at us out
+of the upper portholes, where a supply of air still lingered.</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible to do anything for them down there without being
+swamped ourselves. We could only invite them by signs to forsake
+their own craft and let us carry them up to the surface where it
+would be safe for us to take them inside.</p>
+
+<p>In order to receive them on our upper deck we circled slowly around
+to the opposite side of their vessel. And there I beheld a sight
+which will haunt me for years to come.</p>
+
+<p>The whole side of the submarine had been wrenched open, revealing the
+interior of the cabin. And on the floor, lying in the peaceful
+attitude of one who had just resigned herself to sleep, I beheld the
+drowned form of the beautiful, desperate, perhaps wicked, but
+unhappy, woman from whose mad love I had fled.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p><p>So, in the midst of the wild North Sea, in their strange coffin, the
+bones of Sophia, Princess Yernoloff, lie and rock on the incessant
+tides that sweep across the Dogger Bank.</p>
+
+<p><i>Requiescat in pace!</i></p>
+
+<p>As our boat, laden with the rescued survivors, shot up again to the
+surface, I felt a noosed rope drawn tightly around my throat and
+heard the voice of Orloff hiss in my ear,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I arrest you in the name of the Kaiser!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FAMILY STATUTE</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcm.jpg" title="M" height="70" width="71" alt="M" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">M</span>y task is done. At last the reader knows all that ever will be
+known&mdash;all there is to know, in short&mdash;concerning the tragedy of the
+North Sea.</p>
+
+<p>My personal adventures can possess little interest after the
+all-important transactions I have had to describe. But in case there
+should be a reader here and there who is good enough to feel any
+curiosity as to my fate, I will briefly tell what followed on my
+arrest.</p>
+
+<p>My revolver was taken from me and I was conducted under a strict
+guard back to Kiel.</p>
+
+<p>Off the mouth of the Canal we were boarded by a despatch-boat flying
+the German naval ensign, and a police officer with three men took me
+off the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>The first proceeding of my new captor was to handcuff me. He then
+warned me,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you speak a single word to me or any one else till you are in the
+imperial presence, my orders are to shoot you through the head.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I nodded. I had as little wish to speak as the Emperor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> could have to
+let me. My thoughts were busy with the memory of the woman of whose
+tragic death I had been the unwitting cause, and with the measures
+that remained to be taken to extenuate, so far as extenuation was
+possible, the fatal action of the Baltic fleet.</p>
+
+<p>As for myself, I can say truly that I had become almost indifferent
+to what was in store for me. My feeling toward the unfortunate
+Princess had not been such as that which makes a man desire a woman
+for his wife; it had not deserved the name of love, perhaps; and it
+was certainly free from any taint of a less noble passion.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless it had been a powerful sentiment, colored and
+strengthened by my knowledge of her love for me.</p>
+
+<p>Sophia had loved me. She had saved my life. And I had taken hers in
+return.</p>
+
+<p>Must I accuse myself of weakness for feeling as if happiness for me
+were over, and the best fate I could wish would be to lie there
+beside my victim on the lonely Dogger sands?</p>
+
+<p>When I came before Wilhelm II. he was not in the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, indulging his vein of extravagant romance, but in his
+private cabinet and in his most stern and business-like mood.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Give the prisoner a chair, and wait outside,&#8221; his majesty commanded
+briefly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span></p><p>I sat down, still handcuffed, and the guards withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now,&#8221; said the Kaiser, fixing me with an eagle glance, &#8220;be good
+enough to explain your proceedings.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I met his look with a steadfast one in return.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have carried out your majesty&#8217;s orders scrupulously. I have taken
+out the submarine torpedo boat, engaged a crew, proceeded to the
+Dogger Bank, and drawn the fire of the Baltic Fleet on the
+fishing-boats from Hull. I have not seen a newspaper since, but I
+assume that the British Navy has already arrested Admiral
+Rojestvensky and his squadron, and that the two Powers are at war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser gnawed his moustache.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Things have not gone quite so well as you pretend, M. Petrovitch.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Russian cannonade ceased after a few minutes,&#8221; the Emperor
+resumed. &#8220;You did not remain on the surface after the first shot; you
+did not launch your torpedo, neither did you permit the other
+submarine to do so. In fact you sunk her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had no orders with respect to another submarine, sire. I was
+entitled to treat it as an enemy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nonsense, you know that it had left Kiel before you, on the same
+errand.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On the contrary, sire, I could not possibly know anything of the
+kind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, you saw it had disappeared from the dock. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span>You inquired after
+it along the Canal. When you got out to the Dogger you were searching
+for it the whole time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And when I found it, sire, it was leading the Russian squadron, of
+which it appeared to form part. I had every right to assume that it
+was a Russian man-of-war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A German boat!&#8221; thundered the Kaiser.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A boat not flying any flag must be presumed to belong to the country
+of those who are in control of it. I found this submarine under the
+control of a Russian subject.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess was my agent.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty had not told me so. On the contrary, I understood that
+you wished my own boat to be considered a Russian vessel, in case of
+any question. I shipped a Russian crew therefore.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. frowned angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do not play with me, M. Petrovitch. I know all about your crew.
+Explain why you, a Russian subject, should have attacked what you are
+pleased to pretend was a Russian ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I regret to have to say that your majesty is laboring under a
+mistake. I am not a Russian subject.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This time the Kaiser was fairly taken aback.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What subject are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A Japanese.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm looked thunderstruck.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Japanese!&#8221; was all he could say.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If your majesty pleases. That being so, as soon as I took possession
+of the submarine, with your permission, of course it became a
+Japanese ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you tell me is monstrous&mdash;ridiculous. Your name is Russian,
+your face is at least European.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My name, sire, is Matsukata. I received it in Tokio at the
+commencement of the war, on being adopted into a Japanese family.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If your majesty doubts my statement, I ask to be confronted with the
+Japanese Ambassador in Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser looked as if he would have liked to doubt it, but found
+himself unable to do so.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then on your own showing you are a Japanese spy,&#8221; he pronounced
+slowly. &#8220;As such I am entitled to have you shot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pardon me again, sire. In Petersburg I admit, that was my character.
+In Germany I have been your majesty&#8217;s agent, and have literally
+fulfilled your commands.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a very acute quibbler, I see,&#8221; was the retort, &#8220;but quibbles
+will not save you. You have stolen one of my ships to sink another
+with, and at the very least you deserve to be hanged as a pirate.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I demand to be tried,&#8221; I said boldly, knowing that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span>this was the one
+step to which the Emperor, for his own sake, could not consent.</p>
+
+<p>As I expected, he frowned uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In this case I must exercise my right of refusing a civil trial, in
+the interest of the State. I will give you a court-martial with
+closed doors.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That would be illegal, sire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You dare to tell me so!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty will find I am right. The case falls within the
+Hohenzollern Family Statute.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser appeared stupefied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Family Statute?&#8221; he repeated slowly, as if unable to believe his
+ears. &#8220;What has the Statute to do with you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is provided in the Statute, if I recollect rightly, sire, that a
+member of the Imperial Family can be tried only by his peers, that is
+to say, by a court composed of members of your majesty&#8217;s House.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, and what then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By another clause in the Statute&mdash;I regret that the number has
+escaped my memory&mdash;the privileges of a Hohenzollern in that respect
+are extended to members of other reigning Houses.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are you going to tell me?&#8221; Wilhelm II. demanded in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Only that I have the honor to be the adopted son of his imperial
+highness Prince Yorimo, cousin to his majesty the Emperor of Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span></p><p>The German monarch sat still, unable to parry this unexpected blow.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Japanese Ambassador&mdash;&#8221; he began to mutter.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will confirm my statement, sire. I have already asked to be
+confronted with him. Before going to Kiel, I sent him information of
+my plans, so that he is already expecting to hear from me, I have no
+doubt.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. saw that he had come to the end of his tether. Lying back
+in his chair, he <span style="white-space: nowrap;">ejaculated&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I believed there was only one man in the two hemispheres who could
+do things like this!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am flattered to think you may be right, sire,&#8221; I responded in my
+natural voice, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor bounded from his seat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&mdash;are&mdash;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;!&#8221; he fairly gasped out.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was, sire. Permit me to repeat that I am now called Prince
+Matsukata of Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. made an effort, and came out of it with his best manner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, in that case, you will stay and lunch with the Empress and
+myself, my dear Prince.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the handcuffs had been removed, I told the whole story to
+the Kaiser, who was immensely interested, and decidedly touched by
+the part which related to the drowned Princess.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p><p>Before leaving the Palace, I asked permission of my imperial host to
+make use of his private wire for a message to London, in the interest
+of peace.</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II., who began to see that he had been betrayed into going a
+little farther than was altogether desirable, consented in the
+friendliest spirit, merely stipulating that he should be allowed to
+see the message.</p>
+
+<p>He was rather surprised when he found it was addressed to Lord Bedale
+at Buckingham Palace, and comprised a single word, &#8220;Elsinore.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And so, although some of the newspapers in the two capitals of
+England and Russia continued to breathe war for some days longer, I
+felt no more anxiety after reading the paragraph which stated that
+the British Prime Minister, at the close of the decisive Cabinet
+Council, had driven to the Palace to be received in private audience
+by her majesty Queen Alexandra.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="EPILOGUE" id="EPILOGUE"></a>EPILOGUE</h2>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>s I write these lines the war which has cost so many brave lives,
+and carried so much desolation through the fields and cities of
+Manchuria is still raging.</p>
+
+<p>The great fleet of Admiral Rojestvensky, from which the stains of the
+innocent fisherman&#8217;s blood have not yet been washed, is plowing its
+way to meet a terrible retribution at the hands of the victorious
+Togo.<a name="FNanchor_C_3" id="FNanchor_C_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a> A curse is on that fleet, and it may be that the British
+Government foresaw that they could punish the crime of the Dogger
+Bank more terribly by letting it proceed, than by bringing it into
+Portsmouth to await the result of the international trial.</p>
+
+<p>In the great affairs of nations it is not always wise to exact strict
+justice, or to expose the actual truth.</p>
+
+<p>I, too, am a lover of peace. Not of that hysterical, sentimental
+horror of bloodshed which would place a great civilized nation at the
+mercy of more barbarous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>powers, which would stay the wheels of
+progress, and be indistinguishable from cowardice in the face of
+wrong.</p>
+
+<p>But I am a friend of the peace which is the natural result of a
+better understanding between peoples, of respect for one another&#8217;s
+character and aims, of a wise recognition of facts, and an honorable
+determination not to play the part of the aggressor.</p>
+
+<p>It is in the hope of promoting such a peace on earth, and such
+good-will toward men, that I have allowed myself to publish the
+foregoing narrative.</p>
+
+<p>In order to soften the character of this revelation I have endeavored
+to impart to it a character of romance.</p>
+
+<p>So far as my abilities extend, I have sought to give the reader the
+impression that he has been reading an allegory rather than a dry,
+business record. I have tried to cover certain incidents with a
+discreet veil. I have as much as possible refrained from using real
+names.</p>
+
+<p>I trust that my narration will be accepted in the spirit in which it
+has been written and that no reader will allow his feelings of
+curiosity to lead him into going further, or raising questions which
+it might be indiscreet on my part to answer.</p>
+
+<p>But there is one part of the story to which the foregoing remarks do
+not apply.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever else be mythical, there is nothing mythical<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> about the
+bright figure whose portrait has accompanied me through so many
+perils. There is a home for me in far-off Tokio, and when the
+blood-begrimed battalions of Asia sheathe their swords, I shall go
+thither to claim my reward.</p>
+
+<h3>THE END</h3>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2>POPULAR AND ATTRACTIVE<br />
+CLOTH BOUND BOOKS</h2>
+
+<p>Printed on superior paper; clear type; multi-color jackets. A
+carefully selected list of titles of the World&#8217;s Best Authors;
+embracing absorbing love stories, baffling detective and mystery
+stories, and the most fascinating romantic stories of the West. Many
+of them have been dramatized and filmed&mdash;you will enjoy reading every
+title on this list:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="FIRSTADBOOKSLIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Ball, Eustace Hale</b></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Marshall, Edward</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Traffic In Souls</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">In Old Kentucky</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Barrett, Alfred Wilson</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Bat</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Silver King</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Raleigh, Cecil</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Dane, John Collin</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Sins of Society</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Champion</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Roberts, Theodore Goodrich</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Drummond, A. L.</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Brothers in Peril</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">True Detective Stories</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Captain Love</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Ferguson, W. B. M.</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cavalier of Virginia</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">A Man&#8217;s Code</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Wasp</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Gallon, Tom</b></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Scarborough, George</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Rogue&#8217;s Heiress</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Lure</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Harding, John W.</b></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Sinclair, Bertrand W.</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Chorus Lady</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Land of the Frozen Suns</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Heyn, Cutliffe</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Raw Gold</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Adventures of Captain Kettle</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Sutton, Margaret Doris</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Kent, Oliver</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Goddess of The Dawn</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Her Heart&#8217;s Gift</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Upward, Allen</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Lewis, Alfred Henry</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The International Spy</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Apaches of New York</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Varnardy, Varick</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Macvane, Edith</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Return of The Night Wind</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Thoroughbred</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Way, L. N.</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Call of The Heart</span></td></tr>
+
+</table></div>
+
+<p>You have enjoyed this book&mdash;Read every title listed above&mdash;you may
+procure them at the store where this book was purchased at the same
+price per copy, or sent postpaid to any address for 75c per volume by
+the Publishers.</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="FIRSTAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">701-733 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<p class="center adfont3">FAMOUS BOOKS IN REBOUND EDITIONS</p>
+
+<h3>HEIDI</h3>
+
+<h4>A Child&#8217;s Story of Life in the Alps</h4>
+
+<h4>By Johanna Spyri</h4>
+
+<p class="center">395 pages&mdash;illustrated. Printed from new plates; neatly bound in<br />
+cloth.</p>
+
+<h3>PINOCCHIO</h3>
+
+<h4>A Tale of a Puppet&mdash;By C. Collodi</h4>
+
+<p>Printed from new plates on a good grade of paper; neatly bound
+in cloth; illustrated.</p>
+
+<h3>ELSIE DINSMORE</h3>
+
+<h4>By Martha Finley</h4>
+
+<p>Beautiful edition of this popular book. Printed from new plates,
+covers stamped in four colors from original design.</p>
+
+<h3>BROWNIES AND OTHER STORIES</h3>
+
+<h4>Illustrated by Palmer Cox</h4>
+
+<p>320 pages and containing an illustration on nearly every page,
+printed from new plates from large, clear type, substantially bound
+in cloth.</p>
+
+<h3>HELEN&#8217;S BABIES</h3>
+
+<h4>By John Habberton</h4>
+
+<p>This amusing and entertaining book, printed from new plates,
+cloth binding.</p>
+
+<h3>HANS BRINKER; or, The Silver Skates</h3>
+
+<h4>By Mary Mapes Dodge</h4>
+
+<p>A popular edition of this well-known story of life in Holland.</p>
+
+<h3>RAINY DAY DIVERSIONS</h3>
+
+<h4>By Carolyn Wells</h4>
+
+<h3>PLEASANT DAY DIVERSIONS</h3>
+
+<h4>By Carolyn Wells</h4>
+
+<p>Printed on a good grade of paper from new plates, bound in a
+superior grade book binders&#8217; cloth. These volumes have never
+before been offered for less than $1.25; for sale now at the special
+price of 75 cents each.</p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center">For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSHOWTOAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-733 So. Dearborn Street,</td>
+<td align="right">Chicago</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<h3>ALWAYS <i>ASK FOR THE</i> DONOHUE</h3>
+<h5>COMPLETE EDITIONS&mdash;THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY</h5></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&#160;</p>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="SOUTHWORTHBOOKS">
+
+<tr><td align="right"><i>BOOKS</i><br />
+<i>BY</i></td>
+<td align="left" style="font-size: 18pt">
+MRS. E. D. E. N.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="adfont2 smcap"><span style="font-size: 160%; font-weight: bold;">Southworth</span></span></td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p class=" adfont2"></p>
+
+<p class="center">AN ATTRACTIVE LIST OF THE<br />
+WORKS OF THIS POPULAR AUTHOR</p>
+
+<p class="double">&#160;</p>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:40px;line-height:25px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>he first eighteen titles with brackets are books
+with sequels, &#8220;Victor&#8217;s Triumph,&#8221; being a sequel
+to &#8220;Beautiful Fiend.&#8221; etc. They are all printed
+from large, clear type on a superior quality of flexible
+paper and bound in English vellum cloth, assorted colors,
+containing charming female heads lithographed in
+twelve colors, as inlays; the titles being stamped in
+harmonizing colors of ink or foil. Cloth, 12mo size.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="SOUTHWORTHBOOKS">
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">1 Beautiful Fiend, A</span></td>
+<td>24 Curse of Clifton</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">2 Victor&#8217;s Triumph</span></td>
+<td>25 Deserted Wife, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">3 Bride&#8217;s Fate</span></td>
+<td>26 Discarded Daughter, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">4 Changed Brides</span></td>
+<td>27 Doom of Deville, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">5 Cruel as the Grave</span></td>
+<td>28 Eudora</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">6 Tried for Her Life</span></td>
+<td>29 Fatal Secret, A</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">7 Fair Play</span></td>
+<td>30 Fortune Seeker</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">8 How He Won Her</span></td>
+<td>31 Gypsy&#8217;s Prophecy</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">9 Family Doom</span></td>
+<td>32 Haunted Homestead</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>10 Maiden Widow</td>
+<td>33 India; or, The Pearl on Pearl River</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td>11 Hidden Hand, The</td>
+<td>34 Lady of the Isle, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>12 Capitola&#8217;s Peril</td>
+<td>35 Lost Heiress, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td>13 Ishmael</td>
+<td>36 Love&#8217;s Labor Won</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>14 Self Raised</td>
+<td>37 Missing Bride, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td>15 Lost Heir of Linlithgow</td>
+<td>38 Mother-in-Law</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>16 Noble Lord, A</td>
+<td>39 Prince of Darkness, and Artist&#8217;s Love</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td>17 Unknown</td>
+<td>40 Retribution</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>18 Mystery of Raven Rocks</td>
+<td>41 Three Beauties, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>19 Bridal Eve, The</td>
+<td>42 Three Sisters, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>20 Bride&#8217;s Dowry, The</td>
+<td>43 Two Sisters, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>21 Bride of Llewellyn, The</td>
+<td>44 Vivian</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>22 Broken Engagement, The</td>
+<td>45 Widow&#8217;s Son</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>23 Christmas Guest, The</td>
+<td>46 Wife&#8217;s Victory</td></tr>
+
+</table></div>
+
+<p>All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postpaid at 75c each by the publishers.</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSHOWTOAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-727 So. Dearborn Street,</td>
+<td align="right">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h3>THE &#8220;HOW-TO-DO-IT&#8221; BOOKS</h3>
+
+<p class="center">By J. S. ZERBE</p>
+
+<h2>Carpentry for Boys</h2>
+
+<p>A book which treats, in a most practical and fascinating manner all
+subjects pertaining to the &#8220;King of Trades&#8221;; showing the care and use
+of tools; drawing; designing, and the laying out of work; the
+principles involved in the building of various kinds of structures,
+and the rudiments of architecture. It contains over two hundred and
+fifty illustrations made especially for this work, and includes also
+a complete glossary of the technical terms used in the art. The most
+comprehensive volume on this subject ever published for boys.</p>
+
+<h2>Electricity for Boys</h2>
+
+<p>The author has adopted the unique plan of setting forth the
+fundamental principles in each phase of the science, and practically
+applying the work in the successive stages. It shows how the
+knowledge has been developed, and the reasons for the various
+phenomena, without using technical words so as to bring it within the
+compass of every boy. It has a complete glossary of terms, and is
+illustrated with two hundred original drawings.</p>
+
+<h2>Practical Mechanics for Boys</h2>
+
+<p>This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series of
+practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the structure
+and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how they are utilized
+to perform the work, and the manner in which all dimensional work is
+carried out. Every subject is illustrated, and model building
+explained. It contains a glossary which comprises a new system of
+cross references, a feature that will prove a welcome departure in
+explaining subjects. Fully illustrated.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo, cloth. Price $1.00 each.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+<p class="center"><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSHOWTOAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">711 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2>GIRLS&#8217; LIBERTY SERIES</h2>
+
+<p>Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for
+girls by standard and favorite authors. The books are printed
+on a good quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is
+complete and unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on
+the sides and back with attractive illustrative designs and the
+title stamped on front and back.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo, clothene. Price 50c each.</i></p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="LIBERTYLIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">1. Camp Fire Girls on a Long Hike, or,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Lost in the Great Northern Woods</span></td>
+<td align="right">Stella M. Francis</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">2. Daddy&#8217;s Girl</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">3. Ethel Hollister&#8217;s First Summer as</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">a Camp Fire Girl</span></td>
+<td align="right">Irene Elliott Benson</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">4. Ethel Hollister&#8217;s Second Summer</span></td>
+<td align="right">Irene Elliott Benson</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">5. Flat Iron for a Farthing</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. Ewing</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">6. Four Little Mischiefs</span></td>
+<td align="right">Rose Mulholland</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">7. Girls and I</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. Molesworth</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">8. Girl from America</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">9. Grandmother Dear</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. Molesworth</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">10. Irvington Stories</td>
+<td align="right">Mary Mapes Dodge</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">11. Little Lame Prince</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. Muloch</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">12. Little Susie Stories</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. H. Prentiss</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">13. Mrs. Over the Way</td>
+<td align="right">Julianna Horatio Ewing</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">14. Naughty Miss Bunny</td>
+<td align="right">Rose Mulholland</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">15. Sweet Girl Graduate</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">16. School Queens</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">17. Sue, A Little Heroine</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">18. Wild Kitty</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+<p class="center"><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50c</i></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="MEADEAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">711 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<h3>ALWAYS <i>ASK FOR THE</i> DONOHUE</h3>
+<h5>COMPLETE EDITIONS&mdash;THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY</h5></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&#160;</p>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<p class="center adfont2">Mrs. L. T. Meade<br />
+<i>====SERIES====</i></p>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/adsdca.jpg" title="T" height="55" width="48" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>n excellent edition of the works of this very popular author of
+books for girls. Printed from large type on an extra quality of
+paper, cover design stamped in three colors, large side title
+letterings, each book in glazed paper printed wrapper. Each book with
+a beautiful colored frontispiece. Printed wrapper, 12 mo, cloth.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="MEADELIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">1 Bad Little Hannah</span></td>
+<td align="left">18 Little Mother to Others</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">2 Bunch of Cherries, A</span></td>
+<td align="left">20 Merry Girls of England</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">4 Children&#8217;s Pilgrimage</span></td>
+<td align="left">21 Miss Nonentity</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">5 Daddy&#8217;s Girl</span></td>
+<td align="left">22 Modern Tomboy, A</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">6 Deb and the Duchess</span></td>
+<td align="left">23 Out of Fashion</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">7 Francis Kane&#8217;s Fortune</span></td>
+<td align="left">24 Palace Beautiful</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">8 Gay Charmer, A</span></td>
+<td align="left">25 Polly, A New-Fashioned Girl</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">9 Girl of the People, A</span></td>
+<td align="left">26 Rebels of the School</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">10 Girl in Ten Thousand, A</td>
+<td align="left">27 School Favorite</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">11 Girls of St. Wodes, The</td>
+<td align="left">28 Sweet Girl Graduate, A</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">12 Girls of the True Blue</td>
+<td align="left">29 Time of Roses, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">13 Good Luck</td>
+<td align="left">30 Very Naughty Girl, A</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">14 Heart of Gold, The</td>
+<td align="left">31 Wild Kitty</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">15 Honorable Miss, The</td>
+<td align="left">32 World of Girls</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">17 Light of the Morning</td>
+<td align="left">33 Young Mutineer, The</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p>All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postage prepaid to any address at 75c by the
+publishers</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. Donohue &amp; Co.,</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="MEADEAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-727 South Dearborn St.,</td>
+<td align="right">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2>THE BOYS&#8217; ELITE SERIES</h2>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo, cloth. Price 75c each.</i></p>
+
+<p>Contains an attractive assortment of books for boys by standard and
+favorite authors. Printed from large, clear type on a superior
+quality of paper, bound in a superior quality of binders&#8217; cloth,
+ornamented with illustrated original designs on covers stamped in
+colors from unique and appropriate dies. Each book wrapped in
+attractive jacket.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSLIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left">1. Cudjo&#8217;s Cave</td>
+<td align="right">Trowbridge</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">2. Green Mountain Boys</td>
+<td align="right">&#160;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">3. Life of Kit Carson</td>
+<td align="right">Edward L. Ellis</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">4. Tom Westlake&#8217;s Golden Luck</td>
+<td align="right">Perry Newberry</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">5. Tony Keating&#8217;s Surprises</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy)</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">6. Tour of the World in 80 Days</td>
+<td align="right">Jules Verne</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<h2>THE GIRLS&#8217; ELITE SERIES</h2>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo, cloth. Price 75c each.</i></p>
+
+<p>Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls by
+standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="GIRLSLIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left">1. Bee and the Butterfly</td>
+<td align="right">Lucy Foster Madison</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">2. Dixie School Girl</td>
+<td align="right">Gabrielle E. Jackson</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">3. Girls of Mount Morris</td>
+<td align="right">Amanda Douglas</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">4. Hope&#8217;s Messenger</td>
+<td align="right">Gabrielle E. Jackson</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">5. The Little Aunt</td>
+<td align="right">Marion Ames Taggart</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">6. A Modern Cinderella</td>
+<td align="right">Amanda Douglas</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c</i></p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSELITEAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">711 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<h3>ALWAYS <i>ASK FOR THE</i> DONOHUE</h3>
+<h5>Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money</h5></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&#160;</p>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+
+<h2>THERE IS MONEY<br />
+IN POULTRY</h2>
+
+<h3>AMERICAN STANDARD PERFECTION<br />
+POULTRY BOOK, <i>By</i> I. K. FELCH.</h3>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSELITEAD">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><div class="figleft" style="width: 68px;">
+<img src="images/adsbookimage1.jpg" class="jpg" width="68" height="100" alt="Poultry Culture." title="" />
+</div></td>
+<td>&#160;</td>
+<td><div class="figleft"><img src="images/adsdcy2.jpg" title="Y" height="50" width="45" alt="Y" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">Y</span>ET many old-fashion farmers are inclined to discredit the statement.
+Why? Because they are not up to the new and improved ideas in poultry
+management. A little trial of the rules laid down in these books will
+soon dispel all misgivings in this direction and tend to convince the
+most skeptical that there is money in poultry-keeping. It contains a
+complete description of all the varieties of fowls, including
+turkeys, ducks and geese.</p></td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p>This book contains double the number of illustrations found
+in any similar work. It is the best and cheapest poultry
+book on the market Paper covers, 25c. Cloth, prepaid, <b>50c</b></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h4>POULTRY CULTURE</h4>
+
+<h5><i>By</i> I. K. FELCH</h5>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 71px;">
+<img src="images/adsbookimage2.jpg" class="jpg" width="71" height="100" alt="Poultry Culture." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>How to raise, manage, mate and judge thoroughbred fowls, by I. K.
+Felch, the acknowledged authority on poultry matters. Thorough,
+comprehensive and complete treatise on all kinds of poultry. Cloth,
+438 pages, large 12mo, and over 70 full-page and other illustrations.
+Printed from clear type on good paper, stamped on side and back from
+ornate, appropriate designs.</p>
+
+<p class="right">Price, prepaid, <b>$1.00</b></p>
+
+<p>For sale by all book and newsdealers, or will send to any
+address in the United States, Canada or Mexico, postage
+prepaid, on receipt of price, in currency, money order or
+stamps.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="POULTRYADBOTTOM">
+
+<tr><td align="center" rowspan="2"><span style="font-size: 160%; font-weight: bold;">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; CO.</span></td>
+<td align="right">701-727 S. DEARBORN</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right">STREET :: CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2><span class="u">OUR YOUNG FOLKS&#8217;<br />
+ILLUSTRATED BOOKS</span></h2>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:40px;line-height:25px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>his series contains those books for young folks that are without
+question conceded to be the most popular of this class. Each title
+has a distinctive cover design. Each volume contains twenty to sixty
+illustrations.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The following books are ready for delivery</i>:</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7em;">Andersen&#8217;s Fairy Tales</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Alice in Wonderland</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Arabian Nights</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Black Beauty</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Mother Goose</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Rip Van Winkle</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Robinson Crusoe</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Story of the Bible</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Wood&#8217;s Natural History</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Through the Looking Glass</span></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Sent postpaid at twenty cents each or six for one dollar.</i></p>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="YOUNGFOLKSAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">711 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<h3>ALWAYS <i>ASK FOR THE</i> DONOHUE</h3>
+<h5>Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money</h5></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&#160;</p>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+
+<h3><i>SELECTED WORKS OF</i></h3>
+
+<h2>EUGENE FIELD</h2>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 67px;">
+<img src="images/adsbookimage3.jpg" class="jpg" width="61" height="100" alt="IN WINK-A-WAY LAND." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:40px;line-height:25px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">A</span> very attractive selection of popular books by this favorite and
+gifted author. Each book contains a carefully selected and classified
+list of poems that have endeared the author to millions and given him
+a place among the immortals. These books should be in every library,
+both public and private.</p>
+
+<p class="center">In Four Volumes. Boxed. Cloth Binding.</p>
+
+<p class="center">Price, <b>$3.00</b> per set.</p>
+
+<p class="center">Single Volumes <b>75c</b> each, postpaid.</p>
+
+<h4>IN WINK-A-WAY LAND</h4>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:30px;line-height:20px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>he contents of this volume is especially selected and arranged for
+the little folks. All are suitable for use in school exercises and on
+&#8220;Eugene Field Day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<h4>HOOSIER LYRICS</h4>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:30px;line-height:20px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>his is a series of pathetic, amusing and entertaining poems rendered
+in Indiana dialect on notable Hoosier scenes with parodies on poems
+by James Whitcomb Riley.</p>
+
+<h4>JOHN SMITH, U. S. A.</h4>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:30px;line-height:20px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>he romantic story of John Smith, also includes many other poems, all
+of which afford suitable material for &#8220;Field Readings&#8221; and general
+school and church entertainments.</p>
+
+<h4>THE CLINK OF THE ICE and other poems</h4>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:40px;line-height:25px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">E</span>dition containing portraits and autographs. Stories of inimitable
+wit and humor with lullabies and sketches of every day scenes that
+made Eugene Field famous. All worth while.</p>
+
+<p>Printed from new plates on good paper, uniformly and neatly bound in
+cloth; gold titles on front and back.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address
+upon receipt of price in stamps, currency, postal or express money
+order, by the publishers.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="FIELDSADBOTTOM">
+
+<tr><td align="center" rowspan="2"><span style="font-size: 160%; font-weight: bold;">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; CO.</span></td>
+<td align="right">701-727 S. Dearborn St.</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center">Chicago</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h2>BOYS&#8217; COPYRIGHTED BOOKS</h2>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<p>Printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of paper,
+embellished with original illustrations by eminent artists, and bound
+in a superior quality of book binders&#8217; cloth, ornamented with
+illustrated covers, stamped in colors from unique and appropriate
+dies, each book wrapped in a glazed paper wrapper printed in colors.</p>
+
+<h3>MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center">By Louis Arundel</p>
+
+<p>1.&mdash;The Motor Club&#8217;s Cruise Down the Mississippi; or, The<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dash for Dixie.</span><br />
+<br />
+2.&mdash;The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or, Adventures<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Among the Thousand Islands.</span><br />
+<br />
+3.&mdash;The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or, Exploring the Mystic<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Isle of Mackinac.</span><br />
+<br />
+4.&mdash;Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or, The Struggle<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">for the Leadership.</span><br />
+<br />
+5.&mdash;Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or, Through Storm and<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Stress.</span><br />
+<br />
+6.&mdash;Motor Boat Boys&#8217; River Chase.</p>
+
+<h3>THE BIRD BOYS SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center">By John Luther Langworthy</p>
+
+<p>1.&mdash;The Bird Boys; or, The Young Sky Pilots&#8217; First Air Voyage.<br />
+<br />
+2.&mdash;The Bird Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Tropics.</span><br />
+<br />
+3.&mdash;The Bird Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Wreck.</span><br />
+<br />
+4.&mdash;Bird Boys&#8217; Flight; or, A Hydroplane Round-up.<br />
+<br />
+5.&mdash;Bird Boys&#8217; Aeroplane Wonder; or, Young Aviators on a<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Cattle Ranch.</span></p>
+
+<h3>CANOE AND CAMPFIRE SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center">By St. George Rathborne</p>
+
+<p>1.&mdash;Canoe Mates in Canada; or, Three Boys Afloat on the<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Saskatchewan.</span><br />
+<br />
+2.&mdash;Young Fur Takers; or, Traps and Trails in the Wilderness.<br />
+<br />
+3.&mdash;The House Boat Boys; or, Drifting Down to the Sunny South.<br />
+<br />
+4.&mdash;Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise in the Motor Boat.<br />
+<br />
+5.&mdash;Camp Mates in Michigan; or, With Pack and Paddle in the<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Pine Woods.</span><br />
+<br />
+6.&mdash;Rocky Mountain Boys; or, Camping in the Big Game<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Country.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; CO.</p>
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="DOWNSAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-733 So. Dearborn Street,</td>
+<td align="right">Chicago</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h4>By</h4>
+
+<h2>Mrs. George Sheldon Downs</h2>
+
+<p class="adfont">Katherine&#8217;s Sheaves</p>
+
+<p class="center">A Great Novel With a Great Purpose</p>
+
+<p>Katherine&#8217;s Sheaves is altogether delightful, a charming piece of
+fiction, a beautiful romance. One must admire the book for its
+characterization, its brilliant pictures of life, and its dramatic
+situations, but still more for its philosophy and wisdom.</p>
+
+<p>The story is a dramatic one, abounding in strong situations.</p>
+
+<p>The plot is well conceived and carried out, the style easy and the
+characters likable.</p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,</p>
+
+<p class="adfont">Step by Step</p>
+
+<p>Judged as a story pure and simple, &#8220;STEP BY STEP&#8221; is altogether
+delightful. But it is not merely a charming piece of fiction. Ethical
+in its nature, the underlying thought shows throughout the lofty
+purpose and high ideals of the author, and exhales a wholesome
+atmosphere, while the element of romance pervading it is both
+elevated and enriched by its purity and simplicity.</p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,</p>
+
+<p class="adfont">Gertrude Elliot&#8217;s Crucible</p>
+
+<p>It is a readable story, clean, wholesome, and high in moral
+tone&mdash;optimistic and constructive.</p>
+
+<p>It has an alluring plot, and is well and skillfully worked out. The
+incidents are dramatic, and therefore always striking, and the entire
+romance will hold the attention of the reader.</p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,</p>
+
+<p class="adfont">Redeemed</p>
+
+<p>Dealing with divorce&mdash;the most vital problem in the world
+to-day&mdash;this book tells how a pure-minded woman is divorced from her
+husband, upon a flimsy pretext, because he wishes to marry again. How
+he suffers when he learns that he has thrown away the true
+disinterested love of a noble woman, and how he craves that love
+again, makes a vivid, forceful story of an intensely modern
+significance.</p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,</p>
+
+<p class="center">For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of<br />
+$1.00</p>
+
+<p class="center">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; CO.</p>
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="DOWNSAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-733 So. Dearborn Street,</td>
+<td align="right">Chicago</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2>The American Boy&#8217;s<br />
+Sports Series</h2>
+
+<h3>BY MARK OVERTON</h3>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="AMERICANBOYSAD">
+<tr><td align="left">12 Mo, Cloth.</td>
+<td align="center">Illustrated.</td>
+<td align="right">Price 60c Each.</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<div class="double">&#160;</div>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/adsdct.jpg" title="T" height="55" width="48" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>hese stories touch upon nearly every sport in which the active boy
+is interested. Baseball, rowing, football, hockey, skating,
+ice-boating, sailing, camping and fishing all serve to lend interest
+to an unusual series of books. There are the following four titles:</p>
+
+<p><b>1. Jack Winters&#8217; Baseball Team; or, The</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><b>Mystery of the Diamond.</b></span><br />
+<br />
+<b>2. Jack Winters&#8217; Campmates; or, Vacation</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><b>Days in the Woods.</b></span><br />
+<br />
+<b>3. Jack Winters&#8217; Gridiron Chums; or, When</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><b>the Half-back Saved the Day.</b></span><br />
+<br />
+<b>4. Jack Winters&#8217; Iceboat Wonder; or, Leading</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><b>the Hockey Team to Victory.</b></span></p>
+
+<div class="double">&#160;</div>
+
+<h2>M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</h2>
+
+<h3>CHICAGO</h3></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h3><span class="smcap">Footnotes:</span></h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> The author desires to state that this history should be
+read as a work of imagination simply, and not as authentic.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> A silver mark is about twenty cents of our money.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_C_3" id="Footnote_C_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_3"><span class="label">[C]</span></a> These words, which have been proven prophetic, were
+written last March, when Admiral Rojestvensky&#8217;s fleet was still a
+very formidable fact to be reckoned with.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Editor.</span></p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h3><span class="smcap">Transcriber&#8217;s Note:</span></h3>
+
+<p>Minor changes have been made to correct typesetter errors; otherwise,
+every effort has been made to remain true to the author&#8217;s words and
+intent.</p>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30482 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The International Spy
+       Being the Secret History of the Russo-Japanese War
+
+Author: Allen Upward
+
+Release Date: November 16, 2009 [EBook #30482]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INTERNATIONAL SPY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ The
+
+ International Spy
+
+ BEING THE SECRET HISTORY
+ OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR
+
+ BY
+
+ ALLEN UPWARD
+
+ ("_Monsieur A. V._")
+
+ AUTHOR OF "UNDERGROUND HISTORY," ETC.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+
+ CHICAGO  NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1904, 1905, BY
+
+ THE PEARSON PUBLISHING CO.
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY
+
+ G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY.
+
+ _Entered at Stationers' Hall._
+
+ The International Spy.
+
+ Made in U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                               PAGE
+
+         PROLOGUE--THE TWO EMPRESSES                     9
+
+      I. THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----             17
+
+     II. THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT                      24
+
+    III. THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE           36
+
+     IV. THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH                           45
+
+      V. A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY                        54
+
+     VI. DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED                          63
+
+    VII. THE RACE FOR SIBERIA                           71
+
+   VIII. THE CZAR'S MESSAGE                             76
+
+     IX. THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH                       87
+
+      X. THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO                       96
+
+     XI. WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND               107
+
+    XII. THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN                   113
+
+   XIII. HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS                         123
+
+    XIV. THE SUBMARINE MINE                            130
+
+     XV. THE ADVISOR OF NICHOLAS II                    139
+
+    XVI. A STRANGE CONFESSION                          145
+
+   XVII. A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT                       159
+
+  XVIII. THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN                        169
+
+    XIX. THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY                180
+
+     XX. THE DEVIL'S AUCTION                           192
+
+    XXI. THE FUNERAL                                   199
+
+   XXII. A PERILOUS MOMENT                             210
+
+  XXIII. A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST                    217
+
+   XXIV. A SECRET EXECUTION                            224
+
+    XXV. A CHANGE OF IDENTITY                          233
+
+   XXVI. TRAPPED                                       240
+
+  XXVII. THE BALTIC FLEET                              246
+
+ XXVIII. ON THE TRACK                                  256
+
+   XXIX. AN IMPERIAL FANATIC                           264
+
+    XXX. THE STOLEN SUBMARINE                          272
+
+   XXXI. THE KIEL CANAL                                279
+
+  XXXII. THE DOGGER BANK                               287
+
+ XXXIII. TRAFALGAR DAY                                 292
+
+  XXXIV. THE FAMILY STATUTE                            300
+
+         EPILOGUE                                      308
+
+
+
+
+The International Spy
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE[A]
+
+THE TWO EMPRESSES
+
+[Footnote A: The author desires to state that this history should be
+read as a work of imagination simply, and not as authentic.]
+
+
+"Look!"
+
+A fair, delicately-molded hand, on which glittered gems worth a
+raja's loyalty, was extended in the direction of the sea.
+
+Half a mile out, where the light ripples melted away into a blue and
+white haze upon the water, a small black smudge, like the back of a
+porpoise, seemed to be sliding along the surface.
+
+But it was not a porpoise, for out of it there rose a thin, black
+shaft, scarcely higher than a flag-staff, and from the top of this
+thin shaft there trickled a faint wreathing line of smoke, just
+visible against the background of sky and sea.
+
+"It is a submarine! What is it doing there?"
+
+The exclamation, followed by the question, came from the second,
+perhaps the fairer, of two women of gracious and beautiful presence,
+who were pacing, arm linked in arm, along a marble terrace
+overlooking a famous northern strait.
+
+The terrace on which they stood formed part of a stately palace,
+built by a king of the North who loved to retire in the summer time
+from his bustling capital, and gather his family around him in this
+romantic home.
+
+From here, as from a watch-tower, could be seen the fleets of
+empires, the crowded shipping of many a rich port and the humbler
+craft of the fisherman, passing and repassing all day long between
+the great inland sea of the North and the broad western ocean.
+
+Along this narrow channel had once swept the long ships of the
+Vikings, setting forth on those terrible raids which devastated half
+Europe and planted colonies in England and France and far-off Italy.
+But to-day the scene was a scene of peace. The martial glory of the
+Dane had departed. The royal castle that stood there as if to guard
+the strait had become a rendezvous of emperors and queens and
+princes, who took advantage of its quiet precincts to lay aside the
+pomp of rule, and perhaps to bind closer those alliances of
+sovereigns which serve to temper the fierce rivalries of their
+peoples.
+
+The pair who stood gazing, one with curiosity and wonder, the other
+with an interest of a more painful character, at the sinister object
+on the horizon, were imperial sisters. Born in the tiny sea kingdom,
+they had lived to wear the crowns of the greatest two realms the
+world has ever seen, two empires which between them covered half the
+surface of our planet, and included one-third of its inhabitants.
+
+But though sundered in interests they were not divided in affection.
+As they stood side by side, still linked together, it was evident
+that no common sympathy united them.
+
+The one who had been first to draw attention to the mysterious craft,
+and whose dress showed somber touches which spoke of widowhood,
+answered her sister's question:
+
+"I never see one of those vessels without a shudder. I have an
+instinct which warns me that they are destined to play a dangerous,
+perhaps a fatal, part in the future. What is that boat doing here, in
+Danish waters?--I do not know. But it can be here for no good. If a
+war ever broke out in which we were concerned, the Sound would be our
+first line of defense on the west. It would be mined, by us, perhaps;
+if not, by our enemy. Who can tell whether that submarine has not
+been sent out by some Power which is already plotting against peace,
+to explore the bed of the strait, with a view to laying down mines
+hereafter?"
+
+The other Empress listened with a grave countenance.
+
+"I hope your fears are not well founded. I can think of no Power that
+is ever likely to attack you. It is my nephew, or rather those who
+surround him, from whom the signal for war is likely to come, if it
+ever does come."
+
+The widowed Empress bowed her head.
+
+"You know what my hopes and wishes are," she answered. "If my son
+listened to me there would be no fear of his departing from the
+peaceful ways of my dear husband. But there are secret influences
+always at work, as stealthy in their nature as that very craft----"
+
+The speaker paused as she glanced 'round in search of the black
+streak and gray smoke-wreath which had attracted her notice a minute
+before. But she looked in vain.
+
+Like a phantom the submarine had disappeared, leaving no trace of its
+presence.
+
+The Empress uttered an ejaculation of dismay, which was echoed by her
+sister.
+
+"Where is it now? Where did it go? Has it sunk, or has it gone back
+to where it came from?"
+
+To these questions there could be no answer. The smooth waters
+glistened in the sunlight as merrily as if no threatening craft was
+gliding beneath the surface on some errand fraught with danger to the
+world.
+
+"Perhaps they saw they were observed, and dived under for
+concealment," suggested the second Empress.
+
+Her sister sighed gently.
+
+"I was telling you that that submarine was a type of the secret
+dangers which beset us. I know, beyond all doubt, that there are men
+in the innermost circle of the Court, men who have my son's ear, and
+can do almost what they like with him, who are at heart longing for a
+great war, and are always working underground to bring it about. And
+if they succeed, and we are taken unprepared by a stronger foe, there
+will be a revolution which may cost my son his throne, if not his
+life."
+
+There was a brief silence. Then the Empress who had listened to this
+declaration murmured in a low voice:
+
+"Heaven grant that the war is not one between you and us!"
+
+"Heaven grant it!" was the fervent reply. And then, after a moment's
+reflection, the widowed Empress added in an eager voice:
+
+"But we--cannot we do something to avert such a fearful calamity?"
+
+Her sister pressed her arm as though to assure her of sympathy.
+
+"Yes, yes," the other continued. "We can do much if we will. Though
+my son does not always take my advice, he has never yet refused to
+listen to me. And in moments of grave stress he sometimes consults
+me of his own accord. And I know that you, too, have influence. Your
+people worship you. Your husband----"
+
+The Western Empress interrupted gently:
+
+"I cannot play the part that you play. I do not claim the right to be
+consulted, or to give direct advice. Do not ask me to step outside my
+sphere. I can give information; I can be a channel sometimes between
+your Court and ours, a channel which you can trust as I fear you
+cannot always trust your ministers and diplomatic agents. More than
+that I should not like to promise."
+
+"But that is very much," was the grateful response. "That may be
+quite enough. Provided we can arrange a code by which I can always
+communicate with you safely and secretly, it may be possible to avert
+war at any time."
+
+"What do you propose?"
+
+"It is very simple. If any crisis comes about through no fault of my
+son's--if the party who are conspiring to make a war arrange some
+unexpected _coup_ which we could not foresee or prevent--and if I am
+sure that my son sincerely desires peace, I can send you a
+message--one word will be enough--which you can take as an assurance
+that we mean to put ourselves right with you, and to thwart the
+plotters."
+
+The Western Empress bowed her head.
+
+"I accept the mission. And the word--what shall it be?"
+
+The other glanced 'round the horizon once more, and then, bending her
+lips to her imperial sister's ear, whispered a single word.
+
+The two great women who had just exchanged a pledge for the peace of
+the world were moving slowly along the terrace again, when the
+Western sister said, thoughtfully,
+
+"I think I know another way to aid you."
+
+The Eastern Empress halted, and gazed at her with eagerness.
+
+"I know the difficulties that surround you," her sister pursued, "and
+that the greatest of them all is having no one in your service whom
+you can entirely and absolutely trust."
+
+"That is so," was the mournful admission.
+
+"Now I have heard of a man--I have never actually employed him
+myself, but I have heard of him from those who have, and they tell me
+he is incorruptible. In addition, he is a man who has never
+experienced the sensation of fear, and his abilities are so great
+that he has been called in to solve almost every problem of
+international politics that has arisen in recent years."
+
+"But this man--how can he be obtained?"
+
+"At present he is retained in our secret service. I must not conceal
+from you that he is partly a Pole by descent, and as such he has no
+love for your Empire. But if it were made clear to him that in
+serving you he was serving us, and defeating the designs of the
+anti-popular and despotic clique at your Court, I feel sure he would
+consent to place himself at your disposal."
+
+The Eastern Empress listened intently to her sister's words. At the
+close she said,
+
+"Thank you. I will try this man, if you can prevail on him to come to
+me. What is his name?"
+
+"I expect you must have heard of him already, It is----"
+
+"_Monsieur V----?_"
+
+The second Empress nodded.
+
+No more was said.
+
+The two imperial figures passed away along the terrace, silhouetted
+against the red and stormy sunset sky, like two ministering spirits
+of peace brooding over a battleground of blood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----
+
+
+The great monarch by whose gracious command I write this narrative
+has given me his permission to preface it with the following
+remarkable document:
+
+      _Minute_: It is considered that it cannot but promote the
+      cause of peace and good understanding between the British
+      and Russian Governments if Monsieur V---- be authorized to
+      relate in the columns of some publication enjoying a wide
+      circulation, the steps by which he was enabled to throw
+      light on the occurrences in the North Sea.
+
+                         _By the Cabinet._
+
+In addition, I desire to state for the benefit of those who profess
+to see some impropriety in the introduction of real names into a
+narrative of this kind, that objections precisely similar to theirs
+were long ago raised, and long ago disposed of, in the case of
+Parliamentary reports, newspaper articles, society papers, and comic
+publications of all kinds; and, further, that I have never received
+the slightest intimation that my literary methods were displeasing to
+the illustrious personages whom my narratives are intended to honor.
+
+With this apology I may be permitted to proceed.
+
+On a certain day in the winter which preceded the outbreak of war
+between Russia and Japan, I received a summons to Buckingham Palace,
+London, to interview the Marquis of Bedale.
+
+I am unable to fix the precise date, as I have forsworn the dangerous
+practice of keeping a diary ever since the head of the French police
+convinced me that he had deciphered a code telegram of mine to the
+Emperor of Morocco.
+
+The Marquis and I were old friends, and, anticipating that I should
+find myself required to start immediately on some mission which might
+involve a long absence from my headquarters in Paris, I took my
+confidential secretary with me as far as the British capital,
+utilizing the time taken by the journey in instructing him how to
+deal with the various affairs I had in hand.
+
+I had just finished explaining to him the delicate character of the
+negotiation then pending between the new King of Servia and Prince
+Ferdinand of Bulgaria, when the train rolled into Charing Cross.
+
+Not wishing any one, however high in my confidence, to know too much
+of my movements, I ordered him to remain seated in the railway
+carriage, while I slipped out of the station and into the closed
+brougham for which I had telegraphed from Dover.
+
+I had said in the wire that I wished to be driven to a hotel in
+Piccadilly. It was not till I found myself in Cockspur Street that I
+pulled the check-string, and ordered the coachman to take me to
+Buckingham Palace.
+
+I mention these details in order to show that my precautions to
+insure secrecy are always of the most thorough character, so that, in
+fact, it would be quite impossible for any one to unveil my
+proceedings unless I voluntarily opened my lips.
+
+The instructions which I received from Lord Bedale were brief and to
+the point:
+
+"You are aware, of course, Monsieur V----, that there is a
+possibility of war breaking out before long between Russia and
+Japan."
+
+"It is more than a possibility, I am afraid, my lord. Things have
+gone so far that I do not believe it is any longer possible to avert
+war."
+
+His lordship appeared gravely concerned.
+
+"Do you tell me that it is too late for you to interfere with
+effect?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Even for me," I replied with firmness.
+
+Lord Bedale threw at me a glance almost imploring in its entreaty.
+
+"If you were to receive the most ample powers, the most liberal
+funds; if you were to be placed in direct communication with one of
+the most exalted personages in the Court of St Petersburg--would it
+still be impossible?"
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"Your lordship should have sent for me a fortnight ago. We have lost
+twelve days, that is to say, twelve battles."
+
+The Marquis of Bedale looked more and more distressed.
+
+"At least you can try?" he suggested.
+
+"I can try. But I am not omnipotent, my lord," I reminded him.
+
+He breathed a sigh of relief before going on to say:
+
+"But that is only the preliminary. Great Britain is bound to come to
+the assistance of Japan in certain contingencies."
+
+"In the event of her being attacked by a second Power," I observed.
+
+"Precisely. I rely on you to prevent that contingency arising."
+
+"That is a much easier matter, I confess."
+
+"Then you undertake to keep the war from extending to us?"
+
+"I undertake to keep a second Power from attacking Japan," I answered
+cautiously.
+
+Lord Bedale was quick to perceive my reservation.
+
+"But in that case we cannot be involved, surely?" he objected.
+
+"I cannot undertake to keep you from attacking Russia," I explained
+grimly.
+
+"But we should not dream of attacking her--without provocation," he
+returned, bewildered.
+
+"I fancy you will have a good deal of provocation," I retorted.
+
+"Why? What makes you think that?" he demanded.
+
+I suspected that Lord Bedale was either sounding me, or else that he
+had not been taken into the full confidence of those for whom he was
+acting.
+
+I responded evasively:
+
+"There are two personages in Europe, neither of whom will leave one
+stone unturned in the effort to involve you in war with Russia."
+
+"And they are?"
+
+Even as he put the question, Lord Bedale, as though acting
+unconsciously, raised one hand to his mustache, and gave it a
+pronounced upward twirl.
+
+"I see your lordship knows one of them," I remarked. "The other----"
+
+He bent forward eagerly.
+
+"Yes? The other?"
+
+"The other is a woman."
+
+"A woman?"
+
+He fell back in his chair in sheer surprise.
+
+"The other," I repeated in my most serious tone, "is a woman, perhaps
+the most formidable woman now living, not even excepting the Dowager
+Empress of China."
+
+"And her name?"
+
+"Her name would tell you nothing."
+
+"Still----"
+
+"If you really wish to hear it----"
+
+"I more than wish. I urge you."
+
+"Her name is the Princess Y----."
+
+Scarcely had the name of this dangerous and desperate woman passed my
+lips than I regretted having uttered it.
+
+Had I foreseen the perils to which I exposed myself by that single
+slip I might have hesitated in going on with my enterprise.
+
+As it was I determined to tell the Marquis of Bedale nothing more.
+
+"This business is too urgent to admit of a moment's unnecessary
+delay," I declared, rising to my feet. "If your lordship has no
+further instructions to give me, I will leave you."
+
+"One instant!" cried Lord Bedale. "On arriving in Petersburg you will
+go straight to report yourself to her majesty the Empress Dagmar."
+
+I bowed my head to conceal the expression which might have told his
+lordship that I intended to do nothing of the kind.
+
+"Your credentials," he added with a touch of theatricality, "will
+consist of a single word."
+
+"And that word?" I inquired.
+
+He handed me a sealed envelope.
+
+"I do not myself know it. It is written on a piece of paper inside
+that envelope, and I have to ask you to open the envelope, read the
+word, and then destroy the paper in my presence."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I proceeded to break the seal. But no
+sooner did my eyes fall on the word within, and above all on the
+handwriting in which that word was written, than I experienced a
+sensation of admiring pleasure.
+
+"Tell the writer, if you please, my lord, that I am grateful for this
+mark of confidence, which I shall endeavor to deserve."
+
+I rolled up the paper into a tiny pellet, swallowed it, and left the
+room and the Palace without uttering another word.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT
+
+
+I never use the same stratagem more than once. It is to this rule
+that I attribute my success.
+
+On previous missions to Russia I assumed the disguises of a French
+banker, of the private secretary to Prince Napoleon, of an emissary
+from an Indian Maharaja, and of an Abyssinian Maduga.
+
+I now decided to go thither as an Englishman, or rather--for there is
+a distinction between the two--as a Little Englander.
+
+It appeared to me that no character could be more calculated to gain
+me the confidence of the Anglophobes of the Russian Court. I
+anticipated that they would smother me with attentions, and that from
+their hypocritical professions I should stand a good chance of
+learning what was actually in their minds.
+
+No sooner had I taken this decision, which was while the brougham was
+being driven along the Mall, than I gave the order "---- House."
+
+I was driven to the office of a well known review conducted by a
+journalist of boundless philanthropy and credulity. Mr. Place--as I
+will call him--was within, and I at once came to business.
+
+"I am a Peace Crusader," I announced. "I have devoted myself to the
+sacred cause of which you are the foremost champion. At present war
+is threatened in the Far East. I am going to Russia to persuade the
+war party to abandon their designs. I have come here to ask you for
+your aid and countenance in this pious enterprise."
+
+The editor gave me a doubtful glance.
+
+"If it is a question of financial aid," he said not very
+encouragingly, "I must refer you to the treasurer of the World's
+Peace League. I am afraid our friends----"
+
+"No, no," I interrupted him. "It is not a question of funds. I am a
+wealthy man, and if you need a subscription at any time you have only
+to apply to me. What I desire is your moral support, your valuable
+advice, and perhaps a few introductions to the friends of peace in
+the Russian capital."
+
+The editor's face brightened.
+
+"Of course!" he exclaimed in cordial tones. "I will support you with
+all my heart. I will write up your mission in the _Review_, and I
+will give you as many introductions as you need. What is your name,
+again?"
+
+"Sterling. Mr. Melchisadek Sterling."
+
+The philanthropist nodded and touched a bell on his table.
+
+"I will give you a letter," he said, as his secretary came in and
+seated herself at the typewriter, "to the noblest creature I have
+ever met, a woman of high birth and immense fortune who has devoted
+herself to the cause."
+
+And turning 'round in his chair he dictated to the attentive
+secretary:
+
+"_My dear Princess Y_----"
+
+It needed all that command over my features which it has taken me
+twenty years to acquire to conceal the emotion with which I heard
+this name. Less than half an hour had passed since I had warned Lord
+Bedale that the Princess would be the most formidable enemy in my
+path, and now, on the very threshold of my enterprise, her name
+confronted me like an omen.
+
+I need not repeat the highly colored phrases in which the
+unsuspecting philanthropist commended me to this artful and
+formidable woman as a fellow-worker in the holy cause of human
+brotherhood.
+
+Not content with this service, the editor wanted to arrange a meeting
+of his league or brotherhood, or whatever it was, to give me a public
+send-off. As I understood that the meeting would partake of a
+religious character I could not bring myself to accept the offer.
+
+In addition to the letter to the Princess Y----, he gave me another
+to a member of the staff of the Russian Embassy in London, a M.
+Gudonov. He also urged me to call upon a member of Parliament, a
+rising politician who is not unlikely to have a ministerial post in
+the next government, and who has made himself known as an apologist
+of the Czar's. But as I had good reason to know that this gentleman
+was by no means a disinterested dupe, like Mr. Place, I prudently
+left him alone.
+
+On going to the Russian Embassy to have my passport vised I inquired
+for M. Gudonov.
+
+The moment he entered the room I recognized him as one of the most
+unscrupulous agents of the notorious Third Section, one of the gang
+who drugged and kidnapped poor Alexander of Bulgaria. My own
+disguise, it is hardly necessary to say, was impenetrable.
+
+This precious apostle of peace greeted me with unction, on the
+editor's introduction.
+
+"You are going to our country on a truly noble errand," he declared,
+with tears in his eyes. "We Russians have reason to feel grateful to
+worthy Englishmen like you, who can rise above national prejudices
+and do justice to the benevolent designs of the Czar and his
+advisers."
+
+"I hope that I may be instrumental in averting a great catastrophe,"
+I said piously.
+
+"Even if you fail in preventing war," the Russian replied, "you will
+be able to tell your countrymen when you return, that it was due to
+the insane ambition of the heathen Japanese. It is the 'Yellow
+Peril,' my friend, to which that good Emperor William has drawn
+attention, from which we are trying to save Europe."
+
+I nodded my head as if well satisfied.
+
+"Whatever you and your friends in Petersburg tell me, I shall
+believe," I assured him. "I am convinced of the good intention of
+your Government."
+
+The Russian fairly grinned at this simplicity.
+
+"You cannot find a more trustworthy informant than the Princess
+Y----," he said gravely. "And just now she is in a position to know a
+very great deal."
+
+"How so?" I asked naturally--not that I doubted the statement.
+
+"The Princess has just been appointed a lady-in-waiting to her
+imperial majesty the Dowager Empress Dagmar."
+
+This was a serious blow. Knowing what I did of the past of Princess
+Y----, I felt that no ordinary pressure must have been brought to
+bear to secure her admission into the household of the Czaritza. And
+with what motive? It was a question to which there could be only one
+answer. The War Party had guessed or suspected that the Czar's mother
+was opposed to them, and they had resolved to place a spy on her
+actions.
+
+Inwardly thankful to Mr. Place for having been the means of procuring
+me this important information in advance, I received my passport and
+quitted the Embassy with the heartfelt congratulations of the
+ex-kidnapper.
+
+Forty-eight hours later I had crossed the Russian frontier, and my
+life was in the hands of the Princess.
+
+My first step on arriving in the capital of the North was to put up
+at the favorite hotel of English visitors. The coupons of a
+celebrated tourist agency were credentials in themselves, and I had
+not forgotten to provide myself with the three articles indispensable
+to the outfit of every traveling Briton--a guide book, a prayer book,
+and a bath sponge.
+
+At the risk of incurring the suspicions of the police agent stationed
+in the hotel, I mingled some hot water in the bath which I took on
+the first morning after my arrival. Then, having made my toilet and
+eaten the heavy breakfast provided for English visitors, I set out,
+suffering sadly from indigestion, to present my letter of
+introduction to the Princess.
+
+As this woman, the most brilliant recruit ever received into the
+Russian secret service, and a foe of whom I am not ashamed to confess
+that I felt some fear, has never been heard of by the public of Great
+Britain, I shall say a word concerning her.
+
+The Princess, whose Christian name was Sophia, was the daughter of a
+boyar of Little Russia. Her extraordinary beauty, while she was still
+a very young girl, attracted the attention of the governor of the
+province, Prince Y----, who was one of the wealthiest nobles in the
+Empire, and a widower. He made proposals for her hand which were
+accepted by her father, without the girl herself being asked to
+express an opinion in the matter, and at the age when an English girl
+would be leaving home for a convent or "high-school," Sophia became
+the Governor's wife.
+
+Almost immediately the Prince resigned his government and went to
+live in his splendid palace on the Nevsky Prospect, in Petersburg.
+Before very long, society in the Russian capital was startled to hear
+of the sudden deaths in rapid succession of both the Prince's
+children by his former wife, a son and a daughter. Then, after a
+brief interval, followed the tragic death of the Prince himself, who
+was found in bed one morning by his valet, with his throat cut.
+
+The almost satanic beauty and fascination of the youthful Princess
+had made her from the very first one of the most conspicuous
+personages at the Imperial Court. These three deaths, following on
+the heels of one another, roused the most dreadful suspicions, and
+the Czar Alexander III. personally charged his minister of justice
+to see that the law was carried out.
+
+Accordingly the police took possession of the palace while the corpse
+of its late owner still lay where it had been found. The most
+searching investigations were made, the servants were questioned and
+threatened, and it was rumored that the widow herself was for a short
+time under arrest.
+
+Suddenly a great change took place. The police withdrew, professing
+themselves satisfied that no crime had been committed. The deaths of
+the son and daughter were put down to natural causes, and that of the
+Prince was pronounced a suicide, due to grief at the loss of his
+children. Some of the servants disappeared--it was said into
+Siberia--and in due course the Princess resumed her place in society
+and at Court, as though nothing were amiss.
+
+Nevertheless, from that hour, as I have every reason to know, her
+life was really that of a slave to the head of the secret police. She
+appeared to go about unfettered, and to revel in the enjoyment of
+every luxury; but her time, her actions, and the vast wealth
+bequeathed to her by her husband, were all at the disposal of her
+tyrant.
+
+Time after time, in half the capitals of Europe, but more especially,
+of course, in that of Russia, I had come on traces of this terrible
+woman, not less terrible if it were true that she was herself the
+most miserable victim of the system of which she formed part.
+
+But singularly enough, though I had heard so much of the Princess I
+had never actually found myself pitted against her. And, more
+singularly still, I had never met her.
+
+From this it will be gathered that I experienced a sensation of more
+than ordinary curiosity and even apprehension as I presented myself
+at the house in the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to be admitted to the
+presence of its mistress.
+
+"Her highness is on duty at the Palace to-day," I was told by the
+chamberlain who received me in the inner hall. "Her carriage is just
+ordered to take her there. However, I will take up your letter, and
+inquire when her highness can see you."
+
+I sat down in the hall, outwardly a calm, stolid Briton, but inwardly
+a wrestler, wound up to the highest pitch of excitement and impatient
+for the sight of his antagonist.
+
+To pass the time suitably, I took my guide-book out of my pocket and
+began to read. The book opened at Herr Baedaker's description of the
+gloomy fortress of the Schluesselburg, the dreaded prison of the foes
+of the Czar.
+
+The description did not tend to soothe my nerves, conscious as I was
+that the woman I was about to meet could consign me to the most
+noisome dungeon in the fortress by merely lifting her little finger.
+
+I was just closing the book with an involuntary shudder when I heard
+a light, almost girlish, laugh from above. I looked hastily, and saw
+the woman I had come to measure myself against standing poised like a
+bird on the top of the grand staircase.
+
+As I rose hurriedly to my feet, taking in every detail of her superb
+yet delicate figure, her complexion like a blush-rose, her lustrous
+eyes--they were dark violet on a closer view--and the cloud of
+rippling gold that framed her brow, I was moved, yes, positively
+carried away for a moment, by a sentiment such as few women have been
+able to inspire in me.
+
+Perceiving, no doubt, that she had produced the desired impression,
+the Princess ran lightly down the stairs and came toward me holding
+out two tiny hands, the fingers of which were literally gloved in
+diamonds.
+
+"My friend! My noble Englishman!" she exclaimed in the purest French.
+"And since when have you known that dear Monsieur Place?"
+
+I checked myself on the point of replying, pretended to falter, and
+then muttered in the worst French I could devise on the spur of the
+moment:
+
+"_Parlez-vous Anglais, s'il vous plait, Madame?_"
+
+The Princess shook her head reproachfully.
+
+"You speak French too well not to understand it, I suspect," she
+retorted in the same language. Then dropping it for English, marred
+only by a slight Slavonic accent, she repeated:
+
+"But tell me,--dear Mr. Place, he is a great friend of yours, I
+suppose?"
+
+"I can hardly claim the honor of his personal friendship," I replied,
+rather lamely. "But I have always known and admired him as a public
+man."
+
+"Ah! He is so good, is he not? So generous, so confiding, so great a
+friend of our dear Russia. You know Mr. ----?"
+
+The name she uttered was that of the politician referred to above.
+She slipped it out swiftly, with the action of a cat pouncing.
+
+I shook my head with an air of distress.
+
+"I am afraid I am not important enough to know such a great man as
+that," I said with affected humility.
+
+The Princess hastened to relieve my embarrassment.
+
+"What is that to us!" she exclaimed. "You are an Englishman, you are
+benevolent, upright, truthful, and you esteem our country. Such men
+are always welcome in Russia. The Czaritza is waiting for me; but you
+will come back and dine with me, if not to-night, then to-morrow, or
+the next day. I will send an invitation to your hotel. My friends
+shall call on you. You are staying at the----?"
+
+I mentioned the name of the hotel, murmuring my thanks.
+
+"That is nothing," the beautiful woman went on in the same eager
+strain. "I shall have good news for you when we meet again, believe
+me. Yes--" she lowered her voice almost to a whisper--"our dear Czar
+is going to take the negotiations into his own hands. So it is said.
+His majesty is determined to preserve peace. The odious intrigues of
+the War group will be defeated, I can assure you. You will not be
+disappointed, my dear Mr.----" she snatched the editor's letter from
+her muff and glanced at it--"Mr. Sterling, if I tell you that you are
+going to have your journey for nothing. You will have a good time in
+Petersburg, all the same. But believe me when I tell you so, your
+journey will fortunately be for nothing!"
+
+And with the repetition of these words, and another bright bow and
+look which dazzled my senses, the wonderful creature swept past me to
+where the chamberlain stood ready to hand her into her carriage.
+
+For nothing?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE
+
+
+No reader can have failed to notice one remarkable point in the
+interview between the Princess Y---- and myself. I refer of course to
+her invitation to me to dine with her in the course of a day or two.
+
+Unless the etiquette of the Russian Court differed greatly from that
+of most others in Europe, it would be most indecorous for a
+lady-in-waiting, during her turn of service, to give entertainments
+at her private house.
+
+I felt certain that this invitation concealed some trap, but I
+puzzled myself uselessly in trying to guess what it could be.
+
+In the meantime I did not neglect certain other friends of mine in
+the city on the Neva, from whom I had some hope of receiving
+assistance.
+
+Although I have never gone so far as to enroll myself as an active
+Nihilist, I am what is known as an Auxiliary. In other words, without
+being under the orders of the great secret committee which wages
+underground war with the Russian Government, I have sometimes
+rendered it voluntary services, and I have at all times the privilege
+of communicating with it, and exchanging information.
+
+While waiting for the next move on the part of the Princess,
+therefore, I decided to get in touch with the revolutionists.
+
+I made my way on foot to a certain tavern situated near the port, and
+chiefly patronized by German and Scandinavian sailors.
+
+The host of the Angel Gabriel, as the house was called, was a
+Nihilist of old standing, and one of their most useful agents for
+introducing forbidden literature into the empire.
+
+Printed mostly in London, in a suburb called Walworth, the
+revolutionary tracts are shipped to Bergen or Lubeck, and brought
+thence by these sailors concealed in their bedding. At night, after
+the customs officers have departed, a boat with a false keel puts off
+from a quay higher up the Neva, and passes down the river to where
+the newly arrived ship is lying; the packages are dropped overboard
+as it drifts past the side and hidden under the bottom boards; and
+then the boat returns up the river, where its cargo is transferred to
+the cellars of the tavern.
+
+The host, a namesake of the Viceroy of Manchuria, was serving in the
+bar when I came in. I called for a glass of vodka, and in doing so
+made the sign announcing myself as an Auxiliary.
+
+Alexieff said nothing in reply, but the sailors lounging in the bar
+began to finish off their drinks and saunter out one by one, till in
+a short time the place was empty.
+
+"Well?" said the tavern-keeper, as soon as we were alone.
+
+It was not my first visit to the Angel Gabriel, and I lost no time in
+convincing Alexieff of my identity. As soon as he recognized me, I
+said:--
+
+"You know the Princess Y----?"
+
+The expression of rage and fear which convulsed his features was a
+sufficient answer.
+
+"You know, moreover, that she is at present working her hardest to
+bring about a war between Russia and Japan, with the hope of
+ultimately involving Great Britain?"
+
+He nodded sullenly.
+
+"How does that affect your friends?" I asked cautiously. Something in
+the man's face warned me not to show my own hand just then.
+
+"We hate her, of course," he said grudgingly, "but just now we have
+received orders that she is not to be interfered with."
+
+I drew a deep breath.
+
+"Then you regard this war----?"
+
+"We regard it as the beginning of the revolution," he answered. "We
+know that the Empire is utterly unprepared. The Viceroy Alexieff is a
+vain boaster. Port Arthur is not provisioned. The Navy is rotten. The
+Army cannot be recruited except by force. The taxes are already
+excessive and cannot be increased. In short, we look forward to see
+the autocracy humiliated. The moment its prestige is gone, and the
+moujik feels the pinch of famine, our chance will come."
+
+I saw that I had come to the wrong quarter for assistance.
+
+"Then you will do nothing against this woman at present?" I remarked,
+anxious to leave the impression that she was the only object of my
+concern.
+
+"No. At least not until war is definitely declared. After that I
+cannot say."
+
+"And you think the war sure to come?"
+
+"We are certain of it. One of our most trusted members is on the
+board of the Manchurian Syndicate."
+
+"The Syndicate which has obtained the concessions in Korea?"
+
+"Against which Japan has protested, yes."
+
+I felt the full force of this announcement, having watched the
+proceedings of the Syndicate for some months for reasons of my own.
+
+Every student of modern history has remarked the fact that all recent
+wars have been promoted by great combinations of capitalists. The
+causes which formerly led to war between nation and nation have
+ceased to operate. Causes, or at least pretexts, for war continue to
+occur, but whether they are followed up depends mainly on commercial
+considerations. A distant Government is oppressing its subjects, it
+may be in Turkey, it may be in Cuba, it may be in Africa. No matter,
+some great Power suddenly discovers it is interested; the drums are
+beaten, the flag is unfurled, and armies are launched on their path.
+The next year, perhaps, the same Power sees its own subjects
+massacred wantonly off its own coasts by a foreign fleet. Nothing
+happens; a few speeches are made, and the whole incident is referred
+to arbitration, and forgotten.
+
+It is the consideration of money which decides between peace and war.
+
+Perceiving it was useless to ask any assistance of the Nihilists in
+my forlorn enterprise, I returned sadly to my hotel.
+
+Hardly had I finished the immense lunch on which I was compelled to
+gorge myself, when a waiter brought me a card, the name on which gave
+me an electric shock.
+
+"_M. Petrovitch._"
+
+Every one has heard of this man, the promoter of the Manchurian
+Syndicate, and, if report spoke truly, the possessor of an influence
+over the young Czar which could be attributed only to some occult
+art.
+
+I could not doubt that this powerful personage had been instigated to
+call on me by the Princess Y----.
+
+What then? Was it likely that she would have sent the most
+influential man in the imperial circle to wait upon a traveling
+fanatic, a visionary humanitarian from Exeter Hall?
+
+Impossible! Somehow something must have leaked out to rouse the
+suspicions of this astute plotter, and make her guess that I was not
+what I seemed.
+
+It was with the sensations of a man struggling in the meshes of an
+invisible net that I saw M. Petrovitch enter the room.
+
+The celebrated wire-puller, whose name was familiar to every
+statesman and stock-broker in Europe, had an appearance very unlike
+his reputation.
+
+He was the court dandy personified. Every detail of his dress was
+elaborated to the point of effeminacy. His hands were like a girl's,
+his long hair was curled and scented, he walked with a limp and spoke
+with a lisp, removing a gold-tipped cigarette from his well-displayed
+teeth.
+
+As the smoke of the cigarette drifted toward me, I was conscious of
+an acute, but imperfect, twinge of memory. The sense of smell, though
+the most neglected, is the most reliable sense with which we are
+furnished. I could not be mistaken in thinking I had smelt tobacco
+like that before.
+
+"I have come to see you without losing a moment, Mr. Sterling," he
+said in very good English. "My good friend Madame Y---- sent me a
+note from the Palace to beg me to show you every attention. It is too
+bad that an ambassador of peace--a friend of that great and good man,
+Place, should be staying in a hotel, while hundreds of Russians would
+be delighted to welcome him as their guest. My house is a poor one,
+it is true, and I am hardly of high enough rank, still----"
+
+The intriguer was asking me to transfer myself to his roof, to become
+his prisoner, in effect.
+
+"I cannot thank you enough," I responded, "but I am not going to
+stay. The Princess has convinced me that the war-cloud will blow
+over, and I think of going on to Constantinople to intercede with the
+Sultan on behalf of the Armenians."
+
+"A noble idea," M. Petrovitch responded warmly. "What would the world
+do without such men as you? But at all events you will dine with me
+before you go?"
+
+It was the second invitation to dinner I had received that day. But,
+after all, I could hardly suspect a trap in everything.
+
+"Do you share the hopes of the Princess?" I asked M. Petrovitch,
+after thanking him for his hospitality.
+
+The syndicate-monger nodded.
+
+"I have been working night and day for peace," he declared
+impudently, "and I think I may claim that I have done some good. The
+Japanese are seeking for an excuse to attack us, but they will not
+get it."
+
+"The Manchurian Syndicate?" I ventured to hint, rising to go to the
+bell.
+
+"The Syndicate is wholly in favor of peace," he assured me, watching
+my movement with evident curiosity. "We require it, in fact, to
+develop our mines, our timber concessions, our----"
+
+A waiter entered in response to my ring.
+
+"Bring me some cigarettes--your best," I ordered him.
+
+As the man retreated it was borne in on my guest that he had been
+guilty of smoking in my room without offering me his case.
+
+"A thousand pardons!" he exclaimed. "Won't you try one of mine?"
+
+I took a cigarette from the case he held out, turned it between my
+fingers, and lit it from the end farthest from the maker's imprint.
+
+"If I am satisfied that all danger is removed I should be inclined to
+apply for some shares in your undertaking," I said, giving the
+promoter a meaning look.
+
+From the expression in his eyes it was evident that this precious
+scoundrel was ready to sell Czar, Russia and fellow-promoters all
+together.
+
+While he was struggling between his natural greed and his suspicion
+the waiter reentered with some boxes of cigarettes.
+
+I smelt the tobacco of each and made my choice, at the same time
+pitching the half-smoked cigarette given to me by M. Petrovitch into
+the fireplace, among the ashes.
+
+"Your tobacco is a little too strong for me," I remarked by way of
+excuse.
+
+But the Russian was wrapped up in the thought of the bribe at which I
+had just hinted.
+
+"I shall bear in mind what you say," he declared, as he rose.
+
+"Depend upon it, if it is possible for me to meet your wishes, I
+shall be happy to do so."
+
+I saw him go off, like a fish with the bait in its mouth. Directly
+the door closed behind him I sprang to the fireplace, rescued the
+still burning cigarette and quenched it, and then, carefully brushing
+away the dust, read the maker's brand once more.
+
+An hour later simultaneous messages were speeding over the wires to
+my correspondents in London, Amsterdam and Hamburg:
+
+      Ascertain what becomes of all cigarettes made by
+      Gregorides; brand, Crown Aa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH
+
+
+The next morning at breakfast I found the two invitations already
+promised. That of the head of the Manchurian Syndicate was for the
+same night.
+
+Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason for
+this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the Marquis
+of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager Empress in
+person.
+
+Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty, I
+drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
+livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
+by an equerry.
+
+"I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give to
+her majesty in person," I told him. "Be good enough to let her know
+that the messenger from the Queen of England has arrived."
+
+He went out of the room, and at the end of ten minutes the door
+opened again and admitted--the Princess Y----!
+
+Overpowered by this unlucky accident, as I at first supposed it to
+be, I rose to my feet, muttering some vague phrase of courtesy.
+
+But the Princess soon showed me that the meeting did not take her by
+surprise.
+
+"So you have a message for my dear mistress?" she cried in an accent
+of gay reproach. "And you never breathed a word of it to me. Mr.
+Sterling, I shall begin to think you are a conspirator. _How_ long
+did you say you had known that good Mr. Place? But I am talking while
+her majesty is waiting. Have you any password by which the Czaritza
+will know whom you come from?"
+
+"I can tell that only to her majesty, I am afraid," I answered
+guardedly.
+
+"I am in her majesty's confidence."
+
+And bringing her exquisite face so near to mine that I was oppressed
+by the scent of the tuberoses in her bosom, she whispered three
+syllables in my ear.
+
+Dismayed by this proof of the fatal progress the dangerous police
+agent had already made, I could only admit by a silent bow that the
+password was correct.
+
+"Then come with me, Mr. Sterling," the Princess said with what
+sounded like a malicious accent on the name.
+
+The reception which I met from the Dowager Empress was gracious in
+the extreme. I need not recount all that passed. Her imperial majesty
+repeated with evident sincerity the assurances which had already
+been given me in a different spirit by the two arch-intriguers.
+
+"There will be no war. The Czar has personally intervened. He has
+taken the negotiations out of the hands of Count Lamsdorff, and
+written an autograph letter to the Mikado which will put an end to
+the crisis."
+
+I listened with a distrust which I could not wholly conceal.
+
+"I trust his majesty has not intervened too late," I said
+respectfully, my mind bent on framing some excuse to get rid of the
+listener. "According to the newspapers the patience of the Japanese
+is nearly exhausted."
+
+"No more time will be lost," the Czaritza responded. "The messenger
+leaves Petersburg to-night with the Czar's letter."
+
+I stole a cautious glance in the direction of the Princess Y----. She
+was breathing deeply, her eyes fixed on the Czaritza's lips, and her
+hands tightly clenched.
+
+I put on an air of great relief.
+
+"In that case, your majesty, I have no more to do in Petersburg. I
+will wire the good news to Lord Bedale, and return to England
+to-morrow or the next day. I beg your pardon, Princess!" I pretended
+to exclaim by a sudden afterthought, "_after_ the next day." And
+turning once more to the mother of the Czar, I explained:
+
+"The Princess has honored me with an invitation to dinner."
+
+The Dowager Empress glanced at her attendant in evident surprise.
+
+"I must implore your pardon, Madam," the Princess stammered, in real
+confusion. "I am aware I ought to have solicited your leave in the
+first place, but knowing that this gentleman came from----"
+
+She broke off, fairly unable to meet the questioning gaze of her
+imperial mistress.
+
+I pretended to come to her relief.
+
+"I have a private message," I said to the Empress.
+
+"You may leave us, Princess," the Empress said coldly.
+
+As soon as the door had closed on her, I gave a warning look at the
+Czaritza.
+
+"That woman, Madam, is the most dangerous agent in the secret service
+of your Empire."
+
+I trusted to the little scene I had just contrived to prepare the
+mind of the Czaritza for this intimation. But she received it as a
+matter of course.
+
+"Sophia Y---- has been all that you say, Monsieur V----. I am well
+acquainted with her history. The poor thing has been a victim of the
+most fiendish cruelty on the part of the Minister of Police, for
+years. At last, unable to bear her position any longer, she appealed
+to me. She told me her harrowing story, and implored me to receive
+her, and secure her admission to a convent. I investigated the case
+thoroughly."
+
+"Your majesty will pardon me, I am sure, if I say that as a man with
+some experience of intrigue, I thoroughly distrust that woman's
+sincerity. She is intimate with M. Petrovitch, to my knowledge."
+
+"But M. Petrovitch is also on the side of peace, so I am assured."
+
+I began to despair.
+
+"You will believe me, or disbelieve me as your majesty pleases. But I
+am accustomed to work for those who honor me with their entire
+confidence. If the Princess Y---- is to be taken into the secret of
+my work on your majesty's behalf, I must respectfully ask to be
+released."
+
+As I offered her majesty this alternative in a firm voice, I was
+inwardly trembling. On the reply hung, perhaps, the fate of two
+continents.
+
+But the Dowager Empress did not hesitate.
+
+"What you stipulate for shall be done, Monsieur V----. I am too well
+aware of the value of your services, and the claims you have on the
+confidence of your employers, to dispute your conditions."
+
+"The messenger who is starting to-night--does the Princess know who
+he is?"
+
+"I believe so. It is no secret. The messenger is Colonel Menken."
+
+"In that case he will never reach Tokio."
+
+Her majesty could not suppress a look of horror.
+
+"What do you advise?" she demanded tremulously.
+
+"His majesty the Czar must at once write a duplicate of the despatch,
+unknown to any living soul but your majesty, and that despatch must
+be placed by you in my hands."
+
+The Dowager Empress gazed at me for a moment in consternation.
+
+But the soundness of the plan I had proposed quickly made itself
+manifest to her.
+
+"You are right, Monsieur V----," her majesty said approvingly. "I
+will communicate with the Czar without delay. By what time do you
+want the despatch?"
+
+"In time to catch the Siberian express to-night, if your majesty
+pleases. I purpose to travel by the same train as Colonel Menken--it
+is possible I may be able to avert a tragedy.
+
+"And since your majesty has told me that the Princess Y---- is aware
+of the Colonel's errand, let me venture to urge you most strongly not
+to let her out of your sight on any pretense until he is safely on
+his way."
+
+I need not go into the details of the further arrangements made with
+a view to my receiving the duplicate despatch in secrecy.
+
+I came away from the Palace fully realizing the serious nature of my
+undertaking. I understood now all that had worried me in the
+proceedings of the Princess. It was clear to me that Lord Bedale, or
+the personage on whose behalf he instructed me, had wired to the
+Dowager Empress, notifying her majesty of my coming, and that she had
+shown the message to her lady-in-waiting.
+
+Blaming myself bitterly for not having impressed the necessity for
+caution on the Marquis, I at once set about providing myself with a
+more effectual disguise.
+
+It is a proverb on the lips of every moujik in Petersburg that all
+Russia obeys the Czar, and the Czar obeys the Tchin. Ever since the
+bureaucracy deliberately allowed Alexander II. to be assassinated by
+the Nihilists out of anger at his reforming tendencies, the Russian
+monarchs have felt more real dread of their own police than of the
+revolutionists. The _Tchin_, the universally-pervading body of
+officials, who run the autocracy to fill their pockets, and indulge
+their vile propensities at the expense of the governed, is as
+omnipotent as it is corrupt. Everywhere in that vast Empire the word
+of the Tchinovink is law--and there is no other law except his word.
+
+Taking the bull by the horns, I went straight to the Central Police
+Bureau of the capital, and asked to see a certain superintendent
+named Rostoy.
+
+To this man, with whom I had had some dealings on a previous
+occasion, and whose character was well understood by me, I explained
+that I had accepted a mission from a friendly Power to travel along
+the Siberian Railway and report on its capacity to keep the Army of
+Manchuria supplied with food and ammunition in the event of war.
+
+He expressed no surprise when I told him it was essential that I
+should leave Petersburg that night, and accordingly it did not take
+us long to come to terms.
+
+The service which I required of him was, of course, a fresh passport,
+with a complete disguise which would enable me to pass anywhere along
+the railway or in Manchuria without being detected or interfered with
+by the agents of the Government.
+
+After some discussion we decided that the safest plan would be for me
+to travel in the character of a Russian police officer charged with
+the detection of the train thieves and card-sharpers who abound on
+every great route of travel. I could think of no part which would
+serve better to enable me to watch over the safety of the Czar's
+envoy without exciting suspicion.
+
+I placed in Rostoy's hands the first instalment of a heavy bribe, and
+arranged to return an hour before the departure of the Moscow
+express to carry out my transformation.
+
+It was only as I left his office that I remembered my unlucky
+engagement to dine that very night with the head of the Manchurian
+Syndicate.
+
+I perceived that these hospitalities were well devised checks on my
+movements, and it was with something of a shock that I realized that
+when I went to dinner that evening with the most active promoter of
+the war I should be carrying the Czar's peace despatch in my pocket!
+
+If the enemies of peace had foreseen every step that I was to take in
+the discharge of my mission, their measures could not have been more
+skilfully arranged.
+
+And as this reflection occurred to me I turned my head nervously, and
+remarked a man dressed like a hotel porter lounging carelessly in my
+track.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY
+
+
+Readers of that prince of romancers, Poe, will recollect a celebrated
+story in which he describes the device employed by a man of uncommon
+shrewdness to conceal a stolen letter from the perquisitions of the
+police, and the elaborate argument by which the writer proves that
+the highest art of concealment is to thrust the object to be hidden
+under the very nose of the searcher.
+
+But that argument is one of the many mystifications in which the
+weird genius of Poe delighted. It is easy to see, in short, that the
+theory was invented to suit the story, and not the story to suit the
+theory. I now had before me the practical problem of concealing a
+document of surpassing importance, from enemies who were already on
+my scent, and keeping it concealed during a journey of some thousands
+of miles.
+
+The ordinary hiding-places of valuable papers, such as the lining of
+clothes, or a false bottom to a trunk, I dismissed without serious
+consideration. My luggage would probably be stolen, and I might be
+drugged long before I reached Dalny.
+
+The problem was all the more difficult for me because I have
+generally made it a rule to avoid charging myself with written
+instructions. I am sufficiently well known by reputation to most
+European sovereigns to be able to dispense with ordinary credentials.
+But in approaching the Mikado of Japan, a ruler to whom I was
+personally unknown, it was clearly necessary for me to have something
+in writing from the Russian Emperor.
+
+All at once an idea flashed on my mind, so simple, and yet so
+incapable of detection (as it seemed to me), that I almost smiled in
+the face of the man who was dogging my steps along the street, no
+doubt under instructions from the War Syndicate.
+
+That afternoon I was closeted with the Emperor of All the Russias in
+his private cabinet for nearly an hour.
+
+It is not my habit to repeat details of private conversations, when
+they are not required to illustrate the progress of public events,
+and therefore I will say merely that the Czar was evidently in
+earnest in his desire to avoid war, but greatly hampered and
+bewildered by the difficult representations made to him by, or on
+behalf of, those to whose interests war was essential.
+
+It was melancholy to see the destinies of half Europe and Asia, and
+the lives of scores of thousands of brave men, hanging on the will of
+an irresolute young man, depressed by the consciousness of his own
+infirmity, and desperately seeking for some stronger mind on which to
+lean. Had I not been placed by my Polish sentiment in a position of
+antagonism to the Czardom, perhaps--but it is useless to indulge in
+these reflections.
+
+One thing in the course of the interview struck me as having great
+significance for the future. I found that his majesty, who had
+entertained at one time a strong dislike of the German Emperor, a
+dislike not untinged with jealousy, had now completely altered his
+opinion. He spoke to me of Wilhelm II. in terms of highest praise,
+declared that he was under the greatest obligations to him for useful
+warnings and advice, said that he believed he had no truer or more
+zealous friend.
+
+When I drove to the house of M. Petrovitch that evening I carried,
+carefully sewn between the inner and outer folds of my well-starched
+shirt-front, where no sound of crackling would excite remark, a sheet
+of thin note-paper covered in a very small handwriting with the text
+of the Czar's letter to the ruler of Japan.
+
+M. Petrovitch was not alone. Around his hospitable board he had
+gathered some of the highest and proudest personages of the Russian
+Court, including the Grand Duke Staniolanus, generally believed to be
+the heart and soul of the War Party. His imperial highness was
+well-known to be a desperate gambler, up to the neck in debts
+contracted at the card-table, and bent on recouping himself out of
+the wealth of Korea and Manchuria.
+
+I was duly presented to this royal personage (whom I had met once
+before under widely different circumstances) in the character of a
+Peace Crusader, an emissary of the philanthropists of Great Britain.
+
+At the dinner-table, where I found myself placed on my host's left
+hand, while the Grand Duke was on his right, the conversation
+continued to be in the same strain. That Petrovitch believed me to be
+an English peace fanatic I did not believe any longer, but I could
+not tell if any, or how many, of the others were in his confidence.
+
+As soon as the solid part of the feast was disposed of, Petrovitch
+rose to his feet, and after a bow to the Grand Duke, launched out
+into a formal speech proposing my health.
+
+He commenced with the usual professions in favor of peace, spoke of
+the desire felt by all Russians to preserve the friendship of
+England, eulogized the work done by my friend the editor, and by
+other less disinterested friends of Russia in London, and wound up by
+asking all the company to give me a cordial welcome, and to send a
+message of congratulation and good-will to the British public.
+
+Knowing as I did, that the man was a consummate rogue, who had
+probably invited me to his house in order to keep me under
+observation, and possibly to prevent my getting scent of the
+intrigues pursued by his friend and ally, Princess Y----, I was still
+at a loss to understand the reason for this performance.
+
+I have learned since that an account of the proceedings, with
+abstracts from this hypocritical speech, was telegraphed to England,
+and actually found its way into some of the newspapers under the
+heading, "Peace Demonstration in St. Petersburg: No Russian Wants
+War."
+
+There was one of the guests, however, who made no pretense of
+listening with pleasure to the smooth speech of M. Petrovitch. This
+was a dark young man of about thirty, in a naval uniform. He sat
+scowling while his host spoke, and barely lifted his glass from the
+table at the conclusion.
+
+A minute or two later I took an opportunity to ask the promoter the
+name of this ungracious officer.
+
+"That?" my host exclaimed, looking 'round the table, "Oh, that is
+Captain Vassileffsky, one of our most distinguished sailors. He is a
+naval aide-de-camp to the Czar."
+
+I made a note of his name and face, being warned by a presentiment
+which I could not resist that I should come across him again.
+
+The champagne now began to flow freely, and as it flowed the tongues
+of many of the company were unloosed by degrees. From the subject of
+peace the conversation passed rapidly to the possibilities of war,
+and the Japanese were spoken of in a way that plainly showed me how
+little those present understood the resolution and resources of the
+Island Empire.
+
+"The Japanese dare not fire the first shot and, since we will not,
+there will be no war," declared my left-hand neighbor.
+
+"The war will be fought in Japan, not in Manchuria," affirmed the
+Grand Duke with a condescending air. "It will be a case of the Boers
+over again. They may give us some trouble, but we shall annex their
+country."
+
+M. Petrovitch gave me a glance of alarm.
+
+"Russia does not wish to add to her territory," he put in; "but we
+may find it necessary to leave a few troops in Tokio to maintain
+order, while we pursue our civilizing mission."
+
+I need not recount the other remarks, equally arrogant.
+
+Abstemious by habit, I had a particular reason for refraining from
+taking much wine on this night. It was already past nine o'clock, the
+train for Moscow, which connected there with the Siberian express,
+started at midnight, and I had to be at the police bureau by eleven
+at the latest to make the changes necessary for my disguise.
+
+I therefore allowed my glass to remain full, merely touching it with
+my lips occasionally when my host pressed me to drink. M. Petrovitch
+did not openly notice my abstinence, but presently I heard him give
+an order to the butler who waited behind his chair.
+
+The butler turned to the sideboard for a moment, and then came
+forward bearing a silver tray on which stood a flagon of cut-glass
+and silver with a number of exquisite little silver cups like
+egg-shells.
+
+"You will not refuse to taste our Russian national beverage, Mr.
+Sterling," the head of the War Syndicate said persuasively, as the
+butler began filling the tiny cups.
+
+It was a challenge which I could not refuse without rudeness, though
+it struck me as rather out of place that the vodka should be offered
+to me before to the imperial guest on my host's right.
+
+The butler filled two cups, M. Petrovitch taking the second from the
+tray as I lifted the first to my lips.
+
+"You know our custom," the financier exclaimed smilingly. "No
+heeltaps!"
+
+He lifted his own cup with a brave air, and I tossed off the contents
+of my own without stopping.
+
+As the fiery liquor ran down my throat I was conscious of something
+in its taste which was unlike the flavor of any vodka I had ever
+drunk before. But this circumstance aroused no suspicion in my mind.
+I confess that it never occurred to me that any one could be daring
+enough to employ so crude and dangerous a device as a drugged draft
+at a quasi-public banquet, given to an English peace emissary, with a
+member of the imperial family sitting at the board.
+
+I was undeceived the next moment. Petrovitch, as soon as he saw that
+my cup had been emptied, sat down his own untasted, and, with a
+well-acted movement of surprise and regret, turned to the Grand Duke.
+
+"I implore your pardon, sir. I did not ask if you would not honor me
+by taking the first cup!"
+
+The Grand Duke, whom I readily acquitted of any share in the other's
+design, shrugged his shoulders with an indifferent air.
+
+"If you wish your friends to drink vodka, you should not put
+champagne like this before us," he said laughing.
+
+Petrovitch said something in reply; he turned and scolded the butler
+as well, I fancy. But my brain was becoming confused. I had just
+sufficient command of my faculties left to feign ignorance of the
+true situation.
+
+"I am feeling a little faint. That _pate_"--I contrived to murmur.
+
+And then I heard Captain Vassileffsky cry out in an alarm that was
+unmistakably genuine--"Look out for the Englishman! He is
+swooning"--and I knew no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED
+
+
+My first thought, as my senses began to come back to me, was of the
+train which was due to leave Petersburg for Moscow at midnight.
+
+I clutched at my watch, and drew it forth. The hands marked the time
+as 9.25. Apparently I had not been unconscious for more than a few
+seconds.
+
+My second glance assured me that my clothes were not disarranged. My
+shirt-front, concealing the Czar's autograph letter, was exactly as
+when I sat down to the table.
+
+Only after satisfying myself on these two points did I begin to take
+in the rest of my surroundings.
+
+I was resting on a couch against the wall in the room where we had
+dined. My host, the head of the Manchuria Syndicate, was standing
+beside me, watching my recovery with a friendly and relieved
+expression, as though honestly glad to see me myself again. A
+servant, holding in his hand a bottle which appeared to contain sal
+volatile, was looking on from the foot of the bed, in an attitude of
+sympathetic attention. The other guests had left the room, and the
+state of the table, covered with half-filled glasses and hastily
+thrown down napkins, made it evident that they had cleared out of the
+way to give me a chance to come to.
+
+The cold air blowing over my forehead told me that a window had been
+opened. A Russian January is not favorable to much ventilation. As a
+rule the houses of the well-to-do are provided with double windows,
+which are kept hermetically sealed while the rooms are in use. The
+fact that the dining-room was still warm was sufficient proof that
+the window could not have been opened for more than the briefest
+time.
+
+It was a singular thing that, in spite of these assurances that my
+swoon had been an affair of moments only, I was seized by an
+overmastering desire to get away from the house immediately.
+
+I heard M. Petrovitch exclaim--
+
+"Thank Heaven--you are better! I began to be afraid that your seizure
+was going to last. I must go and reassure my guests. The Grand Duke
+will be delighted to hear your are recovering. He was most distressed
+at the attack."
+
+I sat upright with an effort, and staggered to my feet.
+
+"I am ashamed to have given you so much trouble," I said. "I can't
+remember ever fainting like this before. Please make my excuses to
+his imperial highness and the rest of the company."
+
+"But what are you doing?" cried M. Petrovitch in dismay. "You must
+not attempt to move yet."
+
+"I shall be better in bed," I answered in a voice which I purposely
+strove to render as faint as possible. "If you will excuse me, I will
+go straight to my hotel."
+
+The promoter's brow wrinkled. I saw that he was trying to devise some
+pretext to detain me, and my anxiety to find myself clear of his
+house redoubled.
+
+"If you will do me a favor, I should be glad if you would let one of
+your servants come with me as far as the hotel," I said. "I am
+feeling rather giddy and weak."
+
+The secret chief of the War Party caught eagerly at the suggestion.
+It was no doubt exactly what he desired.
+
+"Mishka," he said, turning to the servant, and speaking in Russian,
+"this gentleman asks you to accompany him to his hotel, as he has not
+yet recovered. Take great care of him, and do not leave him until he
+is safe in his own bed."
+
+The man nodded, giving his master a look which said--I understand
+what you want me to do.
+
+Thanks to this request on my part, M. Petrovitch raised no further
+objection to my departure. I stumbled out of the room, pretending to
+cling to the servant's arm for support, and let him help me on with
+my furs, while the porter was summoning a sleigh.
+
+There was a hurried consultation in low tones between my host and the
+porter. Rather to my surprise the carriage, when it appeared, was a
+closed one, being a species of brougham on runners instead of wheels.
+I allowed myself to be carried down the steps like a child, and
+placed inside; the door was closed, with the windows carefully drawn
+up, and the jailer--for such he was to all intents and purposes--got
+on the box.
+
+The sleigh swept out of the courtyard and across the city. Directly
+it was in the street, I very softly lowered one of the windows and
+peered out. The streets seemed to me more deserted than usual at such
+an hour. I was idly wondering whether the imminence of war could
+account for this when I heard a church clock beginning to strike.
+
+Once--twice--the chimes rang out. And then, as I was preparing to
+close the window, they went on a third time--a fourth!
+
+I held my breath, and listened with straining ears, as the great
+notes boomed forth from the distant town across the silent streets
+and houses.
+
+One--two--three--four--five--six--seven--eight--nine--ten--ELEVEN!
+
+I understood at last. That drugged sleep had lasted an hour and a
+half, and before I came to myself my watch had been deliberately set
+back to the minute at which I lost consciousness, in order to prevent
+me from suspecting that I had been searched, or that there was
+anything wrong about the affair.
+
+Had I taken time for reflection I should probably have made up my
+mind to lose the Moscow express. In order to lull the suspicions of
+the conspirators, by making them believe I was their dupe, I should
+have let myself be taken to the hotel and put to bed in accordance
+with the kind instructions of my late host. In that case, no doubt,
+my watch would have been secretly put right again while I was asleep.
+
+But I could not bear the idea of all my carefully planned
+arrangements being upset. Above all things, I desired to keep up my
+prestige with the superintendent of police, Rostoy, who regarded me
+as an invincible being possessed of almost magical powers. At the
+moment when the clock was striking I ought to have been walking into
+his room in the bureau of the Third Section.
+
+Grinding my teeth with vexation, I very gently opened the door of
+the carriage, which was traveling noiselessly over the snow, and
+slipped out.
+
+I had taken care to ascertain that no onlooker was near. As soon as
+the sleigh was 'round the corner of the street I hailed a public
+conveyance and directed the driver to take me to the police office.
+
+I was only five minutes late in keeping my appointment. Detecting a
+look of slight surprise on the face of the superintendent, I
+apologized for keeping him waiting.
+
+"It is my habit to be punctual, even in trifling matters like this,"
+I remarked carelessly. "But the fact is I have been drugged and
+kidnapped since I saw you, and it took me five minutes to dispose of
+the rascals."
+
+Rostoy stared at me with stupid incredulity.
+
+"You are joking, Monsieur V----, I suppose," he muttered. "But,
+however, since you have arrived, there is your disguise. You will
+find everything in the pockets complete, including a handkerchief
+marked with the initials of the name you have chosen."
+
+"Monsieur Rostoy, you are an able man, with whom it is pleasure to do
+business," I responded heartily.
+
+The Russian swelled with pride at this compliment. I hastily changed
+clothes, shifting nothing from my discarded costume except a
+cigarette case which I had filled with the hotel cigarettes. My
+inquiry as to the Gregorides brand smoked by M. Petrovitch had not
+yet been answered.
+
+"Surely you are not going to wear that linen shirt of yours right
+across Siberia!" exclaimed Rostoy, who never took his eyes off me.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders.
+
+"It is a whim of mine always to wear linen," I responded. "I am not a
+rheumatic subject. And, besides, I have no time to lose."
+
+The superintendent threw a regretful look at the flannel shirt he had
+provided for me.
+
+As soon as I had finished my preparations I handed a thick bundle of
+ruble notes to the superintendent.
+
+"As much more when I come back safe," was all I said.
+
+Rostoy snatched at his pay, his eyes sparkling with greed.
+
+"Good-by and a good journey!" he cried as I strode out.
+
+Once in the street, I had no difficulty in finding a sleigh, this
+time an open one, to convey me to the railway station. I glanced at
+my watch, which I had set by the church clock, and calculated that I
+should have a few minutes to spare.
+
+But I had not allowed for Russian ideas as to time. As the sleigh
+drew up at the great terminus, and I came in view of the station
+clock, I saw that it was on the stroke of midnight.
+
+Flinging the driver his fare I rushed toward the barrier.
+
+"Moscow!" I shouted to the railway official in charge.
+
+"The train has just left," was the crushing reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE RACE FOR SIBERIA
+
+
+The unnatural strain I had put on my strength, undermined as it had
+been by the drugged vodka, gave way under this depressing failure,
+and for an instant I seriously thought of abandoning my effort to
+catch the Czar's messenger.
+
+I could leave Colonel Menken to pursue his journey, taking care of
+himself as best he could, while I followed by a later train. But I
+had little thought of that, as to adopt such a course would be to
+abandon the gallant officer to his fate. Whatever the War Syndicate
+might or might not know or suspect about myself, there could be no
+doubt that they knew all there was to know about Menken, and that the
+Colonel would never be allowed to reach Dalny with his despatch,
+alive.
+
+"Show me the passenger list," I demanded sternly, determined to use
+to the full the advantages conferred on me by my uniform.
+
+The station inspector hastened to obey. He took me into the booking
+office, opened a volume, and there I read the name and destination of
+every passenger who had left for Moscow that night. It is by such
+precautions that the Russian police are enabled to control the
+Russian nation as the warders control the convicts in an English
+prison.
+
+At the very head of the list I read the name of Colonel Menken,
+passenger to Dalny, on his imperial majesty's service.
+
+It was incredible folly thus publicly to proclaim himself as an
+object of suspicion to the powerful clique engaged in thwarting the
+policy of their nominal ruler.
+
+I glanced my eye down the list in search of some name likely to be
+that of an emissary of the Syndicate. It was with something like a
+shock that I came upon the conspicuous entry--
+
+"The Princess Y----, lady-in-waiting to H. I. M. the Dowager Empress,
+passenger to Port Arthur, on a visit to her uncle, commanding one of
+the forts."
+
+Stamping my foot angrily, in order to impress the railway official, I
+said--
+
+"Order a pilot engine immediately to take me to Moscow. Tell the
+driver he is to overtake the express, and enter the Moscow station
+behind it."
+
+There was some demur, of course, and some delay. But I wore the
+livery of the dreaded Third Section, and my words were more powerful
+than if I had been the young man who wears the Russian crown.
+
+By dint of curses, threats, blows and an occasional ruble note, I got
+my way. Indeed, I managed things so well that the railway officials
+did not even ask me for my name. I showed them my official badge; but
+when they made their report in the morning they would only be able to
+say that an inspector of the Secret Police had ordered a pilot engine
+to take him to Moscow in pursuit of the midnight express.
+
+The impression which I was careful to convey, without putting it into
+words, was that I was on the track of an absconding Nihilist.
+
+Within half an hour of my arrival at the terminus a light but
+powerful locomotive drew up on the main line of rails, with
+everything in readiness for an immediate start.
+
+I leaped into the driver's cab, where I found the driver himself and
+two stokers hard at work increasing the head of steam, and gave the
+order to go.
+
+The driver touched the tap, the whistle rang out once, and the wheels
+began to revolve. Ten seconds later we were beyond the station lights
+and facing the four hundred miles of frozen plain that lay between us
+and Moscow.
+
+Every one has heard the story of this famous piece of road. The
+engineers of the line, accustomed to map out their routes in other
+countries with reference to the natural obstacles and the convenience
+of commerce, waited upon the great autocrat, Nicholas I., a very
+different man from his descendant, and asked him for instructions as
+to laying out the first railway in the Russian Empire.
+
+The Czar called for a map of his dominions, and then, taking a ruler
+in his hand, drew a straight line between the old and new capitals.
+
+And so the line has been made, a symbol to all who travel on it of
+the irresponsible might of the Russian Czardom.
+
+It was not till we were fairly on our way, and the speed had risen to
+something like fifty miles an hour, that I realized what I had done
+in entering on this furious race.
+
+I had never traveled on a detached engine before, and the sensation
+at first was quite unnerving.
+
+Unlike a motor car, in which the hand of the driver has to be
+perpetually on the steering-gear, and his eye perpetually on the
+alert, the pilot engine seemed to be flung forward like a missile,
+guided by its own velocity, and clinging to the endless rails with
+its wheels as with iron claws. With the rush as of wind, with the
+roar as of a cataract, with the rocking as of an earthquake, the
+throbbing thing of iron sprang and fled through the night.
+
+Hour after hour we rushed across the blinding desert of snow, in
+which nothing showed except the flying disk of light cast by the
+engine lamps, and the red and white balls of fire that seemed to
+start, alight, and go out again as we frantically dashed past some
+wayside station.
+
+As the speed increased the light pilot engine, not steadied by a
+long train of coaches, almost rose from the rails as it raced along.
+Over and over again I thanked my stars that there were no curves to
+be taken, and I blessed the memory of that famous ruler wielded by
+the hand of Nicholas I. Here and there, at some slight rise in the
+ground, the engine literally did leave the rails and skim through the
+air for a few yards, alighting with a jar that brought my teeth
+together like castanets, and rushing forward again.
+
+I clung to a small brass hand-rail, and strained my eyes through the
+darkness. I could not have sat down, even had there been a seat
+provided for me--the pace was too tremendous. I was tired and unwell,
+and a slight feeling of headache and sickness began to gain on me,
+engendered by the vibration of the engine, the smell of oil, and the
+fearful heat of the furnace.
+
+It was some hours since we had started, but it was still pitch dark,
+with the wintry blackness of a northern night. I leaned and gazed
+forward with dull eyes, when I was aware of two red sparks that did
+not grow and rush toward us as I expected.
+
+Were we slackening speed by any chance? I turned to the engine
+driver, and pointed with my hand.
+
+The grimy toiler nodded. Then making a trumpet of his hands he
+shouted above the rattle of the wheels--
+
+"The rear-lights of the express!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE CZAR'S MESSENGER
+
+
+I drew out my watch and glanced at it by the light of the flaring
+stoke-hole. It was just half-past eight.
+
+The time taken up on the journey between Petersburg and Moscow varies
+greatly according to the state of the weather and the amount of snow
+on the line. But even in the summer the best trains are allowed
+twelve hours, while the slow ones take nearly twenty-four. The
+special Siberian express was timed to reach the ancient capital of
+the czars at ten o'clock in the morning, and we had overtaken it with
+rather more than an hour to spare.
+
+I ordered the driver to creep up gradually, but not to approach too
+near the hindmost coach of the train in front until Moscow was in
+sight.
+
+Obedient to my instructions, he slackened speed by degrees, till we
+were rolling along at the same rate as the express, with a space of
+three or four hundred yards between us.
+
+Presently a red flag was thrust out from a side window at the rear
+of the last coach and waved furiously. The driver of my engine
+responded with first a green and then a white signal, indication that
+there was no danger though caution was desirable.
+
+The express perceptibly quickened its speed, but of course without
+our allowing it to get farther ahead. At last the spires of the
+Kremlin, and the green copper domes gleamed out across the waste, and
+I nodded to the driver to close up.
+
+He managed the maneuver with the skill of an artist. Inch by inch we
+neared the guard's van in front, and our buffers were actually
+touching as the engine in front blew off steam and we slowed
+alongside the Moscow station.
+
+Before the wheels of the express had ceased to move I was out on the
+platform, and running up to the guard of the express.
+
+"I have come on the pilot engine from Petersburg," I told him
+hurriedly. "Tell no one of my arrival. Do not report the chase. If
+you are questioned, say that you have orders to say nothing. And now
+tell me which is the train for Dalny and Port Arthur, and when does
+it leave?"
+
+The guard, thoroughly cowed, promised implicit obedience. He showed
+me a long corridor train with handsome sleeping cars and dining
+saloons, which was drawn up ready at another platform.
+
+"That is the train which goes to Baikal," he told me. "If the ice on
+the lake will bear, rails may be laid right across it; if not, there
+will be sleighs to transport the passengers to a train on the other
+side. The train leaves at noon."
+
+I thanked him and strolled off down the platform, glancing into the
+carriages of the newly-arrived train as I passed in search of the
+Czar's messenger.
+
+I did not anticipate that any harm could have happened to him so soon
+after leaving Petersburg. The object of the conspirators would be
+defeated if Nicholas II. learned of any accident to his messenger in
+time to send another despatch. It was more likely, at least so I
+argued, that the Princess Y---- would accompany her victim across
+Siberia, gradually worming her way into his confidence, and that only
+at the last moment would she show her hand.
+
+It was with a slight start that I encountered the face of the fair
+emissary of M. Petrovitch, as she came to the door of her sleeping
+compartment and looked out.
+
+I was delighted to observe that this time she did not suspect me. In
+fact, she evidently mistook me for one of the ordinary station
+officials, for she gave me a haughty command:
+
+"Go and see if there is a telegram for the Princess Y----."
+
+Making a respectful salute I hastened off in the direction of the
+telegraph office. On the way I interrupted a man in uniform carrying
+an envelope in his hand.
+
+"For the Princess Y----?" I demanded.
+
+The man scowled at me and made as if to conceal the telegram. I saw
+that it was a case for a tip and handed him a ruble note, on which he
+promptly parted with his trust.
+
+I turned around, and as soon as the messenger had moved off, I tore
+open the envelope and read the message. Fortunately, it was not in
+cipher, the rules against any such use of the wires, except by the
+Government, being too strict.
+
+This is what I read:
+
+     "Our friend, who is now an inspector, will join you at
+     Moscow. Look out for him. He has left his luggage with us,
+     but does not know it."
+
+Accident, which had hitherto opposed my designs, was favoring them at
+last. It was clear that Rostoy had betrayed me, and that Petrovitch
+had sent this wire to the Princess to put her on her guard. But what
+was the "luggage" which I was described as having left in the hands
+of M. Petrovitch?
+
+I thought I knew.
+
+Crumpling up the tell-tale message in my pocket, I darted into the
+telegraph office, and beckoned to the clerk in charge.
+
+"On his majesty's secret service," I breathed in his ear, drawing him
+on one side. I showed him my police badge, and added, "An envelope
+and telegram form, quick!"
+
+Overwhelmed by my imperative manner, he handed me the required
+articles. I hastily scribbled:
+
+     "Our friend has parted with his luggage, though he does not
+     know it. He has been unwell, but may follow you next week.
+     To save trouble do not wire to us till you return."
+
+Slipping this into the envelope, I addressed it to the Princess, and
+hastened back to the carriage where I had left her.
+
+I found her fuming with impatience and scolding her maid, who looked
+on half awake. I handed her the bogus telegram with a cringing
+gesture. She snatched at it, tore off the cover and read, while I
+watched her furtively from under my lowered eyelashes.
+
+The first part of the message evidently gave her the greatest
+pleasure. The second part, it was equally evident, puzzled and
+annoyed her.
+
+"Fool! What is he afraid of now?" she muttered beneath her breath.
+
+She stood gnawing her rose-red lips for a moment--even a night passed
+in the train could not make her look less charming--and then turned
+to me.
+
+"That will do. No answer. Here, Marie, give this man a couple of
+rubles."
+
+I received the gratuity with a look of satisfaction which must have
+surprised the tired waiting maid. In reality I had scored a most
+important point. Thanks to my suppression of the first message and my
+addition to the second, I had completely cut off communication
+between the agent of the Syndicate and its head in Petersburg, for a
+time; while I had lulled the beautiful plotter into a false security,
+by which I was likely to benefit.
+
+My anxieties considerably lightened for the time being, I now renewed
+my search for Colonel Menken.
+
+The train from Petersburg had emptied by this time, so I moved across
+the station to where the luxurious Manchurian express was being
+boarded by its passengers.
+
+I got in at one end, and made my way slowly along the corridors,
+stepping over innumerable bags and other light articles. In a corner
+of the smoking car I came at last upon the man I sought.
+
+Colonel Menken was a young man for his rank, not over thirty, with a
+fine, soldierly figure, handsome face and rather dandified air. He
+wore a brilliant uniform, which looked like that of some crack
+regiment of Guards. A cigar was in his mouth, and he was making a
+little nest for himself with rugs and books and papers, and a box of
+choice Havanas. A superb despatch box, with silver mounts, was
+plainly marked with his initials, also in silver.
+
+I did not dare to choose a seat for myself in the same part of the
+train as the man whom I was anxious to guard. The oppressive powers
+wielded by the police of Russia are tolerated only on one condition,
+namely, that they are never abused to the disparagement of the social
+importance of the aristocracy.
+
+Bearing this in mind, I proceeded to the coach set aside for the
+servants of the rich passengers, and contrived to secure a place
+close to that occupied in the day-time by the maid of the Princess.
+
+Having more than an hour to spare, I now laid in a large stock of
+Turkish tobacco and cigarette papers, so as to have some means of
+beguiling the time on the long, wearisome run across Asia. I also
+bought a second-hand valise, and stocked it modestly with clothes.
+Finally I made a hearty breakfast in the station restaurant, and
+boarded the train a few minutes before it rolled out of Moscow.
+
+Needless to say, I had introduced myself to the superintendent of the
+train, an official of great dignity and importance. As a police
+agent, of course I traveled free on the Government lines. The
+superintendent was good enough to offer me a spare bed in his private
+cabin at the end of the train, and during the run we became the best
+of friends.
+
+But I must be excused from dwelling on the details of the journey,
+not the first I had taken on the great transasiatic line. My whole
+energies were absorbed in two tasks. In the first place, I had to
+gain the confidence of the maid, Marie, and in the second to prevent
+her mistress gaining the confidence of the messenger of the Czar.
+
+"I hope that message I brought to the Princess did not contain any
+bad news?" I said to Marie as soon as I got a chance of addressing
+her.
+
+This was when we were fairly on the way.
+
+After first attending to her mistress, and seeing that she was
+comfortably settled, the maid was at liberty to look after herself,
+and I had seized the opportunity to render her a few trifling
+services with her luggage.
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure," was the answer to my question. "The
+Princess tells me nothing of her secrets."
+
+"Perhaps the Princess Y----"
+
+"Oh, let's call her Sophy," the maid interrupted crossly.
+
+Needless to say I welcomed these symptoms that Marie was no great
+friend of her employer.
+
+"Perhaps she has no secrets," I continued. "Have you been with her
+long?"
+
+"Only six months," was the answer. "And I don't think I shall stay
+much longer. But you're quite mistaken if you think Sophy is one of
+the innocent ones. She's always up to some mischief or other, though
+what it is, I don't know."
+
+"If you stay with her a little longer, you may find out. And then,
+if it is anything political, you may make a good deal of money out of
+her."
+
+The girl's eyes brightened.
+
+"Keep your eyes open," I said. "Look out for any scraps of paper you
+see lying about. Keep a diary of the places Sophy goes to, and the
+people she sees. And when you have anything to tell, let me know. I
+will give you my address in Petersburg. And you may trust me to see
+that you come off well."
+
+Marie readily agreed to all I asked of her. The understanding thus
+arrived at was destined to be of the greatest assistance to me.
+Indeed, it is not too much to say that to this young Russian girl it
+is due that the two greatest Powers in the Old World are not at this
+moment battling on the Afghan frontier.
+
+We had hardly been an hour under way before I saw the two objects of
+my watchfulness seated side by side in the drawing-room car,
+apparently on the friendliest terms.
+
+Dismayed by this rapid progress, as it seemed, on the part of the
+Princess, I reproached myself for not having warned Colonel Menken
+before we started.
+
+I resolved to put him on his guard at the earliest possible moment,
+and with that view I hung about the smoking-car, waiting till I saw
+him return to his corner.
+
+This was not for some hours. Fortunately, owing to the universal
+expectation of war, there were not many passengers proceeding to the
+Far East. The train was practically empty, and so when Colonel Menken
+had seated himself once more in the snug corner he had prepared for
+himself, I was able to approach him without fear of being overheard.
+
+He was just lighting a cigar as I came up, and took no notice of my
+respectful salute till he had inhaled the tobacco smoke two or three
+times and expelled it through his nostrils to test the flavor.
+
+At last he turned to me.
+
+"Well?" he said with some sharpness. "What is the matter?"
+
+"I have seen in the passenger list that you are traveling on the
+service of the Czar," I answered, "and I venture to place myself at
+your orders."
+
+Colonel Menken scowled at me haughtily.
+
+"Does that mean that you want a tip?" he sneered. "Or has some fool
+ordered you to shadow me?"
+
+"Neither, Colonel," I replied. "I am a servant of the Czar, like
+yourself, as you may see from my uniform, and as I have reason to
+fear that there is an enemy of his majesty on the train, I wish to
+put you on your guard."
+
+Menken gave a self-confident smile.
+
+"I am pretty well able to take care of myself, I believe," he said
+boastfully. "As for the Nihilists, I no longer believe in their
+existence. You may point out the man you suspect, if you like, of
+course."
+
+"It is not a man, Colonel, it is a woman."
+
+"In that case the adventure promises to be interesting. I do not know
+any of the women on board except the Princess Y----."
+
+"You know her!" I allowed a note of surprise to appear in my voice.
+
+"The Princess is related to me," the Czar's messenger declared, with
+a rebuking frown. "I presume she is not the object of your
+suspicions?"
+
+"And if she were?"
+
+"If she were, I should tell you that you had made a very absurd
+mistake, my good fellow. The Princess is in the confidence of the
+Dowager Empress; she is perfectly aware of the object of my mission,
+and she has just promised me that if I carry it out successfully she
+will become my wife."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH
+
+
+Colonel Menken regarded me with ironical contempt as I tried to
+apologize for my hinted distrust of his betrothed.
+
+"That will do, my man. I shall tell the Princess of your blunder, and
+I can assure you she will be heartily amused by it."
+
+"At least you will remember that I wear his imperial majesty's
+uniform," I ventured. "And, however much I have been misled as to the
+intentions of her highness, I submit that I am entitled to secrecy on
+your part."
+
+"Am I to understand that some one has given you orders referring to
+the Princess? I thought this was simply some idle suspicion of your
+own?"
+
+"My instructions were to watch over your safety, without letting you
+perceive it, and to take particular note of any one who seemed to be
+trying to form your acquaintance on the journey. If you now denounce
+me to her highness, she will be annoyed, and in any case I shall be
+of no further use to you."
+
+"So much the better," the Colonel said rudely. "I consider your
+being here at all as an act of impertinence. If I engage to say
+nothing to the Princess--who, as you say, might be annoyed--will you
+undertake to leave me alone for the future?"
+
+"I will undertake to leave the train at Tomsk," I replied.
+
+Colonel Menken closed with this offer, which was meant as a delusive
+one. I had selected the first important stopping-place at which the
+train waited sufficiently long for me to procure the materials of a
+fresh disguise.
+
+I took the train superintendent into my confidence, as far as to say
+that I wished to assume a false character for the remainder of the
+journey in order to be better able to play the spy on the object of
+my suspicion. We agreed that one of the train attendants should be
+put off at Tomsk, and that I should take his place.
+
+After my scene with the Colonel, I could not venture to do much in
+the way of overlooking them. But I made the best use of my friendship
+with Marie, and she reported to me regularly what she observed of the
+doings of her mistress.
+
+"It is my belief that Sophy is going to marry that stupid Colonel,"
+she informed me, not long after I had heard of the engagement. "Why?
+I can't think. He has no brains, not much money, and I am certain she
+is not in love with him."
+
+"There has been a quarrel of some kind between those two," she
+reported later on. "Colonel Menken has been questioning Sophy about
+her reason for going to Port Arthur just now, when it may be attacked
+by the Japanese."
+
+All this time the Princess had made no move to possess herself of the
+despatch which Menken was carrying--the real object of her presence
+on board the train.
+
+When Tomsk was reached, I went off into the town and procured
+different hair and beard so as to effect a complete change in my
+appearance. The disguise was clumsy enough, but, after all, neither
+the Colonel nor his companion had had many opportunities of studying
+my personal appearance.
+
+In the little cabin of my friend the superintendent I carried out the
+transformation, and finished by donning the livery of the railway
+restaurant service.
+
+Thus equipped, I proceeded to lay the table at which the betrothed
+pair usually took their meals together.
+
+As soon as the next meal, which happened to be dinner, was ready, I
+proceeded to wait upon them. They noticed the change of waiters, and
+asked me what had become of my predecessor.
+
+"He got off at Tomsk," I told them. This was true--the getting rid of
+the waiter whose place I wished to take had been a simple matter. It
+must be remembered that I found myself everywhere received as an
+inspector attached to the secret police, the dreaded Third Section,
+and, in consequence, my word was law to those I had to deal with.
+
+I added with an assumed air of mysterious consequence, "The Inspector
+of Police also left the train at Tomsk. It is asserted that he is
+going to make an important arrest."
+
+Colonel Menken laughed. Then turning to the beautiful woman who sat
+facing him across the small table, he said smilingly,
+
+"It is lucky the inspector did not arrest you, my dear."
+
+"Why, what do you mean?" she demanded.
+
+"Simply that this officer, according to his own account, was charged
+to watch over and protect your devoted servant, and in the exercise
+of his functions he was good enough to hint to me that you were a
+suspicious character, of whom I should do well to be on my guard."
+
+"Infamous! The wretch! Why didn't you tell me this before?"
+
+"I promised the fellow not to. He was afraid of getting into trouble,
+and as he had only blundered out of zeal, I let him off."
+
+"And he has left the train. Why, I wonder?"
+
+"I ordered him to."
+
+The Princess Y---- looked less and less pleased. A minute later, I
+caught her stealthily glancing in my direction, and realized that her
+keen wits were already at work, connecting my appearance on the scene
+with the disappearance of the inspector.
+
+The next day, Colonel Menken and his betrothed took their seats at a
+different table in the restaurant of the train.
+
+I saw the meaning of this maneuver. It was of course a test by which
+the Princess Y---- sought to learn if I was a spy, appointed to
+replace the inspector. I took care not to assist her by following
+them to the new table; on the contrary, I refused the offer of my
+brother waiter, who was honest enough not to wish to take my tips
+from me.
+
+When we reached Irkutsk, I had another proof that the Princess was
+beginning to feel uneasy. Marie informed me that her mistress had
+ordered her to go into the town and send off a telegram, as she would
+not trust the railway officials.
+
+The message, which my ally faithfully reported to me, was addressed
+to Petrovitch himself and ran as follows:
+
+      Received wire from you at Moscow reporting our friend ill,
+      and telling me not to wire you again till my return. I now
+      fear some mistake. All going well otherwise.
+
+We were carried across the frozen Baikal amid a furious snowstorm.
+Huddled up in thick furs, and fighting to keep our blood circulating
+under the leaden pressure of the cruel frost, there was no time to
+think of conspiracies.
+
+But on resuming the journey on the other side of the lake, I saw that
+the cunning agent of the War Party was maturing some decisive attempt
+on the messenger of peace. The talks of the lovers became closer and
+more confidential, the manner of Colonel Menken grew daily more
+devoted and absorbed, and Marie described her mistress as laboring
+under an extraordinary excitement.
+
+At last, on the very day the train crossed the Chinese frontier on
+the way to Mukden, Marie came to me with a decisive report.
+
+"Sophy has won!" she declared. "I overheard them talking again last
+night. Ever since they left Tomsk they have been having a dispute,
+Sophy declaring that the Colonel did not love her, because he
+suspected her, and he, the stupid creature, swearing that he trusted
+her entirely. It appears she had got out of him that he was carrying
+a paper of some kind, and so she said that unless he gave her this
+paper to keep till they reached Dalny or Port Arthur, she would not
+believe in him, nor have anything more to say to him.
+
+"In the end, she was too many for him. Last night he gave her the
+paper in a sealed envelope, and I saw her take it from her breast
+before she undressed last night."
+
+"Where is it? What has she done with it?" I demanded anxiously.
+
+"I can't tell you that. She had it in her hand when she dismissed me
+for the night. It looked to me as though she meant to break the seal
+and read it."
+
+Full of the gravest forebodings, I hurried to the rear of the train,
+got out my inspector's uniform, though without effecting any change
+in my facial appearance, and made my way to the smoking-car.
+
+Colonel Menken, who had just finished breakfast, was settling himself
+down to a cigar and an illustrated magazine.
+
+He gazed up at me in astonishment, as he perceived the change in my
+costume.
+
+"So the Princess was right!" he exclaimed angrily. "You are another
+policeman."
+
+I bowed.
+
+"And charged, like the last, to protect me from my cousin and future
+wife!"
+
+"From the person who has robbed you of the Czar's autograph letter to
+the Emperor of Japan, yes!"
+
+Menken recoiled, thunderstruck.
+
+"You knew what I was carrying?"
+
+"As well as I know the contents of the telegram which the Princess
+sent from Irkutsk to the head of the Manchurian Syndicate--the man
+who has sworn that the Czar's letter shall never be delivered."
+
+Colonel Menken staggered to his feet, bewildered, angry, half induced
+to threaten, and half to yield.
+
+"You must be lying! Sophy never left my sight while we were at
+Irkutsk!"
+
+"We can discuss that later. Will you, or will you not, reclaim his
+majesty's letter--the letter entrusted to your honor?"
+
+Menken turned white.
+
+"I--I will approach the Princess," he stammered, obviously divided
+between fear of losing her, and dread of myself and any action I
+might take.
+
+"That will not do for me," I said sternly. "I can only make you this
+offer: Come with me at once to this lady's sleeping berth and regain
+the despatch, and I will agree to say no more about it; refuse, and I
+shall report the whole affair to his majesty personally."
+
+"Who are you?" inquired the dismayed man.
+
+"That is of no consequence. You see my uniform--let that be enough
+for you."
+
+He staggered down the car. I followed, and we reached the car where
+the Princess was at the moment engaged, with Marie's aid, in putting
+the last touches to her toilet.
+
+She looked up at our appearance, gave an interrogative glance first
+at Menken and then, at me, and evidently made up her mind.
+
+"What is it, gentlemen?"
+
+"The--the paper I gave--that you offered to--that--in short, I want
+it immediately," faltered my companion.
+
+"I have no paper of yours, and I do not know what you are talking
+about, my friend," said the Princess Y---- with the calmest air in
+the world.
+
+Menken uttered a cry of despair.
+
+"The letter, the letter I gave you last night--it was a letter from
+the Czar," he exclaimed feebly.
+
+"I think you must have dreamed it," said the Princess with extreme
+composure. "Marie, have you seen any letter about?"
+
+"No, your highness," returned the servant submissively.
+
+"If you think there is anything here, you are welcome to look," her
+mistress added with a pleasant smile. "As for me, I never keep
+letters, my own or anybody else's. _I always tear them up._"
+
+And with these words, and another smile and a nod, she stepped
+gracefully past us, and went to take her seat in the part of the
+train reserved for ladies.
+
+Somewhere, doubtless, on the white Manchurian plain we had crossed in
+the night, the fragments of the imperial peacemaker's letter were
+being scattered by the wind.
+
+Menken's face had changed utterly in the last minute. He resembled an
+elderly man.
+
+"Tell the Czar that I alone am to blame," were his last words.
+
+Before I could prevent him, he had drawn a revolver from his pocket,
+and put two bullets through his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO
+
+
+A week later, that is to say, on the 8th of February, 1904, I was in
+Tokio.
+
+The behavior of the Princess Y---- on hearing of the death of her
+victim had been a strange mixture of heartlessness and hysterical
+remorse.
+
+At the first sound of the fatal shots, she came rushing to the scene
+of the tragedy, and cast herself on the floor of the corridor beside
+the dead man, seizing his hands, crying his name aloud, and weeping
+frantically.
+
+When I tried to raise her, so that the body might be removed, she
+turned on me fiercely.
+
+"This is your fault!" she cried. "Who are you, and how dared you
+interfere with me?"
+
+"As you see by my uniform, I am an inspector of police attached to
+the Third Section."
+
+She gazed at me searchingly for a moment, and then, lowering her
+voice, and bringing her lips to my ear, she said with intense energy:
+
+"It is a lie. I am here by the orders of the Minister himself, as you
+must know well. You are acting against us, whoever you are."
+
+"I am acting by order of the Czar," I responded.
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"I expect that is another lie. You could not have got so far as you
+have unless you had some one else behind you. Poor Nicholas!--Every
+one knows what he is, and that he has less power than any other man
+in Russia. Are you Witte's man, I wonder?"
+
+"You are a bold woman to question me," I said. "How do you know that
+I am not going to arrest you for stealing and destroying the Czar's
+letter?"
+
+"I should not remain long under arrest," was the significant answer.
+She gave me another searching look, and muttered to herself, "If I
+did not know that he was safe in the hands of my friends in
+Petersburg I should think you must be a certain Monsieur ----"
+
+She broke off without pronouncing my name, and turned away.
+
+At Mukden, the next stopping place, the Princess Y---- left the
+train, no doubt intending to travel back to Russia and report her
+success.
+
+In the meantime, I had reason to think she had notified her friends
+in Manchuria to keep an eye on me.
+
+All the way to Dalny I felt by that instinct which becomes second
+nature to a man of my profession that I was under surveillance.
+I detected a change in the manner of my friend the train
+superintendent. My trifling luggage was carefully searched. In the
+night when I was asleep some one went through my pockets. I was able
+to see that even the contents of my cigarette case, which I had not
+opened since leaving Petersburg, had been turned out and put back
+again.
+
+As the train neared Dalny I began to feel a little nervous. I had a
+dread of being stopped on my way to embark on board the steampacket
+which was still running to Tokio.
+
+The train drew up at last, at the end of its five-thousand-mile-run,
+and I stepped off it to the platform, carrying my valise in my hand.
+
+The platform was literally swarming with spies, as it was easy for a
+man of my experience to detect. I walked calmly through them to the
+cab-stand, and hailed a droshky.
+
+The driver, before starting off, exchanged a signal almost openly
+with a stout man in plain clothes, who dogged me from the railway
+carriage.
+
+Presently I sighted the steamer, alongside the principal wharf, with
+the smoke pouring out of its funnel, all ready to start.
+
+The cabman whipped his horse and drove straight past the steamer.
+
+"Where are you going?" I shouted.
+
+"To the Custom House first; it is the regulation," was the answer.
+
+Taking out my long neglected case, I placed a cigarette between my
+lips, and asked the driver for some matches.
+
+He passed me a wooden box. I struck several, but each went out in the
+high wind before igniting the tobacco.
+
+I was making another attempt as the droshky drew up outside the steps
+of the Custom House. I dismounted negligently, while one of the
+officials came and clutched my luggage. Then I walked slowly up the
+steps, pausing in the porch to strike a fresh match.
+
+A porter snatched the box from my hand. "Smoking is forbidden," he
+said roughly. "Wait till you are out again."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders, pinched the burning end of the cigarette,
+which I retained in my mouth, and sauntered with an air of supreme
+indifference after the man who was carrying my bag.
+
+He led me into a room in which a severe-looking official was seated
+at a desk.
+
+"Your papers," he demanded.
+
+I produced the papers with which I had been furnished by Rostoy.
+
+The customs official scrutinized them, evidently in the hope of
+discovering some flaw.
+
+"On what business are you going to Tokio?" he demanded.
+
+I smiled.
+
+"Since when have the police of the Third Section been obliged to
+render an account of themselves to the officers of the customs?" I
+asked defiantly.
+
+"How do I know that you are not a Japanese spy?"
+
+I laughed heartily.
+
+"You must be mad. How do I know that you are not a Nihilist?" I
+retorted.
+
+The customs officer turned pale. I saw that my chance shot had gone
+home. The Russian imperial services are honeycombed by revolutionary
+intrigues.
+
+"Well, I shall detain your luggage for examination," he declared.
+
+This time I pretended the greatest agitation. Of course, the more I
+resisted the more he insisted. In the end he allowed me to depart
+without my person being searched. The fact is I had convinced him
+that he held an important prize in my worthless valise.
+
+I was just in time to catch the steamer. As I crossed the gangway, a
+man dressed like a coal-trimmer turned on me a last careful scrutiny,
+and remarked,
+
+"Your cigarette has gone out, Mister."
+
+"Can you give me a light? Thank you!" I struck a match, drew a puff
+of smoke, and handed him back the box. Then I walked on board, the
+gangway was drawn in, and the Japanese steamer headed out to the open
+sea.
+
+On reaching Tokio I experienced some difficulty in obtaining an
+audience of the Japanese ruler.
+
+I was obliged to announce my name. It will hardly be believed, but
+the chamberlain whom I had entrusted with the important secret,
+brought back the answer that the Mikado had never heard of me!
+
+"Tell his imperial majesty that there is no monarch of Europe, and
+only two of Asia, who could say the same. I am here as the
+confidential plenipotentiary of the Czar, with an autograph letter
+addressed to the Mikado, and I respectfully ask leave to present it
+in person."
+
+Such a demand of course could not be refused. But even now the
+haughty Japanese did not receive me in the privacy of his own
+cabinet. On the contrary, I found myself introduced into the State
+Council-Room, in which his majesty was seated at a table surrounded
+by his chief advisers.
+
+In particular I remarked the venerable Yamagata, conqueror of China,
+and the round bullet-head of Oyama, the future overthrower of
+Kuropatkin.
+
+On the table was spread out a large map, or rather plan, of the
+entire theater of war, including Manchuria, Korea, Japan and the seas
+between. A man in naval uniform was standing beside the imperial
+chair, with an expectant look on his face.
+
+All eyes were turned upon me at my entrance. The Mikado beckoned to
+me to approach him.
+
+"Is it true that you bring me a letter from the Russian Emperor?" he
+asked abruptly. "We have received information that such a letter was
+on its way, but that the bearer was murdered on the Manchurian
+railway four days ago."
+
+"Your majesty's information is substantially correct," I answered.
+"The messenger, a Colonel Menken, was seduced into parting with his
+despatch, and committed suicide in consequence."
+
+"Well, and what about yourself?"
+
+"Foreseeing that the unscrupulous men who have been trying to force
+on a war between his Russian majesty and your majesty would leave no
+stone unturned to intercept this despatch, the Czar wrote a duplicate
+with his own hand, which he entrusted to me, in the hope that I might
+baffle the conspirators."
+
+"Where is it?"
+
+"I endeavored to conceal it by unstitching the front of the shirt I
+am wearing, and sewing it up between the folds.
+
+"Unfortunately I was drugged at a dinner party in Petersburg just
+before starting. I was unconscious for an hour and a half, and I fear
+that the opponents of peace have taken advantage of the opportunity
+to find and rob me of the letter. But I will see, with your majesty's
+permission."
+
+The Mikado made no answer. Amid a breathless silence, with all the
+room watching my movements, I tore open my shirt-front and extracted
+a paper.
+
+It was blank.
+
+"So," commented the Japanese Emperor, sternly, "you have no such
+credentials as you boasted of having."
+
+"Pardon me, sire. Anticipating that the War Party would suspect the
+object of my mission, and would resort to some such step to defeat
+it, I purposely provided them with a document to steal, believing
+that when they had robbed me of it they would allow me to proceed
+unmolested. My real credentials are here."
+
+I drew out my cigarette case, found the partially smoked cigarette I
+had had in my mouth when I ran the gauntlet of the spies at Dalny,
+and proceeded to cut off the paper. On the inner surface these words
+were written in the hand of the Czar:
+
+      The bearer of this, M. V----, has my full confidence, and
+      is authorized to settle conditions of peace.
+                         NICHOLAS.
+
+As I respectfully placed the scrap of paper, with its charred edges,
+in the Mikado's hand, I was conscious of a profound sensation in the
+room. Aged statesmen and brilliant commanders bent eagerly across
+the table to learn the character of the message thus strangely
+brought to its destination.
+
+His majesty read the brief note aloud. It was received with a murmur,
+not entirely of satisfaction I was surprised to note.
+
+Seeing that the Mikado made no remark, I ventured to say:
+
+"I hope that the extreme character of the measures adopted by the
+Czar to assure your majesty of his peaceful sentiments will have the
+effect of convincing you that they are genuine."
+
+The Emperor of Japan glanced around his council board as if to
+satisfy himself that he and his advisers were of one mind before
+replying:
+
+"I appreciate the zeal and the extraordinary skill with which you
+have carried out your mission. I regret that I cannot give you a
+favorable answer to take back to your nation."
+
+I was thunderstruck at this exordium. Slightly raising his voice, the
+Mikado went on:
+
+"Tell the Emperor of Russia that I do not distrust his sincerity, but
+I distrust his power. The monarch who cannot send a letter through
+his dominions in safety; who has to resort to stratagems and
+precautions like these to overcome the opposition of his own
+subjects, is not the ruler of his empire.
+
+"Why, sir, do you suppose that if I had a message to send to my
+brother in St. Petersburg I should have to stoop to arts like these?
+That any subject of mine would dare to plot against me, to seduce my
+messengers, to drug and rob them? Incredible! The tale you have told
+me completely confirms everything I and my advisers have already
+heard with regard to the Russian Government. It is a ship without a
+captain, on which the helm is fought for and seized by different
+hands in turn. To-day the real rulers of Russia are the men who are
+bent on war--and who, while we are talking, have actually begun the
+war!"
+
+I gazed around the Council-Room, unable to believe my ears.
+
+"Yes," the stern sovereign continued, "while you, sir, were entering
+the Inland Sea, charged with this offer of peace"--his majesty tossed
+the precious piece of paper on the table with a look of disdain--"a
+Russian gunboat, the _Korietz_, was firing the first shot of the war
+at one of my squadrons off Chemulpo."
+
+The glances directed by those present at the naval officer behind the
+imperial chair convinced me that he had just brought the fatal news
+to the Council.
+
+"And now," added the Mikado, "I will give my reply to the real
+masters of Russia--to the directors of the _Korietz_."
+
+He nodded to the naval officer, who walked across the floor to a box
+on the wall like a telephone receiver, and pressed a button.
+
+"That," his majesty explained, "is the signal for a flotilla of
+torpedo boats to enter the harbor of Port Arthur and blow up the
+Russian fleet."
+
+I think a faint cry of remonstrance or misgiving must have escaped
+me. The Japanese monarch frowned, and his voice took a still sterner
+ring.
+
+"Go back to your unfortunate master, and tell him that when he can
+send me a public envoy, in the light of day, to ask for peace, and to
+undertake the fulfilment of the pledges which his Ministers have
+broken, I will grant his request."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND
+
+
+I left the presence of the Japanese Emperor deeply disheartened.
+
+It is true I had myself foretold this failure, and that his Japanese
+majesty and his advisers had been good enough to compliment me in
+almost extravagant terms on the energy and resourcefulness I had
+shown in baffling the enemies of peace.
+
+But I am unaccustomed to defeat, no matter what are the odds against
+me, and I felt that the first point in the game had been scored
+against by the formidable woman whose beauty and strangely composite
+character had fascinated me, even while I was countermining her.
+
+For my work was not yet over. Indeed, it had but just begun.
+
+I had not succeeded in averting war between the two great Powers of
+Asia. But I hoped to thwart the efforts which I feared would be made
+to extend the conflagration to Europe.
+
+As soon as I had found myself once more on civilized ground, I had
+despatched a cable to my Paris office, announcing my whereabouts and
+asking for information.
+
+The reader may be excused if he has forgotten a little episode which
+marked my stay in Petersburg. I had noticed something peculiar and at
+the same time familiar in the scent of the tobacco smoked by
+Petrovitch, the financial adventurer whose scheme to enrich himself
+and a corrupt clique of courtiers out of the spoils of Korea and
+China was the true cause of the war.
+
+By a ruse I had secured one of the cigarettes, smoked by this
+dangerous plotter, and having ascertained that it bore the mark
+_Gregorides, Crown Aa_, had instructed my staff to ascertain the
+history of this particular make of cigarettes.
+
+While I was resting in my hotel in Tokio, waiting for the reply to my
+cable, I was honored by a visit from no less a personage than Privy
+Councillor Katahashi, President of the Imperial Bank of Japan.
+
+"I have come," the Privy Councillor explained as soon as the door was
+closed, "to express the high sense of your ability and devotion which
+we all possess, and to ask if it is possible for Japan to secure your
+services."
+
+Deeply gratified by this proposal, I was obliged to explain that I
+was already retained in the interest of Russia.
+
+"But what interest?" Mr. Katahashi persisted. "It is clear that you
+are not acting on behalf of that group which has just succeeded in
+its purpose of forcing a war."
+
+"That is so," I admitted. "It is no breach of confidence--in fact, I
+serve my employers by assuring you that my efforts are directed
+toward peace."
+
+"In that case there can be no antagonism between us, surely. Is it
+not possible for you and me--I say nothing about our respective
+Governments--to co-operate for certain purposes?
+
+"I know enough of the conditions which prevail in the Russian Court
+to feel pretty sure that it was not Nicholas II. who originally
+sought you out, and entrusted you with this mission," the Japanese
+statesman added.
+
+"At the close of the last war in this part of the world," the Privy
+Councillor went on, "Japan was robbed of the fruit of her victories
+by an alliance of three Powers, Russia, Germany, and France. This
+time we know that England will support us against any such
+combination. Thanks to King Edward VII. we have nothing to fear. His
+diplomacy, moreover, has secured the powerful influence of France on
+the side of peace. Although nominally allied with the Czar, we know
+that the French Government is determined to limit the area of the
+war, and to take no part against us, except in one event."
+
+"You mean," I put in, "in the event of an attack by England on
+Russia."
+
+"Exactly. And therefore we know that King Edward is making it his
+particular care that no cause of conflict shall arise."
+
+He paused, and glanced at me as though he considered that he had
+sufficiently indicated the source from which my instructions were
+received.
+
+I contented myself with bowing.
+
+"We know, also, that the most restless and ambitious of living
+monarchs has been bending his whole thoughts and schemes, ever since
+he ascended the throne, to one supreme end--the overthrow of the
+British Empire by a grand combination of all the other Powers of the
+world. If that monarch can force on a general strife in which England
+will be involved on the side of Japan, while practically every other
+European Power is leagued against her, M. Petrovitch and his timber
+concessions will have done their work."
+
+I drew a deep breath as I looked at the Japanese statesman with a
+questioning gaze.
+
+As if in answer to my unspoken query, a waiter of the hotel knocked
+at the door in the same moment, and brought me the long-expected
+cable from my agent in Europe.
+
+I tore it open and read:
+
+      Cigarettes Gregorides Crown Aa special brand manufactured
+      to order of Marx, Berlin, tobacconist to German Emperor.
+
+I looked up from reading the telegram to see the eyes of the Japanese
+Privy Councillor fixed upon me with the inscrutable, penetrating gaze
+of the Oriental.
+
+"The message you have just received bears on the subject of our
+conversation, does it not?" he inquired, but in the tone of one who
+does not doubt what the answer will be.
+
+With the caution which has become a habit with me, I read the cable
+through carefully for the second time, and then placed it on the
+fire, where it was instantly consumed.
+
+The Japanese statesman smiled.
+
+"You forget, I think, M. V----, that you have come here as the
+emissary of a sovereign with whom we are at war, and that,
+consequently, we cannot afford to respect your privacy.
+
+"I have a copy in my pocket," he went on urbanely. "You have felt
+some curiosity about a particular brand of cigarettes, and your
+friends have just informed you that they are those supplied to the
+German Emperor."
+
+I looked at Mr. Katahashi with new respect.
+
+"Your secret service is well managed, sir," I observed.
+
+"Such a compliment from such a quarter is an ample reward for what
+little pains I may have taken."
+
+"Then it is you who are----?"
+
+"The organizer of our secret service during the war?--I am."
+
+"But you are a banker?" I turned my eyes to the card by which Mr.
+Katahashi had announced his visit.
+
+The Japanese gave another of his subtle smiles--those peculiar smiles
+of the Oriental which make the keenest-witted man of the West feel
+that he is little better than a blunderer.
+
+"I came here prepared to take you into my confidence," he said
+gravely. "I am well aware that it is the only safe course in dealing
+with the Bismarck of underground diplomacy.
+
+"I am equally well aware," the Privy Councillor added, "that a secret
+confided to Monsieur V---- is as safe as if it had been told in
+confidence to a priest of Buddha, for whom the penalty of betrayal is
+to be flayed alive."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN
+
+
+"Three years ago," Mr. Katahashi proceeded, "when we first recognized
+that Japan would be obliged to fight Russia for her existence as a
+free and independent country, his imperial majesty the Mikado
+appointed me head of the intelligence department.
+
+"I perceived that it would be necessary for me to establish centers
+in the chief European capitals, and to have at my command a corps of
+agents whose comings and goings would not attract the attention that
+is usually given to the movements of persons connected with the staff
+of an embassy.
+
+"In our case precautions were necessary which would not have been
+recognized in the case of another country.
+
+"On the one hand, our Government has laid to heart the profound
+advice of Herbert Spencer, that whatever is done for Japan should be
+done by Japanese.
+
+"On the other hand, our people have characteristic racial features
+which make it practically impossible for a Japanese to disguise
+himself as a Western European, so as to deceive European eyes.
+
+"It was therefore necessary to provide an excuse for distributing
+Japanese agents over the West without the true reason of their
+presence being known.
+
+"I solved this problem by founding the Imperial Bank of Japan."
+
+"But, surely!" I exclaimed, "the Imperial Bank of Japan is a _bona
+fide_ concern? Its shares are regularly quoted on the stock
+exchanges. It negotiates loans, and carries on the ordinary business
+of a bank?"
+
+"Certainly. Why not? You forget that Japan is not a rich country.
+What we lack in gold, we are obliged to make up in ingenuity and
+devotion. Thanks to this idea of mine, the secret service of Japan
+pays for itself, and even earns a small profit."
+
+It gave me something like a cold shock to comprehend the character of
+this people whom the Russians had so recklessly provoked to draw the
+sword.
+
+I thought of the intelligence departments of some Western Powers, of
+the rank corruption that reigned on the Neva, where every secret had
+its price; of the insane conceit of Berlin, which had forgotten
+nothing and learned nothing since the days of Moltke; of the
+luxurious laziness of Pall Mall, where superannuated soldiers dozed
+in front of their dusty pigeon-holes after apoplectic lunches, and
+exercised their wits chiefly in framing evasive answers suited to the
+intelligence of the House of Commons.
+
+And beside these pictures I placed this of the prosperous commercial
+house, founded by the man before me, a man whose salary would
+probably be sniffed at by a deputy-assistant controller in the
+British War Office.
+
+A bank, paying its way, and adding to the revenues of Japan, and yet
+every member of its staff a tireless spy, ready to go anywhere and
+risk everything on behalf of his native country!
+
+Mr. Katahashi seemed to ignore the effect produced on my mind by his
+modest explanation.
+
+"I have told you this," he resumed, "because if I can succeed in
+satisfying you that we are both working for the same ends, or at
+least against the same enemy, I hope it will be agreeable to you to
+co-operate with me."
+
+I drew my brows together in anxious thought. In spite of the flattery
+and deference of the Privy Councillor I could not but feel that I
+should be the junior partner in any such combination as he proposed,
+or, rather, I should find myself an instrument in the hands of one
+whose methods were strange to me.
+
+"Although his imperial majesty was not familiar with your name, you
+must not suppose that your reputation is not known in the right
+quarters. I have a very full report on your work in my office. I had
+intended from the first to engage your services if we required any
+Western aid; and, as a matter of fact, I was on the eve of sending
+you a retainer, when I heard I had been anticipated by----"
+
+"By Lord Bedale," I put in swiftly.
+
+"By Lord Bedale, certainly," the Japanese acquiesced with a polite
+bow and smile.
+
+"After your interview with him, I lost sight of you," my
+extraordinary companion went on. "Your wonderful transformation into
+a Little Englander of the Peace-at-any-Price school threw my agents
+off the scent. But I heard of your interview with Nicholas II."
+
+"You did!"
+
+Mr. Katahashi nodded.
+
+"I recognized you in that transaction. I even guessed that you might
+make an attempt to carry through a message from the Czar. But,
+knowing the influences arrayed against you, I never expected you to
+succeed. Your appearance in our Council-Room was a triumph on which I
+congratulate you warmly.
+
+"And now," the Mikado's Privy Councillor continued, "there remain two
+questions:
+
+"Supposing you are satisfied that the real author of this war is not
+any one in Russia, but a certain monarch who smokes cigarettes made
+by the house of Gregorides--
+
+"And that the same ambitious ruler is now weaving his snares to
+entangle Great Britain, in short your own employer, the----"
+
+"Marquis of Bedale," I again slipped in.
+
+Again the same polite but incredulous bow and smile from the Japanese
+statesman.
+
+"Would you be willing to accept a retainer from us?"
+
+I sat upright, frowning.
+
+The somewhat haughty attitude of the Emperor of Japan still rankled
+within me.
+
+"I will accept a retainer from his majesty the Mikado," I announced
+stiffly. "From no one else."
+
+Mr. Katahashi looked thoughtful.
+
+"I will see what can be done," he murmured. "The second question----"
+
+There was a momentary hesitation in his manner.
+
+"I have just spoken to you of the precept of the great English
+philosopher."
+
+"It was, if I remember rightly, that you should employ only Japanese
+in the service of Japan?"
+
+The Privy Councillor bowed.
+
+"Therefore, you will see, we are obliged to make a proposal which may
+seem to you unusual--perhaps unreasonable."
+
+"And this proposal is?" I asked, with undisguised curiosity.
+
+"That you should become a Japanese."
+
+I threw myself back in my chair, amazed.
+
+"Your Excellency, I am an American citizen."
+
+"So I have understood."
+
+"An American citizen is on a level with royalty."
+
+"That is admitted."
+
+"Even the Dowager Empress of China, when engaging me in her service,
+though she raised my ancestors to the rank of marquises, did not ask
+me to forego my citizenship of the United States."
+
+"That is not necessary," the Privy Councillor protested.
+
+"Explain yourself, if you will be so good."
+
+"A man may be an American citizen, although by birth he is a
+Frenchman, a German, or even a negro. You yourself are a Pole, I
+believe."
+
+I could only bow.
+
+"Now I do not propose that you should relinquish your political
+allegiance, but only that you should exchange your Polish nationality
+for a Japanese one."
+
+"But how, sir?"
+
+"It is very simple. By being adopted into a Japanese family."
+
+I sat and stared at the Japanese statesman, with his mask-like face
+and impenetrable eyes. I seemed to be in some strange dream.
+
+Who shall judge the ways of the Asiatic! This daring organizer, a
+match for the most astute minds of the West, believed that he could
+only make sure of fidelity by persuading me to go through what
+seemed the comedy of a mock adoption, a ceremony like the blood
+brotherhood of an African tribe.
+
+"And suppose I consent, into what family do you purpose to introduce
+me?"
+
+The Privy Councillor's look became positively affectionate as he
+responded:
+
+"If you would honor me by becoming my kinsman?"
+
+I rose to my feet, shaking my head slowly.
+
+"I appreciate the compliment your Excellency pays me. But, as we have
+just now agreed, an American citizen has no equals except royalty.
+Let us return to the German Emperor and his designs. If I cannot
+serve you directly I may be able to do so indirectly."
+
+The Japanese made no attempt to press his proposal.
+
+Instead he plunged into a discussion of the intrigues which radiated
+from Berlin.
+
+"In nearly all the international difficulties and disagreements of
+the last twenty years," he said, "it is possible to trace the evil
+influence of Germany.
+
+"To German sympathy, a secret encouragement, was due the wanton
+invasion of Cape Colony by the Boers. To the Kaiser, and his promises
+of support, was due the hopeless defiance of the United States by
+Spain. The same Power tried to drag Great Britain into collision
+with your Republic over the miserable concerns of Venezuela. For
+years, Germany has been secretly egging on the French to raise
+troubles against the English in Egypt. In the same spirit, the Sultan
+has been abetted, first against England and next against Russia.
+
+"All these schemes have been spoiled by the action of King Edward
+VII. in establishing cordial relations with France, and even to a
+certain extent with Russia.
+
+"Now Wilhelm II. has taken advantage of the attraction of France to
+England, to draw nearer to Russia. He has secured in his interest
+some of the most influential personages at the Russian Court. The
+Anglophobe grand dukes, the fire-eaters of the Admiralty, are all his
+sworn allies.
+
+"But that is not the worst.
+
+"By some means which I have not yet been able to trace, the Kaiser
+seems to have acquired a peculiar hold over Nicholas II.
+
+"The whole policy of Russia seems to be tinged by this influence.
+Even where the instigation of Germany is not directly apparent, yet
+in a hundred ways it is clear that the Russian Government is playing
+the German game. The cause of all this is a riddle, a riddle which it
+is for you to solve."
+
+"For me?"
+
+The words escaped me involuntarily. I had listened with growing
+uneasiness to the Privy Councillor's revelations.
+
+"Undoubtedly. You have facilities which no one else possesses. You
+enjoy the confidence of the Czar. You cannot be suspected of any
+selfish designs, still less of any hostile feeling against Wilhelm
+II., who is understood to be almost your personal friend."
+
+"I never allow personal friendships to influence me in the discharge
+of my duty."
+
+"It is because I believe that, that I am talking to you like this,"
+Mr. Katahashi responded quickly.
+
+"Well!" he added after a short silence, "what do you say?"
+
+"I must have the night to decide."
+
+The Japanese Privy Councillor rose to say good-by.
+
+After he had gone I sat up late into the night considering how far I
+could serve my employer in England by entering into the projects of
+the secret service of Japan.
+
+In the morning, I was still undecided, but on the whole it seemed to
+me that it would be better to act independently.
+
+I was considering how to convey this decision to the Mikado's
+minister, when he again presented himself before me.
+
+His manner was deeply agitated. It was evident that he came to make a
+communication of the highest importance.
+
+Instead of taking the chair I offered him, he stood regarding me with
+an expression that seemed one of awe.
+
+"Monsieur V----," he said at length, "your conditions are accepted by
+his imperial majesty."
+
+"What conditions?" I asked, bewildered for the moment.
+
+"Last night you informed me that an American citizen occupied the
+same rank as royalty."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"The Mikado offers to make you a member of the imperial family by
+adoption, and one of his majesty's cousins has consented to make you
+his son!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS
+
+
+In these days, when princes resign their rank to marry commoners, and
+queens elope with tutors, it is probable that most Western minds will
+see nothing out of the way in the condescension of the Japanese ruler
+in admitting a diplomatic agent to the honor of the imperial
+cousinship.
+
+But the dynasty of Japan is the most illustrious in the world,
+excepting only that of Great Britain. Like Edward VII., the Mikado
+traces his lineage back to pagan gods. From the days of the famous
+Empress Jimmu, an unbroken line of sacred sovereigns has filled the
+throne of the Realm of the Rising Sun during more than two thousand
+years.
+
+Mr. Katahashi was evidently pleased to see that I appreciated to the
+full the tremendous honor accorded to me.
+
+"An imperial carriage is waiting to convey you to the Palace," he
+said. "But it will not be becoming for you to wear that uniform. I
+have brought you a Japanese dress."
+
+An attendant came into the room bearing a gorgeous robe of green silk
+embroidered with golden chrysanthemums.
+
+I put it on like one in a dream. The Privy Councillor with his own
+hands girt around my waist the two weapons, sacred from time
+immemorial to the use of the Japanese noble, the sword with which to
+behead his friend, and the dagger with which to disembowel himself.
+
+Needless to say, I had no expectation that I should ever have
+occasion to regard these magnificently embellished weapons in any
+other light than as ornamental badges of rank.
+
+As we rode to the Palace, I could not forbear contrasting this
+splendid treatment with that which I had been accustomed to receive
+from some of the European sovereigns to whom I had rendered important
+services.
+
+Even the German Kaiser, who trusted me more than the head of his own
+police, who talked to me almost on the footing of an intimate friend,
+had never offered me so much as the coveted "von" before my name--had
+not given me even the pretty Red Eagle which is lavished on
+second-rate generals and lords-in-waiting.
+
+I became well-nigh appalled as I contrasted the sluggish
+conversation, the hide-bound officialism, the stereotyped and sleepy
+methods of the Western Powers with the sleepless energy, the daring
+initiative, the desperate industry and courage of this rejuvenated
+Eastern race.
+
+What could any of these obsolete European Governments effect against
+a nation which was really a vast secret society of forty-five
+millions, directed by a sacred chief, and wielding all the mechanical
+resources of the West with the almost inhuman subtlety and
+ruthlessness of the Orient?
+
+"Anything can be done for money." This maxim, which is forever on the
+lips of Russian statesmen, no longer sounded true in the meridian of
+Tokio.
+
+The ruler of Japan had not offered me so much as a yen. Nay, it
+was clearly expected and intended that I should devote myself
+to the service of my new country without pay, and with the same
+single-hearted devotion as Mr. Katahashi himself. The Mikado was
+going to enroll in his services as an unpaid volunteer the most
+highly-paid, in other words, the most trusted and feared, secret
+service agent of two hemispheres.
+
+And it was to cost him? An embroidered garment and two sentences
+spoken in a private audience!
+
+Such are the methods of Japan!
+
+On our arrival at the Palace we were received by a chamberlain, who
+conducted us by the private staircase to the Hall of the Imperial
+Family.
+
+The Hall is an imposing room, hung with portraits of deceased
+mikados. A single chair, decorated with the emblem of the Rising Sun,
+stood at the upper end.
+
+Almost as soon as we had taken our places, a door behind the chair
+was thrown up, and a number of the officers of the household, all
+wearing the ancient national costume, filed in, and grouped
+themselves around the imperial chair.
+
+Then a silver bell sounded, and his imperial and sacred majesty,
+Mutsuhito CXXI., Mikado, walked slowly forward into the Hall,
+accompanied by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Yoshihito, and an
+elderly man, attired with great richness, who was, as my guide
+whispered to me, his imperial highness Prince Yorimo, second cousin
+to the Emperor, and the man who had consented to be my titular
+father.
+
+The ceremony was brief but impressive. I could not but be struck by
+the contrast between the two Mikados--the one whom I had seen
+yesterday, an alert statesman, wearing Western clothes, and speaking
+French with hardly a trace of accent, and the one before me now, a
+solemn, pontifical figure, in his immemorial robes, moving, speaking
+with the etiquette of a bygone age.
+
+Everything passed in the Japanese language, of which I did not then
+know a single word.
+
+Mr. Katahashi did his best to provide a running translation,
+whispering in my ear, and prompting me with the Japanese words which
+it was necessary for me to pronounce.
+
+As far as I could understand, Prince Yorimo asked permission of the
+Emperor to adopt a son, as he was childless and desired to have some
+one who would sacrifice to his own spirit and those of his father and
+grandfather after he was dead.
+
+The Mikado graciously consenting, I was brought forward, and made to
+renounce my own family and ancestors, and promise to sacrifice
+exclusively to those of my new father.
+
+Prince Yorimo next brought forward a robe embroidered with the
+imperial emblems, the most prominent of which was the Rising Sun. I
+was divested of the dress lent me by Katahashi, and my adoptive
+father flung the imperial garment over my shoulders.
+
+The girding on of the samurai weapon followed, and my father
+addressed me a short exhortation, bidding me hold myself ready at all
+times to obey the will of the Divine Emperor, even to the point of
+committing _seppuku_ at his command.
+
+_Seppuku_ is the correct name of the rite known in the West by the
+vulgar name of _hara-kiri_, or the "happy despatch." It is a form of
+voluntary execution permitted by the ancient laws of Japan to men of
+noble rank, much as European nobles were allowed to be beheaded
+instead of being hanged.
+
+I was then permitted to kiss the hand of Prince Yorimo, who formally
+presented me to the Mikado, whose hand also I had to kiss, kneeling.
+
+That was the whole of the ceremony, at the close of which Mr.
+Katahashi bade me a temporary farewell, and my princely father
+carried me off to a banquet in his own mansion.
+
+Tedious and uninteresting as I fear these details must seem to the
+reader, I have thought it right to record them as an illustration of
+the spirit of Japan, of that country of which I am proud to be an
+adopted son.
+
+The moment we had quitted the Hall of the Imperial Family, Prince
+Yorimo began to talk to me in French.
+
+He proved to be a most fascinating companion. Old enough to remember
+the feudal age, which was still in full vigor in Japan forty years
+ago, he had since mastered most of the knowledge of the West.
+
+I soon found that the Prince was by no means disposed to treat the
+adoption as a mere form. It was evident that the old gentleman had
+taken a strong fancy to me. He gave me a most affectionate welcome on
+the threshold of his house, and immediately calling his servants
+around him, introduced me to them as their future master, and bade
+them obey me as himself.
+
+I was more touched than I care to say by this kind treatment. My own
+parents have long been dead; I know nothing of any other relations,
+if I have any; I have long been a wanderer and an adventurer on the
+face of the earth, and now, at last, I felt as though I had found a
+home.
+
+Something of this I tried to convey to his imperial highness.
+
+"My son," he replied with deep tenderness, "I feel that to me you
+will be a son indeed. You shall learn the language of our beautiful
+country, you shall grow used to our national ways. Before long you
+will let me provide you with a daughter of the Chrysanthemum to be
+your wife, and my grandchildren shall be Japanese indeed."
+
+A sound of bells was heard outside.
+
+"My friends are coming to pay the customary congratulation," the aged
+prince explained. "As it is necessary that you should have a name
+suited to your new rank, I ask you to take that of my father,
+Matsukata."
+
+A few words of direction were spoken to the steward of the chambers,
+who went out. Immediately afterward he returned, throwing open the
+doors widely, and announced:
+
+"The Marquis Yamagata to congratulate his imperial highness Prince
+Matsukata!"
+
+And the Prime Minister of Japan came toward me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SUBMARINE MINE
+
+
+Having told the reader as much as was necessary to enable him to
+understand my subsequent proceedings, and the real forces at work in
+the underground struggle which produced the tragedy of the Dogger
+Bank, I will suppress the remainder of my adventures in Tokio.
+
+When I left the capital of my new country I wore around my neck,
+under the light shirt of chain mail without which I have never
+traveled for the last twenty years, a golden locket containing the
+miniature portrait of the loveliest maiden in the East or in the
+West.
+
+It was a pledge. When little, tender fingers had fastened it in its
+place, little moving lips had whispered in my ear, "Till peace is
+signed!"
+
+I had decided to return to the capital of what was now the country of
+my enemies, by much the same route as I had left it.
+
+To do so, it was necessary to run the blockade of Port Arthur, or
+rather to feign to do so, for the Japanese Minister of Marine had
+been asked by my friend Katahashi to give secret instructions to
+Admiral Togo on my behalf.
+
+In order to ensure a welcome from the Russian commander, and to
+dispel any suspicions, I planned to take in a cargo of Welsh steam
+coal.
+
+Through an agent at Yokohama I chartered a British collier lying at
+Chi-fu, with a cargo for disposal. Leaving the Japanese port on a
+steamer bound for Shanghai, I met the collier in mid-ocean, and
+transferred myself on board her.
+
+As soon as I had taken command, I ordered the skipper to head for
+Port Arthur.
+
+This was the first intimation to him that he was expected to run the
+blockade, and at first he refused.
+
+"I'm not afraid--myself," the sturdy Briton declared, "but I've got a
+mixed crew on board, Germans and Norwegians and Lascars, and all
+sorts, and I can't rely on them if we get in a tight place."
+
+I glanced around at the collection of foreign faces and drew the
+captain aside. He, at least, was an Englishman, and I therefore
+trusted him.
+
+"There is no danger, really," I said. "Admiral Togo has had secret
+orders to let me through. This cargo is merely a pretext."
+
+The rough sailor scratched his head.
+
+"Well, maybe you're telling the truth," he grunted. "But, dang me, if
+I can get the hang of it. You might belong to any country almost by
+the cut of your jib; you say you've fixed things up with the blessed
+Japs, and you're running a cargo of coal for the blessed Rooshians.
+It's queer, mortal queer, that's all I can say. Howsomdever----"
+
+I took out a flask of three-star brandy, and passed it to the
+doubting mariner.
+
+He put it first to his nose, then to his lips.
+
+"Ah! Nothing wrong about that, Mister," he pronounced, as he handed
+back the flask.
+
+"It's a fifty-pound job for yourself, no matter what becomes of the
+cargo," I insinuated.
+
+The worthy seaman's manner underwent a magic change.
+
+"Port your helm!" he yelled out suddenly and sharply to the man at
+the wheel. "Keep her steady nor'-east by nor', and a point nor'. Full
+steam ahead! All lights out! And if one of you lubbers so much as
+winks an eyelid, by George, I'll heave him overboard!"
+
+The crew, who had shown a good many signs of uneasiness since my
+coming over the side, seemed to think this last hint worth attending
+to. They slunk forward to their duties, leaving the captain and
+myself to pace the quarter-deck alone.
+
+We steamed swiftly through the darkness till we began to see the
+search-lights of the Japanese fleet like small white feathers
+fluttering on the horizon.
+
+"Come up on the bridge," the skipper advised. "Got a revolver handy?"
+
+I showed him my loaded weapon.
+
+"Right! I ain't much afraid of the Japs, but we may have trouble with
+some of that all-sorts crew I've got below."
+
+By and by the white plumes became bigger. All at once a ship lying
+dark on the water, scarcely a mile away on the weather-bow, spat out
+a long ribbon of light like an ant-eater's tongue, and we found
+ourselves standing in a glare of light as if we were actors in the
+middle of a stage.
+
+There was a howl from below, and a mixed body of Lascars, headed by
+one of the Germans, rushed toward the helm.
+
+"Back, you milk-drinking swabs!" the skipper roared. "As I'm a living
+man, the first one of you that lays a hand on the wheel, I'll fire
+into the crowd.
+
+"Hark ye here!" their commander said with rough eloquence. "In the
+first place, it don't follow that because you can see a flashlight
+the chap at t'other end can see you. Second place, no ship that does
+see us is going to sink us without giving us a round of blank first,
+by way of notice to heave to. Third place, if we do get a notice, I'm
+going to stop this ship. And, fourth place, you've got five seconds
+to decide whether you'd rather be taken into Yokohama by a prize crew
+of Japs, or be shot where you stand by me and this gentleman."
+
+The crew turned tail. Before five seconds had elapsed, not a head was
+to be seen above decks, except that of the man at the helm, who
+happened to be a Dane, to be first mate, and to be more than
+three-parts drunk.
+
+Needless to say the warning shot was not fired.
+
+We steamed steadily on through the fleet, every vessel of which was
+probably by this time aware of our presence. The search-lights
+flashed and fell all around us, but not once did we have to face
+again that blinking glare which tells the blockade runner that the
+game is up.
+
+But there was another peril in store on which we had not reckoned.
+The sea all around Port Arthur had been strewn with Russian mines!
+
+Unconscious of what was coming, we steamed gaily past the last
+outlying torpedo-boat of Admiral Togo's squadron.
+
+"Through!" cried my friend the skipper, pointing with a grin of
+delight at the Port Arthur lights as they came into view around the
+edge of a dark cliff.
+
+And even as he looked and pointed, there was a terrific wave, a rush,
+a flare and a report, and I felt myself lifted off my feet into
+mid-air.
+
+I fancy I must have been unconscious for a second or two while in the
+air, for the splash of the sea as I struck it in falling seemed to
+wake me up like a cold douche.
+
+My first movement, on coming to the surface again, was to put my hand
+to my neck to make sure of the safety of the precious locket which
+had been placed there by my dear little countrywoman.
+
+My second was to strike out for a big spar which I saw floating amid
+a mass of tangled cordage and splinters a few yards in front of me.
+
+Strange as it may seem, only when my arms were resting safely on the
+spar, and I had time to look about me and take stock of the
+situation, did I realize the extreme peril I had been in.
+
+Most dangers and disasters are worse to read about than to go
+through. Had any one warned me beforehand that I was going to be
+blown up by a mine, I should probably have felt the keenest dread,
+and conjured up all sorts of horrors. As it was, the whole adventure
+was over in a twinkling, and by the greatest good luck I had escaped
+without a scratch.
+
+By this time the forts at the entrance to Port Arthur, attracted, no
+doubt, by the noise of the explosion, were busily searching the spot
+with their lights.
+
+The effect was truly magnificent.
+
+From the blackness of the heights surrounding the famous basin, fiery
+sword after fiery sword seemed to leap forth and stab the sea. The
+wondrous blades of light met and crossed one another as if some
+great archangels were doing battle for the key of Asia.
+
+The whole sea was lit up with a brightness greater than that of the
+sun. Every floating piece of wreckage, every rope, every nail stood
+out with unnatural clearness. I was obliged to close my eyes, and
+protect them with my dripping hand.
+
+Presently I heard a hail from behind me. I turned my head, and to my
+delight saw the brave skipper of the lost ship swimming toward me.
+
+In another dozen strokes he was alongside and clinging with me to the
+same piece of wood, which he said was the main gaff.
+
+He was rather badly gashed about the head, but not enough to threaten
+serious consequences. So far as we could ascertain, the whole of the
+crew had perished.
+
+I confess that their fate did not cost me any very great pang, after
+the first natural shock of horror had passed. They owed their death
+to their own lack of courage, which had caused them to take refuge in
+the lowest part of the ship, where the full force of the explosion
+came. The captain and I, thanks to our position on the bridge, had
+escaped with a comparatively mild shaking.
+
+The steersman would have escaped also, in all probability, had he
+been sober.
+
+In a very short time after the captain had joined me, our eyes were
+gladdened by the sight of a launch issuing from the fort to our
+assistance.
+
+The officer in charge had thoughtfully provided blankets and a flask
+of wine. Thus comforted, I was not long in fully recovering my
+strength, and by the time the launch had set us on shore my comrade
+in misfortune was also able to walk without difficulty.
+
+The lieutenant who had picked us up showed the greatest consideration
+on learning that we had been blown up in an attempt to run a cargo of
+coal for the benefit of the Russian fleet. On landing we were taken
+before Admiral Makharoff, the brave man whom fate had marked out to
+perish two months later by a closely similar catastrophe.
+
+The story which I told to the Admiral was very nearly true, though of
+course I suppressed the incidents which had taken place in Tokio.
+
+I said that I had been charged to deliver a private communication
+from the Czar to the Mikado, sent in the hope of averting war, that I
+had arrived too late, and that, having to make my way back to
+Petersburg, I had meant to do a stroke of business on the way on
+behalf of his excellency.
+
+My inspector's uniform, which I had resumed on leaving Yokohama,
+confirmed my words, and Admiral Makharoff, after thanking me on
+behalf of the navy for my zeal, dismissed me with a present of a
+thousand rubles, and a permit to travel inland from Port Arthur.
+
+Needless to say I did not forget to say good-by to my brave
+Englishman, to whom I handed over the Russian Admiral's reward, thus
+doubling the amount I had promised him for his plucky stand against
+the mutineers.
+
+I have hurried over these transactions, interesting as they were, in
+order to come to the great struggle which lay before me in the
+capital of Russia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE ADVISER OF NICHOLAS II
+
+
+By the second week in March I was back in Petersburg.
+
+On the long journey across Asia, I had had time to mature my plans,
+with the advantage of knowing that the real enemy I had to fight was
+neither M. Petrovitch nor the witching Princess Y----, but the Power
+which was using them both as its tools.
+
+It was a frightful thing to know that two mighty peoples, the
+Japanese and Russians, neither of which really wished to fight each
+other, had been locked in strife in order to promote the sinister and
+tortuous policy of Germany.
+
+So far, the German Kaiser had accomplished one-half of his program.
+The second, and more important, step would be to bring about a
+collision between the Russians and the English.
+
+Thus the situation resolved itself into an underground duel between
+Wilhelm II. and myself, a duel in which the whole future history of
+the world, and possibly the very existence of the British Empire,
+hung in the balance.
+
+And the arbiter was the melancholy young man who wandered through the
+vast apartments of his palace at Tsarskoe-Selo like some distracted
+ghost, wishing that any lot in life had been bestowed on him rather
+than that of autocrat of half Europe and Asia.
+
+It was to Nicholas that I first repaired, on my return, to report the
+result of my mission.
+
+I obtained a private audience without difficulty, and found his
+majesty busily engaged in going through some papers relating to the
+affairs of the Navy.
+
+"So they have not killed you, like poor Menken," he said with a
+mixture of sympathy and sadness.
+
+"Colonel Menken killed!" I could not forbear exclaiming.
+
+"Yes. Did you not hear of it? A Japanese spy succeeded in
+assassinating him, and stealing the despatch, just before Mukden. A
+lady-in-waiting attached to the Dowager Czaritza happened to be on
+the train, and brought me the whole story."
+
+I shook my head gravely.
+
+"I fear your majesty has been misinformed. Colonel Menken committed
+suicide. I saw him put the pistol to his head and shoot himself. His
+last words were a message to your majesty."
+
+The Czar raised his hand to his head with a despairing gesture.
+
+"Will these contradictions never end!" he exclaimed. "Really, sir, I
+hope you have made a mistake. Whom _can_ I trust!"
+
+I drew myself up.
+
+"I have no desire to press my version on you, sire," I said coldly.
+"It is sufficient that the Colonel was robbed, and that he is dead.
+Perhaps Princess Y---- has also given you an account of my own
+adventures?"
+
+Nicholas II. looked at me distrustfully.
+
+"Let us leave the name of the Princess on one side," he said in a
+tone of rebuke. "I have every reason to feel satisfied with her
+loyalty and zeal."
+
+I bowed, and remained silent.
+
+"You failed to get through, I suppose," the Czar continued, after
+waiting in vain for me to speak.
+
+"I beg pardon, sire, I safely delivered to the Emperor of Japan your
+majesty's autograph on the cigarette paper. I was robbed of the more
+formal letter in the house of M. Petrovitch, before starting."
+
+Nicholas frowned.
+
+"Petrovitch again! Another of the few men whom I know to be my real
+friends." He fidgeted impatiently.
+
+"Well, what did the Mikado say?"
+
+I had intended to soften the reply of the Japanese Emperor, but now,
+being irritated, I gave it bluntly:
+
+"His majesty professed to disbelieve in your power to control your
+people. He declared that he could not treat a letter from you
+seriously unless you were able to send it openly, without your
+messengers being robbed or murdered on the way across your own
+dominions."
+
+The young Emperor flushed darkly.
+
+"Insolent barbarian!" he cried hotly. "The next letter I send him
+shall be delivered by the commander of my army on the soil of Japan."
+
+I was secretly pleased by this flash of spirit, which raised my
+respect for the Russian monarch.
+
+A recollection seemed to strike him.
+
+"I hear that you were blown up in attempting to bring some coal into
+Port Arthur," he said in a more friendly tone. "I thank you, Monsieur
+V----."
+
+I bowed low.
+
+"Some of my admirals seem to have been caught napping," Nicholas II.
+added. "I have here a very serious report about Admiral Stark at
+Vladivostok."
+
+"You surprise me, sire," I observed incautiously. "Out in Manchuria I
+heard the Admiral praised on all hands for his carefulness and good
+conduct."
+
+"Carefulness! It is possible to be too careful," the Czar complained.
+"Admiral Stark is too much afraid of responsibility. We have
+information that the English are taking all kinds of contraband into
+the Japanese ports, and he does nothing to stop them, for fear of
+committing some breach of international law."
+
+I began to see what was coming. The Emperor, who seemed anxious to
+justify himself, proceeded:
+
+"The rights of neutrals have never been regarded by the British navy,
+when they were at war. However, I have not been satisfied with taking
+the opinion of our own jurists. I have here an opinion from Professor
+Heldenberg of Berlin, who of course represents a neutral Power, and
+he says distinctly that we are entitled to declare anything we
+please contraband, and to seize English ships--I mean, ships of
+neutrals--anywhere, even in the English Channel itself, and sink them
+if it is inconvenient to bring them into a Russian port."
+
+The insidious character of this advice was so glaring that I wondered
+how the unfortunate young monarch could be deceived by it.
+
+But I saw that comment would be useless just then. I must seek some
+other means of opening his eyes to the pitfalls which were being
+prepared for him.
+
+I came from the Palace with a heavy heart. The next day, Petersburg
+was startled by the publication of a ukase recalling Vice-Admiral
+Stark and Rear-Admiral Molas, his second in command, from the
+Pacific.
+
+Immediately on hearing this news I sent a telegram in cipher to Lord
+Bedale. For obvious reasons I never take copies of my secret
+correspondence, but to the best of my recollection the wire ran as
+follows:
+
+      Germany instigating Russian Navy to raid your shipping on
+      the pretext of contraband. Object to provoke reprisals
+      leading to war.
+
+As the reader is aware, this warning succeeded in defeating the
+Kaiser's main design, the British Government steadily refusing to be
+provoked.
+
+Unfortunately this attitude of theirs played into German hands in
+another way, as English shippers were practically obliged to refuse
+goods for the Far East, and this important and lucrative trade passed
+to Hamburg, to the serious injury of the British ports.
+
+But before this development had been reached, I found myself on the
+track of a far more deadly and dangerous intrigue, one which is
+destined to live in history as the most audacious plot ever devised
+by one great Power against another with which it proposed to be on
+terms of perfect friendship.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+A STRANGE CONFESSION
+
+
+I had last seen the strange, beautiful, wicked woman known as the
+Princess Y---- bending in a passion of hysterical remorse over the
+body of the man she had driven to death, on the snow-clad train
+outside Mukden.
+
+I have had some experience of women, and especially of the class
+which mixes in the secret politics of the European Courts. But Sophia
+Y---- was an enigma to me. There was nothing about her which
+suggested the adventuress. And there was much which tended to support
+the story which had won the belief of her august mistress--that she
+was an involuntary agent, who had been victimized by an unscrupulous
+minister of police, by means of a false charge, and who genuinely
+loathed the tasks she was too feeble to refuse.
+
+I had not been back in Petersburg very long when one afternoon the
+hotel waiter came to tell me that a lady desired to see me privately.
+The lady, he added, declined to give her name, but declared that she
+was well known to me.
+
+I had come back to the hotel, I should mention, in the character of
+Mr. Sterling, the self-appointed agent of the fraternity of British
+peace-makers. It was necessary for me to have some excuse for
+residing in Petersburg during the war, and under this convenient
+shelter I could from time to time prepare more effectual disguises.
+
+I was not altogether surprised when my mysterious visitor raised her
+veil and disclosed the features of the Princess herself.
+
+But I was both surprised and shocked by the frightened,
+grief-stricken look on the face of this woman whom I had come to
+dread as my most formidable opponent in the Russian Court.
+
+"Mr. Sterling!--Monsieur V----?" she cried in an agitated voice that
+seemed ready to break down into a sob. "Can you forgive me for
+intruding on you? I dare not speak to you freely in my own house. I
+am beset by spies."
+
+"Sit down, Princess," I said soothingly, as I rolled forward a
+comfortable chair. "Of course I am both charmed and flattered by your
+visit, whatever be its cause."
+
+With feminine intuition she marked the reserve in my response to her
+appeal.
+
+"Ah! You distrust me, and you are quite right!" she exclaimed,
+casting herself into the chair.
+
+She fixed her luminous eyes on me in a deep look, half-imploring,
+half-reproachful.
+
+"It is true, then, what they have been telling me? You were the man,
+dressed as an inspector of the Third Section who traveled on the
+train with me? And you saw the death"--her words were interrupted by
+a shudder--"of that unhappy man?"
+
+It was not very easy to preserve my composure in the face of her
+emotion. Nevertheless, at the risk of appearing callous, I replied:
+
+"I cannot pretend to understand your question. However, even if I did
+it would make no difference.
+
+"Since you know my name is A. V----, you must know also that I never
+allow myself to talk about my work."
+
+The Princess winced under these cold words almost as though she had
+been physically rebuffed. She clasped her delicately-gloved hands
+together, and murmured as though to herself:
+
+"He will not believe in me! He will not be convinced!"
+
+I felt myself in a very difficult position. Either this woman was
+thoroughly repentant, and sincerely anxious to make some genuine
+communication to me, or else she was an actress whose powers might
+have excited envy in the Bernhardt herself.
+
+I concluded that I could lose nothing by encouraging her to speak.
+
+"You must pardon me if I seem distrustful," I said with a wholly
+sympathetic expression. "I have my principles, and cannot depart from
+them. But I have every wish to convince you of my personal
+friendship."
+
+She interrupted me with a terrible glance.
+
+"Personal friendship! Monsieur, do you know what I have come here to
+tell you?"
+
+And rising wildly to her feet, she spread out her hands in a gesture
+of utter despair:
+
+"They have ordered me to take your life!"
+
+I am not a man who is easily surprised.
+
+The adventures I have passed through, some of them far more
+extraordinary than anything I have recorded in my public revelations,
+have accustomed me to meet almost any situation with diplomatic
+presence of mind.
+
+But on this occasion I am obliged to admit that I was fairly taken
+aback.
+
+As the lovely but dangerous woman whom I had cause to regard as the
+most formidable instrument in the hands of the conspirators, avowed
+to my face that she had been charged with the mission to assassinate
+me, I sprang from my chair and confronted her.
+
+She stood, swaying slightly, as though the intensity of her emotion
+was about to overpower her.
+
+"Do you mean what you say? Do you know what you have said?" I
+demanded.
+
+The Princess Y---- made no answer, but she lifted her violet eyes to
+mine, and I saw the big tears welling up and beginning to overflow.
+
+I was dismayed. My strength of mind seemed to desert me. I have
+looked on without a tear when men have fallen dead at my feet, but I
+have never been able to remain calm before a woman in tears.
+
+"Madame! Princess!" I was on the point of addressing her by a yet
+more familiar name. "At least, sit down and recover yourself."
+
+Like one dazed, I led her to a chair. Like one dazed, she sank into
+it in obedience to my authoritative pressure.
+
+"Come," I said in a tone which I strove to render at once firm and
+soothing, "it is clear that we must understand each other. You have
+come here to tell me this, I suppose?"
+
+"At the risk of my life," she breathed. "What must you think of me!"
+
+I recalled the fate of poor Menken, whom the woman before me had led
+to his doom, though she had not struck the blow.
+
+In spite of myself, a momentary shudder went through me.
+
+The sensitive woman saw or felt it, and shook in her turn.
+
+"Believe me or not, as you will," she exclaimed desperately. "I
+swear to you that I have never knowingly been guilty of taking life.
+
+"Never for one moment did I anticipate that that poor man would do
+what he did," the Princess went on with passionate earnestness. "I
+tempted him to give me the Czar's letter, and I destroyed it--I
+confess that. Are not such things done every day in secret politics?
+Have you never intercepted a despatch?"
+
+It was a suggestive question. I thought of more than one incident in
+my own career which might be harshly received by a strict moralist.
+It is true that I have always been engaged on what I believed was a
+lawful task; but the due execution of that task had sometimes
+involved actions which I should have shrunk from in private life.
+
+"I will not excuse myself, Madame," I answered slowly. "Neither have
+I accused you."
+
+"Your tone is an accusation," she returned with a touch of
+bitterness. "Oh, I know well that men are ready to pardon many things
+in one another which they will not pardon in us."
+
+"I am sorry if I have wounded you," I said with real compunction.
+"Let us say no more about the tragedy that is past. Am I right in
+thinking that you have come to me for aid?"
+
+"I do not know. I do not know why I am here. Perhaps it is because I
+am mad."
+
+I gazed at her flushed face and trembling hands, unable to resist the
+feeling of compassion which was creeping over me.
+
+What was I to think? What was this woman's real purpose in coming to
+me?
+
+Had her employers, had the unscrupulous Petrovitch, or the ruthless
+Minister of Police, indeed charged her to remove me from their path;
+and had her courage broken down under the hideous burden?
+
+Or was this merely a ruse to win my confidence; or, perhaps, to
+frighten me into resigning my task and leaving the Russian capital?
+
+Did she wish to save my life, or her own?
+
+I sat regarding her, bewildered by these conjectures.
+
+I saw that I must get her to say more.
+
+"At least you have come to aid me," I protested. "You have given me a
+warning for which I cannot be sufficiently grateful."
+
+"If you believe it is a genuine one," she retorted. Already she had
+divined my difficulties and doubts.
+
+"I do not doubt that you mean it genuinely," I hastened to respond.
+"There is, of course, the possibility that you yourself have been
+deceived."
+
+"Ah!"
+
+She looked up at me in what I could not think was other than real
+surprise.
+
+"You think so?" she cried eagerly. The next moment her head drooped
+again. "No, no. I have known them too long. They have never trifled
+with me before. Believe me, Monsieur, when they told me that you were
+to be murdered they were not joking with me."
+
+"But they might have meant to use you for the purpose of terrifying
+me."
+
+She stared at me in unaffected astonishment.
+
+"Terrify--_you_!" She pronounced the words with an emphasis not
+altogether unflattering. "You are better known in Russia than you
+imagine, M. V----."
+
+I passed over the remark.
+
+"Still they must have foreseen the possibility that you would shrink
+from such a task; that your womanly instincts would prove too much
+for you. At least they have never required such work of you before?"
+
+Against my will the last words became a question. I was anxious to be
+assured that the hands of the Princess were free from the stain of
+blood.
+
+"Never! They dared not! They _could_ not!" she cried indignantly.
+"You do not know my history. Perhaps you do not care to know it?"
+
+Whatever I knew or suspected, I could make only one answer to such an
+appeal. Indeed, I was desirous to understand the meaning of one word
+which the Princess Y---- had just used.
+
+"Listen," she said, speaking with an energy and dignity which I could
+not but respect, "while I tell you what I am. I am a condemned
+murderess!"
+
+"Impossible!"
+
+"Impossible in any other country, I grant you, but very possible in
+Russia. You have heard, I suppose, everybody has heard, of the deaths
+of my husband and his children. The first two deaths were natural, I
+swear it. I, at all events, had no more to do with them than if they
+had occurred in the planet Saturn. Prince Y---- committed suicide.
+And he did so because of me; I do not deny it. But it was not because
+he suspected me of any hand in the deaths of his children. It was
+because he knew I hated him!
+
+"The story is almost too terrible to be told. That old man had bought
+me. He bought me from my father, who was head over ears in debt, and
+on the brink of ruin. I was sold--the only portion of his property
+that remained to be sold. And from the first hour of the purchase I
+hated, oh, how I loathed and hated that old man!"
+
+There was a wild note in her voice that hinted at unutterable things.
+
+"And he," she continued with a shiver, "he loved me, loved me with a
+passion that was like madness. He could hardly bear me out of his
+sight.
+
+"I killed him, yes, morally, I have no doubt I killed him. He
+lavished everything on me, jewels, wealth, all the forms of luxury.
+He made a will leaving me the whole of his great fortune. But I could
+not endure him, and that killed him. I think," she hesitated and
+lowered her voice to a whisper, "I think he killed himself to please
+me."
+
+Hardened as I am, I felt a thrill of horror. The Princess was right;
+the story was too terrible to be told.
+
+"Then the police came on the scene. From the first they knew well
+enough that I was innocent. But they were determined to make me
+guilty. The head of the secret service at that time was Baron Kratz.
+He had had his eye on me for some time. The Czar, believing in my
+guilt, had ordered him not to spare me, and that fatal order gave him
+a free hand.
+
+"How he managed it all, I hardly know. The servants were bullied or
+bribed into giving false evidence against me. But one part of their
+evidence was true enough; even I could not deny that I had hated
+Prince Y----, and that his death came as a welcome relief.
+
+"There was a secret trial, and I was condemned. They read out my
+sentence. And then, when it was all over, Kratz came to me, and
+offered me life and liberty in return for my services as an agent of
+the Third Section."
+
+"And to save your life you consented. Well, I do not judge you," I
+said.
+
+The Princess glanced at me with a strange smile.
+
+"To save my life! I see you do not yet know our Holy Russia. Shall I
+tell you what my sentence was?"
+
+"Was it not death, then?"
+
+"Yes, death--by the knout!"
+
+"My God!"
+
+I gazed at her stupified. Her whole beauty seemed to be focussed in
+one passionate protest. Knouted to death! I saw the form before me
+stripped, and lashed to the triangles, while the knotted thong,
+wielded by the hangman's hands, buried itself in the soft flesh.
+
+I no longer disbelieved. I no longer even doubted. The very horror of
+the story had the strength of truth.
+
+For some time neither of us spoke.
+
+"But now, surely, you have made up your mind to break lose from this
+thraldom?" I demanded. "And, if so, and you will trust me, I will
+undertake to save you."
+
+"You forget, do you not, that you yourself are not free? You surely
+do not mean that you would lay aside your work for my sake?"
+
+It was a question which disconcerted me in more ways than one. In a
+secret service agent, suspicion becomes second nature. I caught
+myself asking whether all that had gone before was not merely
+intended to lead up to this one question, and I cursed myself for
+the doubt.
+
+"My duty to my present employer comes first, of course," I admitted.
+"But as soon as I am free again----"
+
+"If you are still alive," she put in significantly.
+
+"Ah! You mean?"
+
+"I mean that when they find out that I am not to be depended on, they
+will not have far to look for others."
+
+"It is strange that they should have chosen you in the first place,"
+I said thoughtfully. "You said they _could_ not ask you."
+
+"They did not offer me this mission. I volunteered."
+
+"You volunteered!"
+
+She shook herself impatiently.
+
+"Surely you understand? I heard them deciding on your death. And so I
+undertook the task."
+
+"Because?"
+
+"Because I wished to save you. I had great difficulty. At first they
+were inclined to refuse me--to suspect my motives. I had to convince
+them that I hated you for having outwitted me. And I persuaded them
+that none of their ordinary instruments were capable of dealing with
+you."
+
+"And you meant to give me this warning all along?"
+
+"I meant to save you from them. Do you not see, as long as we are
+together, as long as you are visiting me, and I am seen to be
+following you up, they will not interfere. If I manage the affair
+skilfully it may be weeks before they suspect that I am playing them
+false. I shall have my excuse ready. It is no disgrace to be foiled
+by A. V."
+
+Again there was an interval of silence. The Princess prepared to go.
+
+"Stay!" I protested. "I have not thanked you. Indeed, I do not seem
+to have heard all. You had some reason, surely, for wishing to
+preserve my life."
+
+"And what does my reason matter?"
+
+"It matters very much to me. Perhaps," I gave her a searching look,
+"perhaps the Dowager Czaritza has enlisted you on our side?"
+
+The beautiful woman rose to her feet, and turned her face from me.
+
+"Think so, if you will. I tell you it does not matter."
+
+"And I tell you it does matter. Princess!"
+
+"Don't! Don't speak to me, please! Let me go home. I am not well."
+
+Trembling violently in every limb, she was making her way toward the
+door, when it was suddenly flung open, and the voice of the hotel
+servant announced:
+
+"M. Petrovitch!"
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate walked in with a smile on his
+face, saw the Princess Y---- coming toward him, and stopped short,
+the smile changing to a dark frown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT
+
+
+Whether because he saw that I was watching him, or because he placed
+his own interpretation on the circumstances, the war plotter changed
+his frown into a smile.
+
+"I am glad to see, Princess," he said to the trembling woman, "that
+you have so soon found our good friend Mr. Sterling again."
+
+The Princess Y---- gave him a glance which seemed to enjoin silence,
+bowed with grace, and left the room in charge of the servant who had
+announced M. Petrovitch.
+
+The latter now advanced to greet me with every appearance of
+cordiality.
+
+The last time I had met this well-dressed, delicate scamp, he had
+drugged and robbed me. Now I had just been told that he was setting
+assassins on my track.
+
+But it is my rule always to cultivate friendly intercourse with my
+opponents. Few men can talk for long without exposing something of
+their inner thoughts. I wanted M. Petrovitch to talk.
+
+Therefore I returned his greeting with equal cordiality, and made him
+sit down in the chair from which the Princess Y---- had just risen.
+
+"You will be surprised to hear, no doubt, Mr. Sterling, that I have
+brought you an invitation from the Emperor."
+
+"From what Emperor?" was the retort on the tip of my tongue.
+Fortunately I suppressed it; there is no accomplishment so fatal to
+success in life as wit, except kindness.
+
+I simply answered,
+
+"I am not readily surprised, M. Petrovitch. Neither, I imagine, are
+you."
+
+The financier smiled.
+
+"May I call you M. V----?" he asked. "His majesty has told me who you
+are."
+
+"Were you surprised by that?" I returned with sarcasm.
+
+Petrovitch fairly laughed.
+
+"I hear you have been denouncing me to Nicholas," he said lightly.
+"Can't I persuade you to let our poor little Czar alone. I assure you
+it is a waste of breath on your part, and you will only worry a
+well-meaning young man who has no head for business."
+
+This was plain speaking. It argued no ordinary confidence on the part
+of the intriguer to speak in such a fashion of the Autocrat of All
+the Russias.
+
+Already the interview was telling me something. Petrovitch must have
+some strong, secret hold on Nicholas II.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I answered in my friendliest manner,
+
+"I have no personal feeling against you, my dear Petrovitch. But to
+use drugs--come, you must admit that that was a strong measure!"
+
+"I apologize!" laughed the Russian. "All the more as I find you were
+too many for us after all. I would give something to know how you
+managed to hide the letter you got through."
+
+It was my turn to laugh. I had reason to feel satisfied. Weak as the
+Russian Emperor might be, it was evident that he had not betrayed my
+secret.
+
+"Well, now," the promoter resumed, "all that being over, is there any
+reason why we should not be friends? Be frank with me. What end have
+you in view that is likely to bring us into collision?"
+
+"There is no reason why I should not be frank with you," I answered,
+racking my brain for some story which the man before me might be
+likely to believe, "especially as I do not suppose that either of us
+is likely to report this conversation quite faithfully to his
+imperial majesty. I am a Japanese spy."
+
+Petrovitch gave me a glance in which I thought I detected a mingling
+of incredulity and admiration.
+
+"Really, you are a cool hand, my dear V----!"
+
+"Why, is there anything in that to make us enemies? You are not going
+to pose as the zealous patriot, I hope. I thought we had agreed to be
+frank."
+
+The financier bit his lip.
+
+"Well, I do not deny that I am before all things a man of business,"
+he returned. "If your friends the Japanese can make me any better
+offer than the one I have had from another quarter, I do not say."
+
+"I will see what I can arrange for you," I answered, not wholly
+insincerely. "In the meantime, I think you said something about an
+invitation?"
+
+"Oh, yes, from Nicholas. He wants to see you. He has some scheme or
+other in which he thinks that you and I can work together, and he
+wants us to be friends, accordingly."
+
+"But we are friends, after to-day, I understand?"
+
+"It is as you please, my dear V----," replied the conspirator with a
+slightly baffled air. "You have made a good beginning, apparently,
+with the Princess Y----."
+
+I put on the self-satisfied air of the man who is a favorite with
+women.
+
+"The Princess has been extremely kind," I said. "She has pressed me
+to visit her frequently. Oh, yes, I think I may say we are good
+friends."
+
+Petrovitch nodded. I had purposely prepared his mind for the story
+which I anticipated he would hear from my beautiful protector.
+Evidently it would be necessary for her to tell the Syndicate that
+she was feigning affection for me in order to draw me into a trap.
+
+"Then, as my carriage is outside, may I take you to the Winter
+Palace?"
+
+"That seems the best plan," I acquiesced. "It will convince the Czar
+that we are on good terms."
+
+We drove off together, sitting side by side like two sworn friends. I
+do not know what thoughts passed through his mind; but I know that
+all the way I kept my right hand on the stock of my revolver, and
+once, when one of the horses stumbled, M. Petrovitch was within an
+instant of death.
+
+At the Palace he put me down and drove off. I was admitted to the
+Czar's presence without difficulty, and found him, as usual,
+surrounded by piles of state papers.
+
+Nicholas II. looked up at my entrance with evident pleasure.
+
+"Ah, that is right, M. V----. I hope that, since you have come so
+promptly in response to the message I gave that worthy M. Petrovitch,
+you and he are now good friends."
+
+I could only bow silently. I was a Japanese, related to the sovereign
+with whom he was at war, and I was acting in the service of Great
+Britain. Petrovitch had just forced on the war which Nicholas had
+wished to avert, and he was still acting secretly in the interests
+of Germany. And the Czar was congratulating himself that we were
+friends. It was useless to try to undeceive him.
+
+"Sit down, if you please, M. V----. I have something of the greatest
+importance to tell you. Stay--Perhaps you will be good enough to see
+first that the doors are all secured. I dislike interruptions."
+
+I went to the various entrances of the room, of which there were
+three, and turned the keys in the doors.
+
+"Even M. Petrovitch does not know what I am going to tell you,"
+Nicholas said impressively as I returned to my seat.
+
+"Your majesty does not trust him entirely, then?" I exclaimed, much
+pleased.
+
+"You mistake me. I do not distrust M. Petrovitch; but this is a
+matter of foreign politics, with which he is not familiar. He admits
+frankly that he knows nothing about diplomacy."
+
+I gazed at the benevolent young monarch in consternation. It was the
+spy of Wilhelm II., the agent of the most active diplomatist in the
+world, of whom he had just spoken!
+
+There was no more to be said.
+
+The Emperor proceeded to put a most unexpected question.
+
+"Are you a believer in spirits, M. V----?"
+
+"I am a Roman Catholic, sire. Whatever my Church teaches on this
+subject, I believe. I am rather neglectful of my religious duties,
+however, and do not know its attitude on this subject."
+
+"I honor your loyalty to your communion, M. V----. But as long as you
+do not know what is the attitude of your Church on this subject, you
+cannot feel it wrong to listen to me."
+
+I perceived that if his majesty was no politician, he was at least
+something of a theologian.
+
+The Czar proceeded:
+
+"There is in Petersburg one of the most marvelous mediums and
+clairvoyants who has ever lived. He is a Frenchman named Auguste. He
+came here nearly a year ago--just when the difficulty with Japan was
+beginning, in fact; and he has given me the most valuable information
+about the progress of events. Everything he has foretold has come
+true, so far. He warned me from the first that the Japanese would
+force me into war, just as they have done. In short, I feel I can
+rely on him absolutely."
+
+This was not the first time I had heard of the spiritualist who had
+established such an extraordinary hold on the Russian ruler's mind.
+The common impression was that he was a mystic, a sort of Madame
+Kruedener. At the worst he was regarded as a charlatan of the ordinary
+spirit-rapping type, cultivating the occult as a means of making
+money.
+
+But now, as I listened to the credulous monarch, it suddenly struck
+me what an invaluable tool such a man might prove in the hands of a
+political faction, or even of a foreign Power astute enough to
+corrupt him and inspire the oracles delivered by the spirits.
+
+I listened anxiously for more.
+
+The Emperor, evidently pleased with the serious expression on my
+face, went on to enlighten me.
+
+"Last night M. Auguste was here, in this room, and we held a private
+_seance_. He succeeded in getting his favorite spirit to respond."
+
+"Is it permissible to ask the spirit's name?" I ventured
+respectfully.
+
+"It is Madame Blavatsky," he answered. "You must have heard of her,
+of course. She was practically the founder of rational psychical
+knowledge, though she died a victim to persecution."
+
+I nodded. I had heard of this celebrated woman, who still numbers
+many followers in different parts of the world.
+
+"Last night, as soon as we found that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky
+was present, I asked Auguste to question it about the Baltic fleet.
+
+"I had been holding a preliminary review of the fleet in the morning,
+as you may have seen from the papers. The officers and men seemed
+thoroughly nervous, and very doubtful whether it would ever be in a
+condition to sail. Even the Admiral, Rojestvensky, did not seem
+quite happy, and he found great fault with the stores and equipments.
+
+"I had to authorize a delay of another month, and the Marine
+Department would not promise to have the fleet ready even then.
+
+"Naturally, I wished to know what would become of the fleet when it
+did sail. Auguste questioned the spirit."
+
+His majesty broke off to feel in his pocket for a small slip of
+paper.
+
+"I took down the answer myself, as the spirit rapped it out." And he
+read aloud:
+
+      Baltic Fleet threatened. Japanese and English plotting to
+      destroy it on the way to Port Arthur.
+
+I started indignantly.
+
+"And you believe that, sire! You believe that the British Government,
+which has been straining every nerve to maintain peace, is capable of
+planning some secret outrage against your Navy?"
+
+"It does not say the Government," he announced with satisfaction.
+"The spirit only warns me against the English. Private Englishmen are
+capable of anything. At this very moment, two Englishmen are
+arranging to run a torpedo boat secretly out of the Thames, disguised
+as a yacht, and to bring her to Libau for us."
+
+This piece of information silenced me. It was no doubt possible that
+there might be Englishmen daring enough to assist the Japanese in
+some secret enterprise against a Russian fleet. But I felt I should
+like to have some better authority for the fact than the word of
+Madame Blavatsky's spirit.
+
+"The warning is a very vague one, sire," I hinted.
+
+"True. But I hope to receive a more definite message to-morrow night.
+I was going to ask you if you would have any objection to be present.
+You might then be able to put pressure on the British Government to
+prevent this crime."
+
+Needless to say I accepted the imperial invitation with eagerness.
+
+And I retired to send the following despatch to Lord Bedale:
+
+      When Baltic Fleet starts prepare for trouble. Have all
+      ports watched. It is believed here that attack on it is
+      preparing in England.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN
+
+
+Who was M. Auguste?
+
+This was the question that kept my mind busy after my singular
+interview with the Russian Emperor.
+
+In accordance with my rule to avoid as much as possible mentioning
+the names of the humbler actors in the international drama, I have
+given the notorious medium a name which conceals his true one.
+
+He appeared to be a foreigner, and the Czar's weakness in this
+direction was too well known for his patronage of the quack to excite
+much attention; apparently it had occurred to no one but myself that
+such a man might be capable of meddling in politics.
+
+In his more public performances, so far as I could learn, the
+revelations of the spirits were confined to more harmless topics,
+such as the nature of the future state, or the prospect of an heir
+being born to the Russian crown.
+
+In my quest for further light on this remarkable personage, my
+thoughts naturally turned to the Princess Y----.
+
+I have not concealed that at our first meeting the charming
+collaborator of M. Petrovitch had made a very strong impression on
+me. Her subsequent conduct had made me set a guard on myself, and the
+memory of the Japanese maiden whose portrait had become my cherished
+"mascot," of course insured that my regard for the Princess could
+never pass the bounds of platonic friendship.
+
+But the strange scene of the day before had moved me profoundly.
+Vanity is not a failing of which I am ever likely to be accused by my
+worst detractor, yet it was impossible for me to shut my eyes or ears
+to the confession which had been made with equal eloquence by the
+looks, the blushes and even the words of the beautiful Russian.
+
+Was ever situation more stupid in all the elements of tragedy! This
+unhappy woman, spurred to all kinds of desperate deeds by the awful
+fear of the knout, had been overcome by that fatal power which has
+wrecked so many careers.
+
+In the full tide of success, in the very midst of a life and death
+combat with the man it was her business to outwit and defeat, she had
+succumbed to love for him.
+
+And now, to render her painful situation tenfold more painful, she
+was holding the dagger at his breast as the only means of keeping it
+out of the clutch of some more murderous hand.
+
+Had I the pen of a romancer I might enlarge on this sensational
+theme. But I am a man of action, whose business it is to record
+facts, not to comment on them.
+
+I sought the mansion on the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to see its
+mistress.
+
+Evidently the visit was expected. The groom of the chambers--if that
+was his proper description--led me up-stairs, and into a charming
+boudoir.
+
+A fire replenished by logs of sandalwood was burning in a malachite
+stove, and diffusing a dream-like fragrance through the chamber. The
+walls of the room were panelled in ivory, and the curtains that hung
+across the window frames were of embroidered silk and gold. Each
+separate chair and toy-like table was a work of art--ebony, cinnamon,
+and other rare and curious woods having been employed.
+
+But the rarest treasure there was the mistress of all this luxury.
+The inmate of the sumptuous prison, for such it truly was, lay back
+on a leopard-skin couch, set in the frame of a great silver
+sea-shell.
+
+She had dressed for my coming in the quaint but gorgeous costume of
+ancient Russia, the costume worn by imperial usage at high State
+functions like coronations, weddings and christenings.
+
+The high coif above her forehead flamed with jewels, and big, sleepy
+pearls slid and fell over her neck and bosom.
+
+At my entrance she gave a soft cry, and raised herself on one white
+arm. I stepped forward as though I were a courtier saluting a queen,
+and pressed my lips to her extended hand.
+
+"I expected you, Andreas."
+
+Only two women in my life have I ever allowed to call me by my
+Christian name. One was the ill-starred lady who perished in the
+Konak in Belgrade. The other--but of her I may not speak.
+
+But it was not for me to stand on ceremony with the woman who had
+interposed herself as a shield between me and the enemies who sought
+my death.
+
+"You knew that I should come to thank you," I said.
+
+"I do not wish for thanks," she answered, with a look that was more
+expressive than words. "I wish only that you should regard me as a
+friend."
+
+"And in what other light is it possible for me to regard you, dear
+Princess?" I returned. "Only this friendship must not be all on one
+side. You, too, must consent to think of me as something more than a
+stranger whose life you have saved."
+
+"Can you doubt that I have done so for a long time?"
+
+It needed the pressure of the locket against my neck to keep me from
+replying to this tenderly-spoken sentiment in a way which might have
+led to consequences, for the Russian Empire as well as for the
+Princess and myself, very different to those which have actually
+flowed from our conjunction.
+
+Conquering my impulses as I best could, I sought for a reply which
+would not wear the appearance of a repulse.
+
+"You misunderstand me," I said, putting on an expression of pride.
+"You little know the character of Andreas V---- if you think he can
+accept the humiliating position of the man who is under obligation to
+a woman--an obligation which he has done nothing to discharge. Not
+until I can tell myself that I have done something to place me on a
+higher level in your eyes, can my thoughts concerning you be happy
+ones."
+
+A shade of disappointment passed over Sophia's face. She made a
+pettish gesture.
+
+"Does not--friendship do away with all sense of obligation?" she
+complained.
+
+"Not with me," I answered firmly. "No, Sophia, if you really care for
+me--for my friendship--you must let me do what I have sworn to do
+ever since I first saw you and heard some rumors of your tragic
+story."
+
+"You mean?"
+
+"You must let me break your odious bondage. I can deliver you, if you
+will only trust me, from the power of the Russian police, or any
+other power, and set you free to live the life of fascination and
+happiness which ought to be yours."
+
+The Princess seemed plunged in meditation. At length she looked
+up----
+
+"You would undertake a hopeless task, my dear Andreas. Not even you
+can fathom all the ramifications of the intrigues in which I find
+myself an indispensable puppet. Those who control my movements will
+never let go the strings by which they hold me, and least of all,
+just now."
+
+I was distressed to see that the Princess was disposed to evade my
+appeal for confidence. I answered with a slightly wounded air:
+
+"I may know more than you think, more even than you know yourself on
+certain points. But of course you are not willing to confide in me
+fully----"
+
+"There can be no perfect trust without perfect"--The Princess, who
+spoke this sentence in Russian, concluded it with a word which may
+mean either friendship or love according to circumstances. As she
+pronounced it, it seemed like love.
+
+"There can be no perfect love without perfect trust," I responded
+quickly, striving to assume the manner of an exacting lover.
+
+And then, a happy thought striking me, I added in an aggrieved voice,
+
+"Do you think it is nothing to me that you should be associated with
+other men in the most secret enterprises, holding private conferences
+with them, receiving them in your house, perhaps visiting them in
+theirs; that you should appear to be on intimate terms with the
+Grand Duke Staniolanus, with M. Petrovitch, with a man like this M.
+Auguste----"
+
+At the sound of this last name, to which I had artfully led up,
+Sophia sprang into a sitting posture and gave me a look of anger and
+fear.
+
+"Who told you anything about M. Auguste?" she demanded in hoarse
+tones. "What has he to do with me?"
+
+"Nay, it is not you who ought to ask me that," I returned. "You may
+be a believer in his conjuring tricks, for aught I know. He may be
+more to you than a comrade, or even a prophet--more to you than I."
+
+"Who told you that he was my comrade, as you call it?" the Princess
+insisted, refusing to be diverted from her point.
+
+"No one," I said quite truthfully. "I should be glad to know that he
+was only that. But it is natural for me to feel some jealousy of all
+your friends."
+
+The Princess appeared relieved by this admission. But this relief
+confirmed all my suspicions. I now felt certain that the medium was
+an important figure in the plot which I was trying to defeat. I saw,
+moreover, that however genuine my beautiful friend might be in her
+love for me and her desire to save my life, she had no intention of
+betraying the secrets of her fellow conspirators.
+
+Her character presented an enigma almost impossible to solve. Perhaps
+it is not the part of a wise man ever to try to understand a woman.
+Her motives must always be mysterious, even to herself. It is
+sufficient if one can learn to forecast her actions, and even that is
+seldom possible.
+
+"Then you refuse my help?" I asked reproachfully.
+
+"You cannot help me," was the answer. "At least, that is, unless you
+possess some power I have no idea of at present."
+
+It was an ingenious turning of the tables. Instead of my questioning
+the Princess, she was questioning me, in effect.
+
+I made what was perhaps a rash admission.
+
+"I am not wholly powerless, at all events. There are few sovereigns
+in Europe whom I have not obliged at some time or other. Even the
+German Emperor, though I have more than once crossed his path in
+public matters, is my personal friend. In spite of his occasional
+political errors, he is a stainless gentleman in private life, and I
+am sure he would hear with horror of your position and the means by
+which you had been forced into it."
+
+Sophia looked at me with an expression of innocent bewilderment which
+I could scarcely believe to be real.
+
+"The German Emperor! But what has he to do with me?"
+
+"He is said to have some influence with the Czar," I said drily.
+
+My companion bit her lip.
+
+"Oh, the Czar!" Her tone was scathing in its mixture of pity and
+indifference. "Every one has some influence with the Czar. But is
+there any one with whom Nicholas has influence?"
+
+It was the severest thing I had ever heard said of the man whom an
+ironical fate has made master of the Old World.
+
+Suddenly the manner of the Princess underwent a sudden change.
+
+She rose to her feet and gave me a penetrating glance, a glance which
+revealed for the first time something of that commanding personality
+which had made this slight, exquisite creature for years one of the
+most able and successful of secret negotiators, and a person to be
+reckoned with by every foreign minister.
+
+"You do not trust me, Andreas V----. It is natural. You do not love
+me. It is possible that it is my fault. But I have sworn to save your
+life, and I will do it in your own despite. In order that I may
+succeed, I will forget that I am a woman, and I will forget that you
+regard me as a criminal. Come here! I will show you into my oratory,
+into which not even my confidential maid is ever allowed to
+penetrate. Perhaps what you will see there may convince you that I
+am neither a traitor nor a Delilah."
+
+With the proud step of an empress, she led the way into the adjoining
+room, which was a bedroom sumptuously enriched with everything that
+could allure the senses. The very curtains of the bed seemed to
+breathe out languorous odors, the walls were hung with ravishing
+groups of figures that might have come from a Pompeiian temple, the
+dressing-table was rich with gold and gems.
+
+Without pausing for an instant the mistress of the chamber walked
+straight across it to a narrow door let into the farther wall, and
+secured by a tiny lock like that of a safe.
+
+Drawing a small key from her bosom, the Princess inserted it in the
+lock, leaving me to follow in a state of the most intense
+expectation.
+
+The apartment in which I found myself was a narrow, white-washed cell
+like a prison, lit only by the flames of two tall wax candles which
+stood on a table, or rather an altar, at the far end.
+
+Besides the altar, the sole object in the room was a wooden step in
+front of it. Over the altar, in accordance with the rule of the Greek
+Church, there hung a sacred picture. And below, between the two
+candlesticks, there rested two objects, the sight of which fairly
+took away my breath.
+
+One was a photograph frame containing a portrait of myself--how
+obtained I shall never know. The portrait was framed with
+immortelles, the emblems of death, and the artist had given my face
+the ghastly pallor and rigidity of the face of a corpse.
+
+The other object on the altar was a small whip of knotted leather
+thongs.
+
+Without uttering a word, without even turning her head to see if I
+had followed, the Princess Y---- knelt down on the step, stripped
+her shoulders with a singular determined gesture, and then, taking
+the knout in one hand, began to scourge the bare flesh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY
+
+
+At the hour appointed by the Czar I presented myself at the Winter
+Palace to assist at the spiritualist experiments of M. Auguste.
+
+I shall not attempt to describe the impression left by the weird
+scene in the Princess Y----'s oratory.
+
+To those who do not know the Slav temperament, with its strange
+mixture of sensuality and devotion, of barbarous cruelty and
+over-civilized cunning, seldom far removed from the brink of
+insanity, the incident I have recorded will appear incredible. I have
+narrated it, simply because I have undertaken to narrate everything
+bearing on the business in which I was engaged. I am well aware that
+truth is stranger than fiction, and I should have little difficulty,
+if I were so disposed, in framing a story, full of plausible,
+commonplace incidents, which no one could doubt or dispute.
+
+I have preferred to take a bolder course, knowing that although I may
+be discredited for a time, yet when historians in the future come to
+sift the secret records of the age, I shall be amply vindicated.
+
+I shall only add that I did not linger a moment after the unhappy
+woman had begun her penance, if such it was, but withdrew from her
+presence and from the house without speaking a word.
+
+The feelings with which I anticipated my encounter with the medium
+were very different. Whatever might be my doubts with regard to the
+unfortunate Sophia--and I honestly began to think that the suicide of
+Menken had affected her brain--I had no doubt whatever that M.
+Auguste was a thoroughly unscrupulous man.
+
+The imperial servant to whom I was handed over at the entrance to the
+Czar's private apartments conducted me to what I imagine to have been
+the boudoir of the Czaritza, or at all events the family sitting
+room.
+
+It was comfortably but plainly furnished in the English style, and
+was just such a room as one might find in the house of a London
+citizen, or a small country squire. I noticed that the wall-paper was
+faded, and the hearth-rug really worn out.
+
+The Emperor of All the Russias was not alone. Seated beside him in
+front of the English grate was the beautiful young Empress, in whose
+society he finds a refuge from his greedy courtiers and often
+unscrupulous ministers, and who, I may add, has skilfully and
+successfully kept out of any entanglement in politics.
+
+Rising at my entrance, Nicholas II. advanced and shook me by the
+hand.
+
+"In this room," he told me, "there are no emperors and no empresses,
+only Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas."
+
+He presented me to the Czaritza, who received me in the same style of
+simple friendliness, and then, pointing to a money-box which formed a
+conspicuous object on the mantel-shelf, he added:
+
+"For every time the word 'majesty' is used in this room there is a
+fine of one ruble, which goes to our sick and wounded. So be careful,
+M. V----."
+
+In spite of this warning I did not fail to make a good many
+contributions to the money-box in the course of the evening. In my
+intercourse with royalty I model myself on the British Premier
+Beaconsfield, and I regard my rubles as well spent.
+
+We all three spoke in English till the arrival of M. Auguste, who
+knew only French and a few words of Russian. I remarked afterward
+that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky, a Russian by birth, who had
+spent half her life in England, appeared to have lost the use of both
+languages in the other world, and communicated with us exclusively in
+French.
+
+The appearance of M. Auguste did not help to overcome my prejudice
+against him. He had too evidently made up for the part of the mystic.
+
+The hair of M. Auguste was black and long, his eyes rolled much in
+their sockets, and his costume was a compromise between the frock
+coat and the cassock.
+
+But it was above all his manner that impressed me disagreeably. He
+affected to be continually falling into fits of abstraction, as if
+his communings with the spirits were diverting his attention from the
+affairs of earth. Even on his entrance he went through the forms of
+greeting his host and hostess as though scarcely conscious of their
+presence. I caught a sly look turned on myself, however, and when I
+was presented to him as "Mr. Sterling" his reception of the name made
+me think that he had expected something else.
+
+The Czar having explained that I was a friend interested in
+spiritualism, in whose presence he wished to hear again from Madame
+Blavatsky, M. Auguste rolled his eyes formidably, and agreed to
+summon the departed theosophist.
+
+A small round table was cleared of the Czaritza's work-basket--she
+had been knitting a soldier's comforter--and we took our seats around
+it. The electric light was switched off, so that we were in perfect
+darkness, except for the red glow of the coal fire.
+
+A quarter of an hour or so passed in a solemn silence, broken only
+by occasional whispers from "Mr. Nicholas" or the medium.
+
+"It is a long time answering," the Czar whispered at last.
+
+"I fear there is a hostile influence," M. Auguste responded in the
+jargon of his craft.
+
+Hardly had the words left his lips when a perfect shower of raps
+seemed to descend on all parts of the table at once.
+
+Let me say here, once for all, that I am not prepared to offer any
+explanation of what happened on this occasion. I have read of some of
+the devices by which such illusions are produced, and I have no doubt
+a practised conjurer could have very easily fathomed the secrets of
+M. Auguste. But I had not come there with any intention of detecting
+or exposing him.
+
+The medium pretended to address the author of the raps.
+
+"If there is any hostile influence which prevents your communicating
+with us, rap twice."
+
+Two tremendous raps nearly drowned the last word. The spirit seemed
+to be quick-tempered.
+
+"If it is a woman, rap once----"
+
+No response. This was decidedly clever.
+
+"If it is myself, rap."
+
+This time, instead of silence, there was a faint scratching under the
+surface of the table.
+
+"The negative sign," M. Auguste explained blandly, for our benefit.
+
+Then, addressing himself once more to the invisible member of the
+party, he inquired:
+
+"If it is Mr. Nicholas, rap."
+
+Silence.
+
+"You must excuse me," the medium said, turning his face in my
+direction. "If it is Mr. Sterling----"
+
+A shower of raps. I really thought the table would have given way.
+
+This was discouraging. The Czar came to my rescue, however.
+
+"I particularly wish Mr. Sterling to be present," he observed with a
+touch of displeasure--whether intended for M. Auguste or the
+spiritual visitant I could not tell.
+
+The hierophant no doubt saw that he must submit. His retreat was
+executed with great skill.
+
+"If the obstacle is one that can be removed, rap once."
+
+A rap.
+
+"Can you spell it for us?"
+
+In the rather cumbrous alphabet in use among the shades, the visitor
+spelled out in French:
+
+"_Son nom._"
+
+"Is there something you object to about his name?"
+
+A rap.
+
+"Is it an assumed name?"
+
+A very loud rap. Decidedly the spirit was indignant.
+
+"Can you tell us his real name? His initials will do?"
+
+"A. V." spelled the unseen visitor.
+
+"Is that right?" M. Auguste inquired with well-assumed curiosity.
+
+"It is marvelous!" ejaculated the Emperor. "You will understand, of
+course, Auguste, that this must be kept a secret among ourselves."
+
+"Ask if it is Madame Blavatsky," said the Czar.
+
+We learned that the apostle of theosophy was indeed present.
+
+"Would you like to hear from any other spirits?" M. Auguste asked the
+company.
+
+"I should be glad of a word with Bismarck," I suggested.
+
+In five minutes the Iron Chancellor announced himself. His rap was
+sharp, quick and decided, quite a characteristic rap.
+
+"Ask if he approves of the present policy of the German Emperor?"
+
+A hearty rap. Evidently the spirit had greatly changed its views in
+the other world.
+
+"Ask if he remembers telling me, the last time I saw him, that Russia
+was smothering Germany in bed?"
+
+"Do you refuse to answer that question?" M. Auguste put in adroitly.
+
+An expressive rap.
+
+"Will you answer any other questions from this gentleman?"
+
+Then the spirit of Bismarck spoke out. It denounced me as a worker of
+evil, a source of strife, and particularly as one who was acting
+injuriously to the Russian Empire. I confess M. Auguste scored.
+
+"In his lifetime he would have said all that, if he had thought I was
+working in the interest of Russia and against Germany," I remarked in
+my own defence.
+
+The spirit of the Iron Chancellor was dismissed, and that of Madame
+Blavatsky recalled.
+
+It was evident that the Czar placed particular confidence in his late
+subject. Indeed, if the issues at stake had been less serious, I
+think I should have made an attempt to shake the Emperor's blind
+faith in the performances of M. Auguste.
+
+But my sole object was to read, if I could, the secret plans and
+intentions of a very different imperial character, whose agent I
+believed the spirit to be.
+
+M. Auguste, I quickly discovered, was distracted between fear of
+offending Nicholas by too much reserve, and dread of enabling me to
+see his game. In the end the Czar's persistence triumphed, and we
+obtained something like a revelation.
+
+"Tell us what you can see, that it concerns the Emperor to know," M.
+Auguste had adjured his familiar.
+
+"I see"--the reply was rapped out with irritating slowness--I quite
+longed for a slate--"an English dockyard. The workmen are secretly at
+work by night, with muffled hammers. They are building a torpedo
+boat. It is to the order of the Japanese Government. The English
+police have received secret instructions from the Minister of the
+Interior not to interfere."
+
+"Minister of the Interior" was a blunder. With my knowledge of
+English politics I am able to say that the correct title of this
+personage should be "Secretary of State for the Domestic Department."
+But few foreigners except myself have been able to master the
+intricacies of the British Constitution.
+
+"For what is this torpedo boat designed?" M. Auguste inquired.
+
+"It is for service against the Baltic Fleet. The Russian sailors are
+the bravest in the world, but they are too honest to be a match for
+the heathen Japanese," the spirit pursued, with some inconsistency.
+
+I could not help reflecting that Madame Blavatsky in her lifetime had
+professed the Buddhist faith, which is that of the majority in Japan.
+
+"Do you see anything else?"
+
+"I see other dockyards where the same work is being carried on. A
+whole fleet of warships is being prepared by the perfidious British
+for use against the fleet of Russia."
+
+"Ask her to cast her eye over the German dockyards," I put in.
+
+"Spirits have no sex," M. Auguste corrected severely. "I will ask
+it."
+
+A succession of raps conveyed the information that Germany was
+preserving a perfectly correct course, as usual. Her sole departure
+from the attitude of strict neutrality was to permit certain pilots,
+familiar with the North Sea navigation, to offer their services to
+the Russian fleet.
+
+"Glance into the future," said the Czar. "Tell us what you see about
+to happen."
+
+"I see the Baltic Fleet setting out. The Admiral has issued the
+strictest orders to neutral shipping to retire to their harbors and
+leave the sea clear for the warships of Russia. He has threatened to
+sink any neutral ship that comes within range of his guns.
+
+"As long as he is in the Baltic these orders are obeyed. The German,
+Swedish and Danish flags are lowered at his approach, as is right.
+
+"Now he passes out into the North Sea. The haughty and hostile
+English defy his commands. Their merchant ships go forth as usual.
+Presuming on their knowledge of international law, they annoy and
+vex the Russian warships by sailing past them. The blood of the brave
+Russian officers begins to boil. Ask me no more."
+
+M. Auguste, prompted by the deeply interested Czar, did ask more.
+
+"I see," the obedient seeress resumed, "torpedo boats secretly
+creeping out from the British ports. They do not openly fly the
+Japanese flag, but lurk among the English ships, with the connivance
+of the treacherous islanders.
+
+"The Baltic Fleet approaches. The torpedo boats, skulking behind the
+shelter of their friends, steal closer to the Russian ships. Then the
+brave Russian Admiral remembers his promise. Just in time to save his
+fleet from destruction, he signals to the British to retire.
+
+"They obstinately refuse. The Russian fleet opens fire.
+
+"I can see no more."
+
+The spirit of the seeress, it will be observed, broke off its
+revelations at the most interesting point, with the skill of a
+practised writer of serials.
+
+But the Czar, fairly carried away by excitement, insisted on knowing
+more.
+
+"Ask the spirit if there will be any foreign complications," he said.
+
+I had already remarked that our invisible companion showed a good
+deal of deference to the wishes of Nicholas II., perhaps in his
+character of Head of the Orthodox Church.
+
+After a little hesitation it rapped out:
+
+"The English are angry, but they are restrained by the fear of
+Germany. The German Michael casts his shield in front of Russia, and
+the islanders are cowed. I cannot see all that follows. But in the
+end I see that the Yellow Peril is averted by the joint action of
+Russia and Germany."
+
+This answer confirmed to the full my suspicions regarding the source
+of M. Auguste's inspiration. I believed firmly that there was a
+spirit present, but it was not the spirit of the deceased
+theosophist, rather of a monarch who is very much alive.
+
+The medium now professed to feel exhausted, and Madame Blavatsky was
+permitted to retire.
+
+I rose to accompany M. Auguste as soon as he made a move to retire.
+
+"If you will let me drive you as far as my hotel," I said to him, "I
+think I can show you something which will repay you for coming with
+me."
+
+The wizard looked me in the face for the first time, as he said
+deliberately:
+
+"I shall be very pleased to come."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE DEVIL'S AUCTION
+
+
+I said as little as possible during the drive homeward.
+
+My companion was equally silent. No doubt he, like myself, was
+bracing himself for a duel of wits.
+
+As soon as we were safe in my private room at the hotel, with a
+bottle of vodka and a box of cigars in front of us, I opened the
+discussion with my habitual directness.
+
+"I need not tell you, M. Auguste, that I have not invited you here to
+discuss questions of psychology. I am a politician, and it matters
+nothing to me whether I am dealing with a ghost or a man, provided I
+can make myself understood."
+
+M. Auguste bowed.
+
+"For instance, it is quite clear that the interesting revelations we
+have had to-night would not have been made without your good will. It
+is to be presumed, therefore, that if I can convince you that it is
+better to turn the Emperor's mind in another direction, you will
+refuse to make yourself the medium of further communications of that
+precise character."
+
+M. Auguste gave me an intelligent glance.
+
+"I am as you have just said, a _medium_," he replied with significant
+emphasis. "As such, I need not tell you, I have no personal interest
+in the communications which are made through me."
+
+I nodded, and took out my pocket-book, from which I extracted a
+hundred ruble-note (about $75).
+
+"I promised to show you something interesting," I remarked, as I laid
+it on the table.
+
+M. Auguste turned his head, and his lip curled slightly.
+
+"I am afraid my sight is not very good," he said negligently. "Is not
+that object rather small?"
+
+"It is merely a specimen," I responded, counting out nine others, and
+laying them beside the first.
+
+"Ah, now I fancy I can see what you are showing me," he admitted.
+
+"There is a history attached to these notes," I explained. "They
+represent the amount of a bet which I have just won."
+
+"Really! That is most interesting."
+
+"I now have another bet of similar nature pending, which I hope also
+to be able to win."
+
+"I am tempted to wish you success," put in the medium encouragingly.
+
+"The chances of success are so great that if you were a betting man I
+should be inclined to ask you to make a joint affair of it," I said.
+
+"My dear M. V----, I am not a bigot. I have no objection to a wager
+provided the stakes are made worth my while."
+
+"I think they should be. Well, I will tell you plainly, I stand to
+win this amount if the Baltic Fleet does not sail for another month."
+
+M. Auguste smiled pleasantly.
+
+"I congratulate you," he said. "From what I have heard the repairs
+will take at least that time."
+
+"But that is not all. This bet of mine is continuous. I win a similar
+stake for every month which passes without the fleet having left
+harbor."
+
+M. Auguste gazed at me steadily before speaking.
+
+"If your bet were renewable weekly instead of monthly, you might
+become quite a rich man."
+
+I saw that I was dealing with a cormorant. I made a hasty mental
+calculation. Half of one thousand rubles was about $375 a week, and
+the information I had led me to believe that Port Arthur was capable
+of holding out for another six months at least. To delay the sailing
+of the Baltic Fleet till then would cost roughly $10,000--say 15,000
+rubles.
+
+I decided that neither England nor Japan would grudge the price.
+
+"I think your suggestion is a good one," I answered M. Auguste. "In
+that case, should you be willing to share the bet?"
+
+"I should be willing to undertake it entirely," was the response.
+
+The scoundrel wanted $20,000!
+
+Had I been dealing with an honest man I should have let him have the
+money. But he had raised his terms so artfully that I felt sure that
+if I yielded this he would at once make some fresh demand.
+
+I therefore shook my head, and began picking up the notes on the
+table.
+
+"That would not suit me at all," I said decidedly. "I do not wish to
+be left out altogether."
+
+M. Auguste watched me with growing uneasiness as I restored the notes
+one by one to my pocket-book.
+
+"Look here!" he said abruptly, as the last note disappeared. "Tell me
+plainly what you expect me to do."
+
+"I expect you to have a communication from your friend Madame
+Blavatsky, or any other spirit you may prefer--Peter the Great would
+be most effective, I should think--every time the Baltic Fleet is
+ready to start, warning 'Mr. Nicholas' not to let it sail."
+
+M. Auguste appeared to turn this proposal over in his mind.
+
+"And is that all?" he asked.
+
+"I shall expect you to keep perfect secrecy about the arrangement. I
+have a friend at Potsdam, and I shall be pretty sure to hear if you
+try to give me away."
+
+"Potsdam!" M. Auguste seemed genuinely surprised, and even
+disconcerted.
+
+"Do you mean to say that you didn't know you were carrying out the
+instructions of Wilhelm II.?" I demanded, scarcely less surprised.
+
+It was difficult to believe that the vexation showed by the medium
+was feigned.
+
+"Of course! I see it now!" burst from him. "I wondered what she meant
+by all that stuff about Germany. And I--a Frenchman!"
+
+It is extraordinary what unexpected scruples will display themselves
+in the most unprincipled knaves. Low as they may descend, there seems
+always to be some one point on which they are as sensitive as a
+Bayard.
+
+M. Auguste, of all men in the world, was a French patriot! It turned
+out that he was a fanatical Nationalist and anti-Semite. He had
+howled in anti-Dreyfusite mobs, and flung stones at the windows of
+Masonic temples in Paris.
+
+I was delighted with this discovery, which gave me a stronger hold on
+him than any bribe could.
+
+But I had noted the feminine pronoun in his exclamation recorded
+above. I did not think it referred to the revealing spirit.
+
+"You have been deceived by the woman who has given you your
+instructions," I remarked to him, when his excitement had subsided a
+little. "I fancy I can guess her name."
+
+"Yes. It is the Princess Y----," he confessed.
+
+Bewildering personality! Again, as I heard her name connected with an
+intrigue of the basest kind, a criminal conspiracy to influence the
+ruler of Russia by feigned revelations from the spirits of the dead,
+I recalled the sight I had last had of her, kneeling in her oratory,
+scourging herself before--my portrait!
+
+There was no longer any fear that M. Auguste would prove obdurate on
+the question of terms. He pocketed his first five hundred rubles, and
+departed, vowing that the Baltic fleet should never get farther than
+Libau, if it was in the power of spirits to prevent it.
+
+Desirous to relieve Lord Bedale's mind as far as possible I
+despatched the following wire to him the next morning:
+
+      Sailing of Baltic Fleet postponed indefinitely. No danger
+      for the present. Watch Germany.
+
+I sent a fuller account of the situation to a son of Mr. Katahashi,
+who was in England, nominally attached to the staff of the Imperial
+Bank, but really on business of a confidential character which it
+would be indiscreet on my part to indicate.
+
+I may say that I particularly cautioned the young Japanese to avoid
+any action calculated to give the least color to the German legends
+about warships being secretly manufactured in British yards to the
+order of the Mikado's Government.
+
+Every reader who has followed the course of the war with any
+attention will recollect the history of the fleet thus detained by my
+contrivance.
+
+Week after week, and month after month, the Baltic Fleet was declared
+to be on the point of departure. Time after time the Czar went on
+board to review it in person, and speak words of encouragement to the
+officers and crew. And every time, after everything had been
+pronounced ready, some mysterious obstacle arose at the last moment
+to detain the fleet in Russian waters.
+
+Journalists, naval experts, politicians and other ill-informed
+persons invented or repeated all sorts of explanations to account for
+the series of delays.
+
+Only in the very innermost circles of the Russian Court it was
+whispered that the guardian spirit of the great Peter, the founder of
+Russia's naval power, had repeatedly come to warn his descendant of
+disasters in store for the fleet, should it be permitted to sail.
+
+M. Auguste was earning his reward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+MY FUNERAL
+
+
+The extreme privacy with which I had managed my negotiation with M.
+Auguste completely baffled the plotters who were relying on the
+voyage of the Baltic Fleet to furnish a _casus belli_ between Russia
+and Great Britain.
+
+They realized, of course, that some powerful hand was interfering
+with their designs, and they were sufficiently intelligent to guess
+that that hand must be mine.
+
+But they were far from suspecting the method of my operations. They
+firmly believed that M. Auguste was still carrying out their
+instructions, and sowing distrust of England in the mind of Nicholas
+II. Indeed, on one occasion he informed me that the Princess Y----
+had sent for him and ordered him not to frighten the Czar to such an
+extent as to make him afraid to let the fleet proceed to sea.
+
+Unable to detect and countermine me, it was natural that they should
+become impatient for my removal.
+
+Accordingly, I was not surprised to receive an urgent message from
+Sophia, late one evening, requesting me to come to her without delay.
+
+By this time our friendship, if such it could be called, had become
+so intimate that I visited her nearly every day on one pretext or
+another.
+
+Her greeting, as soon as I had obeyed the summons, showed me that a
+fresh development had taken place in the situation.
+
+"Andreas, the hour has come!"
+
+"The hour?"
+
+"For your removal. Petrovitch has been here. He suspects something.
+He has rebuked me severely for the delay."
+
+"Did you tell him I was not an easy man to kill?"
+
+"I told him anything and everything. He would not listen. He says
+they have lost confidence in me. He was brutal. He said----"
+
+"Well, what did he say?"
+
+"He said--" she spoke slowly and shamefacedly--"that he perceived it
+took a man to kill a man."
+
+I smiled grimly.
+
+"History tells us differently. But what then?"
+
+"To-morrow I shall no longer be able to answer for your life."
+
+"You think some one else will be appointed to dispose of me?"
+
+"I am sure that some one else has been appointed already. Most likely
+it is Petrovitch himself."
+
+"Well, I shall look out for him." I did not think it necessary to
+tell Sophia that I had been expecting something of this kind, and had
+made certain preparations.
+
+"It will be useless, Andreas. You do not know the man with whom you
+have to deal."
+
+"The ignorance may be mutual," I observed drily.
+
+The Princess became violently agitated.
+
+"You must let me save you," she exclaimed clasping her hands.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"You must let me kill you _here_, to-night.
+
+"Don't you understand?" she pursued breathlessly. "It is absolutely
+necessary for your safety, perhaps for the safety of both of us, that
+they should think I have carried out my instructions. You must appear
+to die. Then they will no longer concern themselves about you, and
+you will be able to assume some other personality without being
+suspected."
+
+The scheme appealed to me strongly, all the more that it seemed as
+though it could be made to fit in very well with my own plans.
+
+"You are a clever woman, Sophia," I said cautiously. "How do you
+purpose to carry out your scheme? They will want to see my corpse, I
+suppose."
+
+She drew out the little key I have already described.
+
+"Come this way."
+
+I followed her through the bedroom as before to the door of the
+locked oratory.
+
+She opened the door and admitted me.
+
+By the light of the wax candles I saw what was surely one of the
+strangest sights ever presented to mortal eyes.
+
+It was myself, lying in state!
+
+On a high bier draped in white and black cloth, I lay, or, rather, my
+counterpart presentment in wax lay, wrapped and shrouded like a dead
+body, a branch of palm in the closed hands, and a small Russian coin
+resting on the lips, in accordance with a quaint custom which
+formerly prevailed in many lands.
+
+In spite of my habitual self-command I was unable to repress a cold
+shiver at this truly appalling spectacle.
+
+"Your stage management is perfect," I observed after a pause. "But
+will they be satisfied with a look only?"
+
+"I do not think so. It will be necessary for you to put on the
+appearance of death for a short time, till I have satisfied them.
+Afterward I can conceal you in here, while this--" she pointed to the
+ghastly figure--"is buried under your name."
+
+"Let us get back to the other room, before we talk about it," I
+urged. "This is not altogether a pleasant sight."
+
+As we passed out of the oratory I stealthily took note of the
+fastening of the door. The lock was on the outside only; in other
+words, if I permitted myself to be immured in the cell-like chamber,
+I should be a prisoner at the mercy of my charming friend.
+
+"And now, by what means do you purpose that I shall assume the
+appearance of death?" I inquired as soon as we had returned to the
+boudoir.
+
+The Princess opened a small cabinet, and produced a tiny stoppered
+bottle.
+
+"By swallowing this medicine," she answered. "I have had it specially
+prepared from a recipe given me ten years ago at a time when I
+thought of resorting to the same contrivance to escape from my
+taskmaster."
+
+I took the bottle in my hand, and examined it carefully. It bore no
+label, and the contents appeared perfectly colorless.
+
+"In five minutes after you have swallowed the contents of the
+bottle," Sophia explained, "you will begin to turn cold, at first in
+the feet and hands. As the cold mounts to the brain you will
+gradually lose consciousness, and become rigid. You will look as pale
+as if you were actually dead, and your heart will cease to beat."
+
+"And how long will this stupor last?"
+
+"About twenty-four hours, more or less, according to your
+constitution."
+
+I looked carefully and steadily into her eyes. She flushed and
+trembled violently, but did not quail.
+
+"What does it taste like?" I asked.
+
+"It is a little bitter."
+
+"I will take it in water, then."
+
+"You can take it in wine, if you like. I have some here."
+
+She moved to a small cupboard in the wall.
+
+"I shall tell them that I gave it to you in wine, in any case," she
+added.
+
+"I prefer water, thank you. May I fetch some from the next room?"
+
+"I will fetch it," she said hastily, going to the bedroom.
+
+On an ebony stand beside me there was a large china bowl containing a
+flowering plant in its pot. In a second I had removed the stopper,
+emptied the bottle into the space between the flower-pot and the
+outer bowl, and put the stopper back again.
+
+"Tell me," I said to the Princess as she hurried back with a carafe
+and tumbler, "have you thought how I am to get away from this house
+without exciting attention?"
+
+"It will be easy for me to procure you a dozen disguises. I am always
+going to masked balls. But are you in such a hurry to leave me?"
+
+"I shall find the air of your oratory rather confined, I am afraid."
+
+She hung her head in evident chagrin.
+
+"But where will you go?" she demanded.
+
+"Oh, that is all arranged. I have taken a small house and furnished
+it, in another name."
+
+"Where?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"Perhaps I had better not tell you till this excitement is over. I
+must not burden you with too many of my secrets."
+
+Sophia's eyes filled with tears.
+
+"You distrust me still!" she cried. "But, after all, what does it
+matter? I have only to ask Petrovitch."
+
+"That will be quite unnecessary as well as useless. I pledge myself
+to tell you before I leave this place, and I have not favored M.
+Petrovitch with my new address."
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"And do you believe that you have succeeded in taking a house in
+Petersburg without his knowledge? You do not know him, I tell you
+again. He has had you watched every hour of the day while you have
+been here."
+
+"Please credit me with a little resource, as well as your friend," I
+answered with some slight irritation. "I have no doubt the spies of
+M. Petrovitch have watched me pretty closely, but they have not been
+able to watch every person who has come in and out of the hotel. Two
+of my most capable assistants have been in Petersburg for the last
+month--since the day you hinted that my life was not quite safe, in
+fact."
+
+The woman before me looked completely overwhelmed.
+
+"One of them," I proceeded with cutting severity, "has taken the
+house I speak of. The other is watching over my personal safety at
+this moment."
+
+The Princess fairly gave way. Sinking on the couch behind her, she
+exclaimed in a faint voice:
+
+"You are a demon, not a man!"
+
+It was the finest compliment she could have paid me.
+
+"And now," I said carelessly, "to carry out your admirable little
+idea."
+
+The unhappy woman put up her hands, and turned away her head in sheer
+terror.
+
+I splashed some water into the tumbler, and then trickled in a small
+quantity afterward, to imitate the sound of adding the poison. This
+done I respectfully handed the bottle to my companion.
+
+"To our next meeting!" I called out lightly, as I lifted the tumbler
+to my lips and drained it.
+
+It was the Princess who swooned.
+
+Although I had not foreseen this weakness on her part I took
+advantage of it to draw the tiny key of the oratory from her bosom,
+and hide it in my mouth.
+
+I then touched the bell twice, the signal for the Princess's maid to
+appear.
+
+"Fauchette," I said, when she entered--for this was the assistant I
+had alluded to as watching over my personal safety--"Madame has just
+given me the contents of that stoppered bottle. Do you know anything
+about them?"
+
+Fauchette had made good use of her time since obtaining her
+situation. These things are so easily managed that I am almost
+ashamed to explain that a bribe to the former maid had brought about
+a convenient illness, and the recommendation of Fauchette as a
+temporary substitute.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur," she said quietly. "I filled the bottle with water
+this afternoon, in case of accident. I have preserved the previous
+contents, in case you should care to have them analyzed."
+
+"You have done well, very well, my girl."
+
+Fauchette blushed with pleasure. I do not often say so much to my
+staff.
+
+"Madame does not know that I had just emptied the bottle into that
+china bowl," I added carelessly.
+
+"It is useless to try to serve Monsieur; he does everything himself,"
+murmured the poor girl, mortified.
+
+"Nonsense, Fauchette, I have just praised you. It is always possible
+that I may overlook something."
+
+Fauchette shook her head with an incredulous air.
+
+I have found it good policy to maintain this character for
+infallibility with my staff. It is true, perhaps, that I do not very
+often blunder.
+
+"And now," I went on, "it is time for the poison to take effect! As
+soon as I am dead, you will awake Madame."
+
+I lay down on another couch, and composed myself in a rigid attitude
+with my eyes closed. I did not believe, of course, that it would be
+possible to deceive a close observer, but I trusted to the wild
+emotions of the Princess to blind her to any signs of life.
+
+I heard Fauchette dart on her mistress with a well-acted scream, and
+sprinkle her face and neck with cold water.
+
+Sophia seemed to revive quickly.
+
+"Andreas!" I heard her gasp. "Where? What has become of him?"
+
+"M. Sterling has also fainted," the maid replied with assumed
+innocence.
+
+"Ha!"
+
+It was more like a shriek than a sob. I heard a hasty rustling of
+skirts, and then Sophia seemed to be kneeling beside me, and feeling
+for the beat of my heart.
+
+"Go, Fauchette! Send Gregory instantly to M. Petrovitch to inform him
+that M. Sterling has been taken ill in my house, and that I fear he
+is dead."
+
+The Princess began loosening my necktie.
+
+Had Fauchette been present I should have been able to point to this
+as a proof that I was not incapable of an occasional oversight.
+
+As a matter of fact, I had not anticipated this very natural action
+on Sophia's part. Yet it should have been evident that, were it only
+to keep up appearances before any one who might come to view my
+supposed corpse, she would be bound to free my neck.
+
+And I was wearing the locket which contained the portrait of my
+promised bride!
+
+I lay, really rigid with apprehension, while Sophia's caressing
+fingers tenderly removed the necktie, and began unfastening my collar
+and shirt.
+
+Suddenly I heard an ejaculation--at first striking the note of
+surprise and curiosity merely, but deepening to fear.
+
+In a moment the locket was lifted from my chest, and forced open with
+a metallic click.
+
+"Ah!--Ah!"
+
+She let the open locket drop from her fingers on my bare throat.
+
+Instantly it was clutched up again. I could picture the frenzied gaze
+of jealousy and hate in those burning eyes of deepest violet; I could
+actually feel the passionate breathing from between the clenched
+teeth of whitest ivory.
+
+"Miserable child!" she hissed, the hand that held the locket
+trembling so that I could feel it against my neck. "So _you_ have
+robbed me of him!"
+
+She paused, and then added, forcing out each word with a passion of
+distilled hate----
+
+"But you shall never have him! He shall be mine! Mine! Mine, in the
+grave!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A PERILOUS MOMENT
+
+
+I lay with every nerve strained to its utmost tension, listening for
+the least movement on the part of the maddened woman which might
+indicate she was about to stab me then and there.
+
+In the silence that followed, if she did not hear the beating of my
+heart it was only because her own stormy emotions had rendered her
+deaf and blind to everything else.
+
+For a time her rapid breathing continued to warm my uncovered neck.
+Then she snapped-to the locket and let it fall, and rose from my side
+to pace the floor of the room with swift, irregular steps.
+
+Fauchette, who must have been anxious to know how I was faring, now
+came back without waiting to be summoned.
+
+"Well?" the Princess demanded, halting in her promenade.
+
+"Gregory has gone for M. Petrovitch, Madame. Is there anything I can
+do?"
+
+"I have tried every restorative," came the answer. "See if you can
+detect any signs of life."
+
+The last command seemed to come as an afterthought. No doubt, Sophia
+wished to test her work before Petrovitch arrived.
+
+I was encouraged to think that she had no immediate intention of
+killing me; and as the maid bent over me I contrived to give her hand
+a reassuring squeeze.
+
+"He is quite dead, Madame," the girl said, turning away. "Would you
+like to have the body carried into another room?"
+
+"No. Wait till M. Petrovitch comes," her mistress replied. "You can
+go."
+
+As my assistant withdrew I again became on the alert for any
+dangerous move on the part of the Princess.
+
+It was not long before I was conscious that the room had grown
+darker.
+
+I gathered that Sophia had switched off some of the lights in order
+to make it more difficult for Petrovitch to detect her fraud, and
+again I took courage.
+
+Some muttered words helped me to understand the plan of the desperate
+woman.
+
+"I will give him one chance. He shall choose. Men do not die for love
+in these days."
+
+There was little doubt that she intended to lock me up in her oratory
+and hold me a prisoner till I consented to sacrifice my faith to her
+Japanese rival.
+
+Satisfied that there was little risk of any immediate violence, I
+waited calmly for the arrival of Sophia's colleague, or master.
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate lost no time on the way. Very
+soon I heard the door open and the familiar voice, with its slightly
+affected accent, saying,
+
+"Permit me to offer you the expression of my sincere regrets, dear
+Princess!--And my sincere congratulations," he added in a more
+business-like tone, as the door closed again.
+
+A sigh was the only audible response.
+
+"It has cost you something, I can see," the man's voice resumed
+soothingly. "That fact gives you a still stronger claim on our
+gratitude. I confess I began to fear seriously that you were
+deceiving us, and that would have been very dangerous."
+
+Another obscure sound, between a sigh and a sob, from the woman.
+
+"Now we can proceed with light hearts. Within three months from now
+Russia and Great Britain will be at war. I do not mind answering for
+it. There was only one man in Europe who could have prevented it, and
+he lies there!"
+
+"You would have it so! I still say it would have been enough to
+imprison him somewhere."
+
+"You talk foolishly, believe me, Princess. A man like that is not to
+be imprisoned. There is no jailer in the world who would venture to
+undertake to keep the famous A. V. under lock and key."
+
+"I would have undertaken it," came the answer. "I would have locked
+him in my oratory, the key of which never leaves my bosom."
+
+"Nevertheless if it was important to that man to steal it from you,
+it would not remain in your bosom very long."
+
+A startled cry interrupted the speaker, and told me that Sophia had
+made the fatal discovery of the loss of her key.
+
+I held my breath in the most dreadful suspense. Everything now
+depended on this woman. If she allowed the least hint, I knew that
+Petrovitch would never leave the room without at least an attempt to
+change my supposed trance into death.
+
+Fortunately the Princess was equal to the emergency. I heard her give
+a slight laugh.
+
+"I am punished for my assurance," she confessed. "I am not quite
+hardened, as you know; and when I realized that M. V---- was actually
+dead, I was obliged to pray for him. I have left the key in the
+door."
+
+"Go and fetch it, then."
+
+The tone in which these words were spoken was harsh. I heard Sophia
+going out of the room, and in an instant, with a single bound, as it
+seemed, the man was leaning over me, feeling my pulse, listening for
+my heart, and testing whether I breathed.
+
+"If I had brought so much as a knife with me, I would have made
+sure," I heard him mutter to himself.
+
+Fortunately Sophia's absence did not last ten seconds. She must have
+snatched up the first key that came to hand, that of a jewel-box most
+likely, and hurried back with it.
+
+Petrovitch seemed to turn away from me with reluctance.
+
+"You doubt me, it appears," came in angry tones from the Princess.
+
+"I doubt everybody," was the cool rejoinder. "You were in love with
+this fellow."
+
+"You think so? Then look at this."
+
+I felt the locket being picked up, and heard the click of the tiny
+spring.
+
+A coarse laugh burst from the financier.
+
+"So that is it! Woman's jealousy is safer than her sworn word, after
+all. Now I believe he _is_ dead."
+
+The Princess made no reply.
+
+Presently the man spoke again.
+
+"This must be kept a secret among ourselves, you understand. The
+truth is, I have exceeded my instructions a little. A certain
+personage only authorized detention. It appears he is like you in
+having a certain tenderness for this fellow--why, I can't think. At
+any rate his manner was rather alarming when we hinted that a coffin
+made the safest straight-jacket."
+
+It was impossible for me to doubt that it was the Kaiser whom this
+villain had insulted by offering to have me assassinated. I thanked
+Wilhelm II. silently for his chivalrous behavior. M. Petrovitch could
+have known little of the proud Hohenzollern whom he tempted.
+
+At the same time, it was a source of serious concern for me to know
+that, just as I had learned that my real opponent was my friend the
+Kaiser, so he in turn had acquired the knowledge that he had me
+against him.
+
+It had become a struggle, no longer in the dark, between the most
+resourceful of Continental sovereigns and myself, and that being so,
+I realized that I could not afford to rest long on my oars.
+
+From the deep breathing of the Princess, I surmised that she was
+choking down the rage she must have felt at the other's cynical
+depravity. For Sophia, though capable of committing a murder out of
+jealousy perhaps, was yet incapable of killing for reward.
+
+"Well," I heard Petrovitch say in the tone of one who is taking his
+leave, "I must send some one 'round to remove our friend."
+
+"Do not trouble, if you please. I will see to the funeral," came in
+icy tones from the Princess.
+
+"What, still sentimental! Be careful, my good Sophia Y----, you will
+lose your value to us if you give way to such weaknesses."
+
+I heard his steps move across the carpeted floor, and then with
+startling suddenness, the words came out:
+
+"Curse me if I can believe he _is_ dead!"
+
+My blood ran cold. But it turned out to be only a passing
+exclamation. At the end of what seemed to me minutes--they can only
+have been seconds--the footsteps moved on, and the door opened and
+closed.
+
+"Thank God!" burst from Sophia.
+
+Her next words were plainly an apostrophe to myself.
+
+"So you did not trust me after all!"
+
+I was within an ace of opening my eyes on the supposition that she
+had found me out, when I was reassured by her adding, this time to
+herself,
+
+"He must have done it when I fainted!"
+
+I saw that she was referring to my theft of the key.
+
+There was a soft rustle of silk on the floor, and I felt her hands
+searching in my pockets for the stolen key.
+
+"Fool! To think that I could outwit him!" she murmured to herself at
+last.
+
+She had taken some time to learn the lesson, however.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST
+
+
+It was soon evident that the Princess Y---- had taken her new maid
+into her confidence to a certain extent.
+
+She must have rung for Fauchette without my hearing anything, for
+presently the door opened again, and I heard my assistant's voice.
+
+As the result of a hurried consultation between the two women, in
+which Fauchette played to perfection the part of a devoted maid who
+is only desirous to anticipate the wishes of her mistress, it was
+decided to wheel the sofa on which I lay into the oratory, and to
+bring the wax dummy into the Princess's bedroom, to lie in state till
+the next day.
+
+The arrangement did not take long to carry out.
+
+Partly from what I was able to overhear, and partly from the report
+afterward furnished to me by Fauchette, I am able to relate
+succinctly what took place.
+
+To begin with, I was left in the oratory, while the counterfeit
+corpse was duly arranged in the adjoining room.
+
+Unable to lock me in the smaller apartment, Sophia declared her
+intention of locking both the outer doors of the bedroom, one of
+which gave on a corridor, while the other, as the reader is aware,
+opened into the boudoir where the previous scene had taken place.
+
+The Princess retained one of these keys herself, entrusting the other
+to the maid, of course with the strictest injunctions as to its use.
+
+To keep up appearances before the household, the Princess arranged to
+pass the next few nights in another room on the same floor, which
+usually served as a guest chamber.
+
+It was explained to the servants that the death which had occurred
+had upset the nerves of their mistress, and rendered her own suite of
+rooms distasteful to her for the present.
+
+Fauchette, who thus became my jailer, brought me a supply of cold
+food and wine during the night. I had part of this provision under
+the altar of the oratory, to serve me during the following day.
+
+My cataleptic condition was supposed to endure for nearly twenty-four
+hours. The enforced seclusion was intensely irritating to a man of my
+temperament; but I could not evade it without revealing to Sophia
+that I had heard her confession, and thereby inflicting a deadly
+wound on a woman who loved me.
+
+Meanwhile the arrangements for my funeral had been pressed on.
+
+Already a telegram had appeared in the London papers announcing the
+sudden and unexpected death from heart-failure of the well-known
+English philanthropist, Mr. Melchisedak Sterling. One or two of the
+journals commented on the fact of Mr. Sterling's death having taken
+place while he was on a mission of peace to the Russian capital, and
+expressed a hope that his death would have a chastening effect on the
+War Party in Petersburg.
+
+My friend, the editor of the Peace Review, very generously sent a
+wreath, which arrived too late for the funeral but was laid on my
+grave.
+
+Unfortunately these newspaper announcements were taken seriously by
+my exalted employers, as well as by the enemies whom I wished to
+deceive, but this could not be helped.
+
+By noon the undertaker's men had arrived with my coffin. The Princess
+played upon their ignorance of English customs and burial rites to
+pretend that the work of coffining must be done by women's hands. In
+this way she and Fauchette were able to enclose the dummy in its
+wooden shell, leaving to the men only the task of screwing down the
+lid.
+
+The burial took place in the English cemetery. I am glad to say that
+the Princess contrived to avoid the mockery of a religious service by
+alleging that Mr. Sterling had belonged to a peculiar sect--the
+Quakers, I fancy--which holds such ceremonies to be worldly and
+unnecessary.
+
+I may add that I have since visited my grave, which is still to be
+seen in a corner of the cemetery. It is marked by a stone slab with
+an inscription in English.
+
+In the afternoon the faithful Fauchette persuaded her mistress to go
+out for a drive, to soothe her over-strained nerves.
+
+Before quitting the house, the Princess came in to take a last look
+at me.
+
+She lingered minute after minute, as though with some premonition
+that our next meeting would be under widely different circumstances.
+
+To herself, I heard her whisper, sighing softly:
+
+"Andreas! O Andreas! If I could sleep, or thou couldst never wake!"
+
+She crept away, and the better to secure me locked both the bedroom
+doors herself, and carried off the keys.
+
+On her return, two hours later, Sophia, with a look that told the
+watchful Fauchette of her uneasiness, hurried straight up-stairs,
+toward the door of the little oratory.
+
+She found it locked from the outside, with the key in the door.
+
+It had cost me something to break my pledge to the Princess Y----
+that I would give her my new address before leaving her.
+
+But her unfortunate discovery of the portrait I wore around my neck
+and her plainly-declared intention to hold me a prisoner till she
+could shake my fidelity, had rendered it necessary for me to meet
+treachery with treachery.
+
+The secret service, it must always be borne in mind, has its own code
+of honor, differing on many points from that obtaining in other
+careers, but perhaps stricter on the whole.
+
+For instance, I can lay my hand on my heart and declare that I have
+never done either of two things which are done every day by men
+holding high offices and high places in the world's esteem. I have
+never taken a secret commission. And I have never taken advantage of
+my political information to gamble in stocks.
+
+The manner of my escape was simplicity itself.
+
+My assistant had not come to live with the Princess without making
+some preparations for the part she was to play, and these included
+the bringing with her of a bunch of skeleton keys, fully equal to the
+work of opening any ordinary lock.
+
+As soon as her mistress was safely out of the way, Fauchette came to
+receive my instructions.
+
+I told her that I did not intend to wait for my jailer's return. We
+discussed the best way for me to slip out, without obstruction from
+the servants, and I decided to take advantage of the superstition of
+the Russian illiterate class, by enacting the part of my own ghost.
+
+The report that I had been buried without any funeral service had
+already reached the household, and had prepared them for any
+supernatural manifestation.
+
+Fauchette first brought me a little powdered chalk, with which I
+smeared my face. I then put on a long flowing cloak and a sombrero
+hat, part of the wardrobe accumulated by the Princess in the course
+of her gaieties.
+
+I slipped a damp sponge into my pocket and directed the girl to lead
+the way.
+
+She went down-stairs a few yards in front of me, turned into the
+servants' part of the house and threw open the back door, which led
+out into a courtyard giving on a street used only by tradesmen's
+carts. At this hour of the day it was deserted.
+
+I followed cautiously in Fauchette's wake, and got as far as the back
+door without meeting any interruption.
+
+But at that point, the porter, who must have been roused by an
+unfamiliar step--though I understand he swore afterward that the
+passage of the ghost had been absolutely noiseless--came out and
+stood in the doorway.
+
+Without hesitating for an instant I assumed an erect posture and
+advanced swiftly toward him with my whitened face well displayed.
+
+The fellow gave vent to a half-articulate call which died down in his
+throat, and bolted back into his room uttering yell after yell.
+
+Fifteen seconds later I was out in the street, sponging the chalk
+from my face.
+
+And five minutes after that I was comfortably seated in a hired
+droshky, on my way to a certain little house in the seafaring quarter
+of the city, which possessed, among other advantages, that of
+commanding an exceedingly fine view of the Admiralty Pier.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A SECRET EXECUTION
+
+
+I now come to a part of my chronicle which I plainly foresee must
+expose me to grave criticism.
+
+To that criticism it is no part of my purpose to attempt any reply.
+
+In the long run, I have found, men's minds are not much affected by
+argument and advocacy. Facts tell their own story, and men's
+judgments are usually the result of their personal prejudices.
+
+For that reason I shall confine myself to relating facts. I have
+already told the story of my murder--for such it was in the
+intent--by Petrovitch. I shall now tell the story of the justice
+meted out by me on the assassin.
+
+As soon as I was safely lodged in my house on the Alexander Quay, I
+despatched my assistant, a clever young Frenchman named Breuil, with
+a message to the promoter of the Manchurian Syndicate--the real
+moving spirit of that War clique in which even the bellicose grand
+dukes had only secondary parts.
+
+The wording of the message had been carefully calculated to arouse
+curiosity, but not apprehension.
+
+"The agent of a foreign Power," Breuil was instructed to say to this
+self-styled patriot, "with very large funds at his disposal, desires
+to see you in strict secrecy."
+
+The bait took. Petrovitch, naturally concluding that he was to be
+offered a heavy bribe for some act of treachery to Russia, greedily
+accepted the invitation.
+
+The infatuated man did not take even the ordinary precaution of
+asking for guarantees. He consented to accompany Breuil at once,
+merely asking how far he had to go. This recklessness was the result
+of his supposed triumphant crime. Believing that I was safely
+interred in the English cemetery, he thought there was no one left
+for him to fear.
+
+On the way he did his best to extract some information out of my
+assistant. But Breuil returned the same answer to all his questions
+and hints:
+
+"I am under orders not to converse with you, monsieur."
+
+The doomed man was in good spirits as the droshky put him down at the
+door of my house.
+
+"Decidedly an out-of-the-way retreat!" he commented gaily. "I should
+hardly be able to find my way here again without your assistance!"
+
+The silent Breuil merely bowed, as he proceeded to open the street
+door with a latch key.
+
+Perhaps Petrovitch had been a little more nervous than he allowed to
+appear. When he noticed that his escort simply closed the door on the
+latch, without locking or bolting it further, he said in a tone of
+relief:
+
+"You are not much afraid of being visited by the police, I see."
+
+Breuil, as silent as ever, led the way into a back parlor,
+overlooking the Neva, where I was waiting to receive my visitor.
+
+The room was plainly furnished as a study, and I had placed myself in
+an arm-chair facing the window, so that my back was turned to the
+door as Petrovitch entered.
+
+I pretended to be writing furiously, as a pretext for not turning my
+head till the visitor had seated himself.
+
+Breuil said quietly, "M. Petrovitch is here," and went out of the
+room.
+
+As the door closed I tossed away my pen and turned around, facing my
+assassin.
+
+"I am pleased to see you, M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Monsieur V----!"
+
+I thought he would have lost his senses. His whole countenance
+changed. He clung to his chair, and his eyes were fixed on me with an
+expression of panic.
+
+So complete was his collapse that he did not attempt to speak or
+excuse himself. I saw that he was hardly in a condition to listen to
+anything I had to say.
+
+"I fear you are unwell, M. Petrovitch. Allow me to offer you a little
+brandy."
+
+The wretched man watched me with bewildered looks, as I took a bottle
+and glasses from a cupboard and helped first him and then myself.
+
+"It is quite wholesome, I assure you."
+
+As I said the words I raised my own glass to my lips and sipped.
+
+A choking cry escaped from the author of the war. He seized the glass
+I had set before him and feverishly drained it.
+
+I saw that he was burning to know by what means I had escaped the
+fate prepared for me. But I had no object in gratifying his
+curiosity, and mere boasting is not a weakness of mine.
+
+Steadfastly preserving the tone of a business interview between men
+who understand each other, I went on to say:
+
+"I am here, as you know, in the joint interests of England and
+Japan."
+
+My murderer nodded faintly. I could see him making a tremendous
+effort to control his nerves, and enter into conversation with me on
+my own terms.
+
+"I think I should be glad of a little more brandy. Thank you!--I am
+not at all myself."
+
+I shook my head compassionately.
+
+"You should be careful to avoid too much excitement," I said. "Any
+sudden shock is bad for a man with your nerves."
+
+The promoter gasped. The situation was clearly beyond him.
+
+"You," I went on in my most matter-of-fact tone, "on the contrary,
+are acting on behalf of Germany."
+
+"Who says so!" He was beginning to speak fiercely; but his eye met
+mine, and the words died on his lips.
+
+"We will say I dreamed it, if you like," I responded drily. "I have
+very remarkable dreams sometimes, and learn a great deal from them.
+
+"To confine ourselves to business. I have caused the sailing of this
+Baltic Fleet to be put off, because----"
+
+"You--have caused it!"
+
+The interruption burst from him in spite of himself.
+
+I affected to shrug my shoulders with a certain annoyance.
+
+"Your opinion of my powers does not seem to be a very high one,
+unfortunately," I remarked with irony. "It would be better if you
+accepted me as a serious antagonist, believe me."
+
+Petrovitch lowered his eyes in confusion, as he muttered,
+
+"I apologize, Monsieur V----. I have blundered, as I now perceive."
+
+"Let us resume. I was about to say that I had prevented the sailing
+of this fleet, because I feared that its voyage might be marked by
+some incident likely to bring Great Britain and Russia into
+collision."
+
+The financier raised his head and watched me keenly.
+
+"You, yourself, M. Petrovitch, have been active, I believe, in
+preparing the mind of the Czar and the Russian public for something
+of the sort. Doubtless you have not done so without very good
+grounds."
+
+"My information leads me to think that a flotilla of torpedo boats is
+being kept ready in the English ports for a night attack on our fleet
+during its progress through the North Sea."
+
+I smiled disdainfully.
+
+"That is a false report. I have asked you to call here in the hope
+that I might find you ready to assist me in discrediting it."
+
+The Russian continued to watch me out of his narrow eyes.
+
+"And, also," I added, "to assist me in preventing any attempt to give
+color to it."
+
+"I am not sure that I understand you, Monsieur V----."
+
+"That is quite possible. I will speak more plainly. There are some
+prophets who take a little trouble to make their prophesies come
+true. I wish to know whether you and your friends have determined
+that this particular prophesy shall come true--perhaps to fulfill it
+yourselves?"
+
+Petrovitch frowned and compressed his lips.
+
+"So that is why you got me here?"
+
+"I wished to see," I said blandly, "if it was possible for me to
+offer you terms which might induce you to alter your views
+altogether--in short, to stop the war."
+
+The financier looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Monsieur V----, you don't know what you ask! But you--would a
+million rubles tempt you to come over, to be neutral, even?"
+
+"I am a member, by adoption, of the imperial family of Japan," I
+replied laconically.
+
+Petrovitch was past surprise. If I had informed him that I was the
+Mikado in disguise, I think he would have taken it as a matter of
+course.
+
+"This war is worth ten millions to me," he confessed hoarsely.
+
+I shook my head with resignation.
+
+"The price is too high. We must be enemies, not friends, I perceive."
+
+The author of the war, who had regained his self-possession, did not
+blanch at these words.
+
+"I regret it," he said with a courteous inclination.
+
+"You have reason to."
+
+He gave me a questioning glance.
+
+"Up to the present I have been on the defensive," I explained. "I
+dislike violent measures. But from this moment I shall hold myself at
+liberty to use them."
+
+"I am afraid I have gone rather too far," the promoter hesitated.
+
+"You have drugged me. You have robbed me. You have murdered me."
+
+"You are alive, however," he ventured to retort with an impudent
+smile.
+
+"Unfortunately," I went on sternly, "in murdering me you exceeded
+your instructions."
+
+"How----"
+
+"I dreamed that I heard you tell your accomplice so," I put in,
+without giving him a chance to speak.
+
+He ceased to meet my gaze.
+
+"You are therefore not even a political criminal. You are a common
+felon. As such I warn you that I shall execute you without notice,
+and without reprieve."
+
+The Russian scowled fiercely.
+
+"We will see about that," he blustered. "I have a loaded revolver in
+my pocket."
+
+I waved my hand scornfully.
+
+"Undeceive yourself, George Petrovitch. I am not proposing a duel. I
+cannot be expected to fight with a condemned murderer. I sentence you
+to death--and may the Lord have mercy on your soul."
+
+"By what right?" he demanded furiously.
+
+"I am accredited by the Emperor of Japan to the Emperor of Russia.
+This house is Japanese soil. Farewell!"
+
+Petrovitch rose from his chair, wavering between indignation and
+alarm.
+
+"I shall defend myself!" he exclaimed, edging slowly toward the door.
+
+"You will do better to confess yourself. Is there no prayer that you
+wish to say?"
+
+The Russian smiled incredulously.
+
+"You seem very confident," he sneered.
+
+I saw that it was useless to try to rouse him to a sense of his
+peril. I pointed to the door, and pressed a knob on the wall.
+
+The murderer made two steps from me, laid his fingers on the
+door-handle--and dropped dead instantly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+A CHANGE OF IDENTITY
+
+
+I now approach the crucial portion of my narrative.
+
+The incidents already dealt with, though not without a certain
+interest, perhaps, for those who value exact information about
+political events, are comparatively unimportant, and have been given
+here chiefly in order to inspire confidence in what follows.
+
+At all events, their truth is not likely to be disputed, and I have
+not thought it necessary, therefore, to insist on every corroborative
+detail.
+
+But I am now about to enter on what must be considered debatable
+ground.
+
+I had taken the little house on the Alexander Quay, as the reader
+will have guessed, as a post of observation from which to watch the
+proceedings of the Russian Ministry of Marine, more particularly with
+regard to the fleet under the command of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+It is my subsequent observations and discoveries which compel me,
+greatly to my regret, to give a direct contradiction to the gallant
+Admiral's version of what took place in the North Sea on the night
+of Trafalgar Day, 1904.
+
+It is for that reason that I desire to exercise particular care in
+this part of my statement.
+
+Such care is the more incumbent on me, inasmuch as I was requested by
+the British Government to furnish a confidential copy of my evidence
+in advance, for the use of the members of the international court
+which sat in Paris to inquire into this most mysterious affair.
+
+The following chapters should be read, therefore, as the sworn
+depositions of a witness, and not as the carelessly worded account of
+a journalist or popular historian.
+
+The electrocution of the murderer, Petrovitch, already described,
+furnished me with a valuable opportunity which I was quick to seize.
+
+I have not extenuated this act, and I will not defend it. I content
+myself with recording that this man had been the principal instrument
+in promoting the Russo-Japanese war, and the principal obstacle to
+peace. In this he was acting as the paid agent of a foreign Power,
+and was therefore guilty of high treason to his own country. On these
+grounds my execution of him, although irregular at the time, has
+since been formally ratified by the highest tribunal of the Russian
+Empire, the Imperial Council of State.
+
+A justification which I value still more, consists in the fact that
+the removal of this man proved the turning point in the history of
+the war.
+
+Within a month of his death I had the satisfaction to be made the
+medium of an informal overture for peace. The negotiations thus
+opened have proceeded with great secrecy, but before these lines meet
+the public eye, I have every hope that the calamitous struggle in
+Manchuria will have been suspended indefinitely.
+
+To return:
+
+Owing to the secret life led by the deceased man, it was some time
+before his absence from his usual haunts excited remark.
+
+When it became evident that something must have happened to him,
+people were still slow to suspect that he had come to a violent end.
+Many persons believed that he had been ruined by the ill-success of
+the war, and had gone into hiding from his creditors. Others supposed
+that he had been secretly arrested.
+
+Some of his fellow-plotters in the Russian capital imagined that he
+had fled to Germany to escape the penalty of his treason. In Germany,
+on the other hand, I afterward learned, he was supposed to have been
+sent to Siberia by order of the Czar.
+
+For weeks the "Disappearance of M. Petrovitch" was the general topic
+of discussion in the newspapers and in private circles; but no one
+came near guessing the truth.
+
+There was one person who must have divined from the first what had
+happened. But she held her tongue.
+
+So far as I could gather from the reports which continued to reach me
+from Fauchette, the Princess Y---- had sunk into a lethargy after my
+evasion. She seemed to wish only to be left alone to brood, perhaps
+to mourn.
+
+The only sign she gave was by depositing a wreath on the empty grave
+in the English cemetery, a wreath which bore the solitary word,
+"Remembrance."
+
+In the meanwhile I had gratifying evidence that the loss of the chief
+conspirator had completely disorganized the schemes of the plotters
+in the Ministry of Marine.
+
+My first proceeding, after disconnecting the powerful battery which I
+had installed in my house for the purpose of the execution, was to
+summon my assistant Breuil.
+
+With his aid, the corpse was stripped and sewn up in a sheet,
+together with some heavy weights. In the middle of the night it was
+committed to the waters of the Neva, almost within sight and sound of
+the fleet.
+
+The papers which we found in his clothes were not numerous or
+important. But there was one which I thought worth preserving.
+
+It was a passport, made out in the name of the deceased, issued by
+the Russian Foreign Office, and vised by the German Ambassador. This
+passport I still have in my possession.
+
+I now disclosed to my assistant a plan which had been in my own mind
+for some time, though, true to my principle of never making an
+unnecessary confidence, I had not previously mentioned it to him.
+
+"I have decided," I told him, "to assume the personality of
+Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil stared at me in consternation. It is only fair to say that he
+had not been with me very long.
+
+I could see that some objection was trembling on the tip of his
+tongue. He had learned, however, that I expect my staff not to
+criticize, but to obey.
+
+"You may speak," I said indulgently, "if you have anything to say."
+
+"I was about to remark, sir, that you are not in the least like
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Think again," I said mildly.
+
+He gave me an intelligent look.
+
+"You are much about the same height!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"But his friends, who see him every day--surely they cannot be
+deceived? And then his business--his correspondence--but perhaps you
+are able to feign handwriting?"
+
+I smiled. The good Breuil had passed from one extreme to the other.
+Instead of doubting me, he was crediting me too much.
+
+I proceeded to explain.
+
+"No, as you very properly suggest, I could not hope to deceive
+Petrovitch's friends, nor can I imitate his hand. But remember, that
+in a few days Petrovitch will have disappeared. What will have become
+of him, do you suppose?"
+
+Breuil was still puzzled. I had to make my meaning still plainer.
+
+"He will be in concealment--that is to say, in disguise."
+
+Breuil threw up his hands in a gesture of admiration.
+
+"As the disguised Petrovitch I may manage to pass very well, more
+particularly as I shall be meeting people who have never seen the
+real Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil did not quite understand this last observation.
+
+"I am going," I exclaimed, "on board the Baltic Fleet."
+
+"Sir, you are magnificent!"
+
+I frowned down his enthusiasm. Compliments are compliments only when
+they come from those who pay us, not from those whom we pay.
+
+"Go and procure me the uniform of a superintendent of naval stores.
+And ascertain for me where Captain Vassileffsky usually passes his
+evenings."
+
+Captain Vassileffsky was the naval officer who had been present on
+the occasion when I was drugged at Petrovitch's table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+TRAPPED
+
+
+The clock was striking eight as I entered the restaurant of the
+Two-Headed Eagle, in the seaport of Revel on the Gulf of Finland,
+about a week after the mysterious disappearance of Petrovitch had
+become the talk of Petersburg.
+
+Picking out a table at which an officer in the uniform of a Russian
+naval captain was already seated, I went up to it, and sat down in
+front of him with the formal bow prescribed by etiquette in the
+circumstances.
+
+The ships intended to sail to the relief of Port Arthur were lying at
+this time some at Revel and others at Libau on the Baltic. From time
+to time their departure was officially announced for a certain date,
+reviews were held, and one or two preliminary trips had been
+undertaken.
+
+But each time some unseen obstacle was interposed, and M. Auguste
+continued to draw his weekly stipend.
+
+Nevertheless it was beginning to be evident that the game of see-saw
+could not go on forever. Autumn was approaching, the nation was
+becoming impatient, and the scoffs of the foreign press were severely
+galling the naval pride of Russia.
+
+I had picked up a certain amount of information in the capital
+itself, where a great number of the officers were on leave. But I
+wished to get in direct touch with the one man who, I believed, was
+most likely to be in the confidence of Petrovitch, and, finding there
+was no chance of his coming to Petersburg, I had been obliged to make
+the journey to Revel.
+
+Vassileffsky acknowledged my bow with cordiality, at the same time
+fixing his dark, wicked eyes on me with a look which I well
+understood.
+
+I was wearing the uniform which I had ordered my assistant to provide
+me with, and the Captain had been quick to take note of it.
+
+It may be said that the most valuable part of a naval officer's
+income in Russia is derived from the peculation of government stores.
+To carry on this lucrative system of plunder there is always a good
+understanding between officials of the Stores Department and the
+combatant officers.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky now studied my face like a man expecting to
+receive some proposal of the kind. I, on my side, made it my business
+to say as little as possible to him till dinner was over.
+
+Then I called for a magnum of champagne, and invited my companion to
+fill a tumbler.
+
+He did so readily enough, and I gave him the toast,
+
+"To the Emperor who wishes us well!"
+
+Vassileffsky started, and gave me a penetrating look.
+
+He did not venture to put a question to me, however, and contented
+himself with drinking the toast in silence.
+
+Determined not to say anything as long as the Captain remained sober,
+I plied him with champagne in increasing quantities, while taking as
+little as possible myself.
+
+On his side Vassileffsky was equally reserved. He saw, of course,
+that I had a special object in courting his friendship, and was
+cunning enough to let me make the first advance.
+
+As soon as I thought the wine had had time to confuse his faculties,
+I leaned forward and whispered,
+
+"I've got something to say to you about Petrovitch."
+
+The Captain looked at me eagerly.
+
+"Do you know where he is?"
+
+"Not so loud. Yes. He has had to disguise himself."
+
+I spoke in a muffled tone, which Vassileffsky imitated in his
+response.
+
+"Where is he? I want to see him very badly."
+
+"I know. He wants to see you. He is here in Revel."
+
+"In Revel! Isn't that dangerous?"
+
+"It would be if he weren't so well disguised. You, yourself, wouldn't
+know him."
+
+Vassileffsky looked incredulous.
+
+"I bet I should."
+
+"Done with you! What in?"
+
+"A dozen magnums."
+
+"Pay for them, then. _I'm Petrovitch._"
+
+The Captain started, shook himself, and peered drunkenly into my
+face.
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"Read that then."
+
+I drew out the passport, and spread it before him. The Russian
+spelled his way through it, and nodded solemnly at the end.
+
+"Yes, that's all right. You must be Petrovitch, I suppose. But you
+don't look like him."
+
+"Didn't I tell you I was disguised. I had to clear out in a hurry.
+Some one's been denouncing me to Nicholas."
+
+Vassileffsky looked frightened. His eye sought the door, as though he
+no longer felt at ease in my company.
+
+"You needn't be afraid," I assured him. "No one suspects you."
+
+"Well, what do you want?" he asked sullenly.
+
+"I want you to take me on board your ship."
+
+An angry frown crossed his face.
+
+"You want me to hide you from the police!"
+
+"Nonsense. The police are all right. They want me to get away. They
+could have put their hands on me long ago if they had wanted to."
+
+"Then why have you come here?"
+
+"I told you. I want to have a talk with you about our plans."
+
+"The plan is all right. But I want to know when we're to sail."
+
+"I'm doing all I can. It's only a question of weeks now."
+
+Vassileffsky looked hard at me again, bent across the table, and
+whispered a word which I failed to understand.
+
+Something in his face warned me that it was a password. I recovered
+myself from my momentary confusion and smiled.
+
+"The word's changed," I said with an air of authority. "It's _North
+Sea_ and _Canal_."
+
+The Russian seemed satisfied.
+
+"Well," he said, stumbling to his feet, "if we're going on board we'd
+better go."
+
+"Don't forget the magnums," I put in, as I rose in my turn.
+
+The reckoning was settled, and the champagne ordered to follow us
+down to the boat.
+
+Vassileffsky nearly lost his footing as we got out into the fresh
+air, and caught hold of my arm.
+
+"You'll have to lead me," he said, speaking thickly. "Straight along
+the street, and down the first turning on the quay."
+
+We walked along, arm-in-arm, my companion appearing to become more
+helpless every minute.
+
+As we emerged from the narrow lane which conducted us to the
+waterside, the lights of the harbor burst into view. There on the
+tide lay a long line of stately battleships, cruisers and dark,
+low-lying torpedo boats, their riding lights flashing and twinkling
+in a thousand reflections on the waves.
+
+A drunken hail from the Captain was responded to by a respectful hail
+from a Russian petty officer, who was lounging at the head of some
+stone steps.
+
+He came forward and assisted his commanding officer down and into the
+launch which waited below. I followed, and the bottles of champagne
+were handed in afterward.
+
+Vassileffsky seized the tiller with more energy than he had seemed
+capable of, and headed the launch for a great battleship, the
+_Beresina_.
+
+In a few minutes we were alongside. A smart landing stage and ladder
+brought us up on to the deck, and as soon as our feet touched it,
+Captain Vassileffsky, suddenly drawing himself up, said in distinct
+and sober tones,
+
+"Consider yourself under arrest, if you please----"
+
+I was a prisoner on board a Russian man-of-war!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE BALTIC FLEET
+
+
+Fortunately I am accustomed to face emergencies without losing my
+presence of mind.
+
+The manner of Vassileffsky had prepared me for some display of
+suspicion on his part, though I hardly anticipated his procedure
+would be so theatrical.
+
+Fixing him with my sternest look, I responded,
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky, I do not think you quite understand what you
+are doing. I will talk to you in the morning, when you are more
+yourself."
+
+He drew back, considerably disconcerted.
+
+"Very well, I will listen to what you have to say in the morning. In
+the meantime you will be under a guard."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders with a disdainful smile.
+
+"Be good enough to let me see my quarters," I said.
+
+More and more abashed, the Captain summoned one of his officers, and
+gave him some instructions.
+
+"Follow me, sir," said the lieutenant. I walked after him with
+perfect self-possession.
+
+"I do not wish to make a fuss to-night, as Captain Vassileffsky is
+not himself," I said haughtily, as we drew out of hearing. "But you
+will understand that unless I receive an apology in the morning, I
+shall complain to his majesty the Czar, by whose orders I am here."
+
+The lieutenant looked badly frightened.
+
+"It is not my fault, as you can see, sir. I am only obeying orders.
+Will you accept my own berth for the night, sir?"
+
+I thanked him and entered a small, comfortably-fitted state-room.
+With profuse apologies, he turned the key and left me to my own
+reflections.
+
+I slept soundly, rocked by the tide of the Finland Gulf.
+
+In the morning my jailer came to wake me.
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky presents his compliments, and asks you to
+breakfast with him in his cabin, in half an hour."
+
+This message was a welcome proof to me that my bluff had produced the
+desired effect. I accepted the invitation as if it was a matter of
+course.
+
+I dressed, and went to the cabin where Vassileffsky awaited me.
+
+"Are we friends or foes this morning?" I called out with a
+good-humored laugh, as I greeted him.
+
+The Russian looked dull and nervous.
+
+"I hope all will be well," he muttered. "Let us have something to eat
+before we talk."
+
+He might have said, something to drink, for his own breakfast was
+mainly of champagne. I, myself, made a point of eating heartily, and
+drank only coffee.
+
+"Now, Vassileffsky," I said in authoritative tones, "to business.
+First of all, you want some money."
+
+It was a guess, but a fairly safe one. Without waiting for the
+astonished man to reply, I took out my pocket-book.
+
+"How much can you do with till the fleet sails?" I asked, still in
+the same matter-of-fact tone.
+
+Fairly nonplussed, the Captain blurted out,
+
+"I should like two thousand."
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"I can let you have only a thousand now, but you shall have the
+balance this day week." I counted the thousand rubles, and handed
+them to him. "They are grumbling, rather, in Berlin over the
+expense."
+
+It was, of course, my object to give Vassileffsky no opening for a
+cross-examination, but to take it for granted that we were on
+confidential terms.
+
+At the word "Berlin" he opened his eyes pretty wide.
+
+"Does this money come from Germany?" he exclaimed, half-withdrawing
+his hand.
+
+I affected surprise in my turn.
+
+"You have not received any information at all, apparently! My message
+must have miscarried. Didn't the Princess see you?"
+
+Vassileffsky looked still more surprised. His demeanor taught me a
+good deal. I saw that Petrovitch had not trusted him very far. The
+financier had evidently kept all the threads of the intrigue in his
+own hands, as far as possible.
+
+So much the better, I reflected. His removal would disorganize
+matters even more thoroughly than I had ventured to hope.
+
+"What Princess?" the Captain asked.
+
+"The Princess Y----, of course."
+
+He brightened up a little, as though this name, at all events, was
+familiar.
+
+"No, she has not been here."
+
+"One can never trust these women," I muttered aloud. "She has not
+been at all the same since the death of her Englishman."
+
+"Of Sterling, do you mean?"
+
+"Yes. You heard of it, I suppose?"
+
+Vassileffsky grinned.
+
+"Rather sudden, wasn't it?"
+
+I smiled meaningly, as I retorted,
+
+"You remember he fainted rather unexpectedly that night he dined with
+me."
+
+A look of relief broke out on Vassileffsky's face, as I thus
+referred to an incident which he naturally supposed could be known
+only to Petrovitch.
+
+"My dear fellow, I beg a thousand pardons for my stupid conduct last
+night," he burst out. "But you must admit that your disguise is
+extraordinary."
+
+"Not a word!" I returned. "It is always better to err on the side of
+distrust. Besides, I wished to spend a night on your ship in any
+case. Your crew can be thoroughly depended on, if I am any judge."
+
+"They would bombard the Tower of London, if I gave the word," boasted
+Vassileffsky.
+
+It is extraordinary how widely the belief prevails on the Continent
+of Europe that the London Tower is still a fortress, charged with the
+protection of the British capital.
+
+"At all events, they will not be frightened by the sight of the Union
+Jack?" I returned.
+
+The Russian officer gave me an alarmed glance.
+
+"You do not mean--you are not asking us to fire on the British
+fleet?"
+
+"No, no," I reassured him.
+
+"Ah, that is all right. For the moment I confess you frightened me.
+They say we shall have to pass Admiral Beresford!"
+
+"What are you prepared to do?" I asked, concealing my deep interest
+in the reply.
+
+Vassileffsky's manner became slightly reproachful.
+
+"You did not bargain with me to attack an armed ship," he said in
+the tone of one who reminds another of his agreement. "It was
+understood that we were to attack merchantmen, like the
+Vladivostockers."
+
+At last I had a direct confirmation of my suspicions.
+
+"And what is the tone of the fleet generally?" I inquired.
+
+"I have done my best to make them all of the same mind. They will do
+their best, depend on it. I think there will be a few English vessels
+mysteriously lost at sea during the next two or three months! The
+prize courts cannot always be depended on."
+
+By an effort I restrained my indignation at these atrocious hints.
+The Baltic Fleet was about to seek the open sea, secretly intending
+to miss no chance of sinking a British merchantman that should be
+unlucky enough to cross its path.
+
+It was with a feeling of chagrin that I perceived it would be useless
+to send any message to Lord Bedale of what was in preparation. On
+certain subjects the British people are deaf and blind. They believe
+that all foreign statesmen are as high-minded as a Gladstone, and all
+foreign officials as scrupulous and truthful as the Chevalier Bayard
+himself.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky continued,
+
+"Our men are badly scared by reports of the Japanese plans. It is
+supposed that they have torpedo boats lurking in the English ports.
+Hull is said to be full of them."
+
+"Why, Hull?"
+
+Vassileffsky gave me a wink.
+
+"Hull is the great fishing center. Whole fleets of traders come out
+from there to the fishing banks in the North Sea. We are going to
+stir them up a bit."
+
+The outlines of the plot became every moment more clear.
+
+"On what pretext?" I asked.
+
+The Russian answered me without noticing that I was not so well
+informed as himself.
+
+"Oh, we shall find pretexts enough, you bet. For one thing, we shall
+signal them to clear out of the way, and when they have their trawl
+nets down and can't move! That will be lively. There will be a
+collision or two, I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"But isn't that against the rule of the road?"
+
+Though not a seaman, I had always heard that a vessel in motion is
+bound to avoid one that is at rest. I knew, moreover, that a
+steamship was bound to make way for a sailing vessel.
+
+Vassileffsky cursed the rule of the road.
+
+"It will be a question of evidence," he exclaimed. "My word against a
+dirty fisherman's. What do you say?"
+
+I pretended to be thoroughly satisfied. Still, knowing what I did of
+the Russian character, I had some hope that the Captain was boasting
+in order to impress me, and that he would not really dare to run down
+a British vessel within reach of the shores of England.
+
+Our conversation was interrupted by a gun.
+
+As the report died away, a junior officer ran down the companionway,
+helter-skelter, and burst into the cabin.
+
+"Something's up, sir," he cried to his commander. "They are signaling
+from the Admiral's ship."
+
+Vassileffsky darted up the steps and on to the bridge, and I
+followed.
+
+The Baltic fleet presented a striking spectacle. Every vessel was
+busily reporting the signals from the flag ship, the launches were
+dashing to and fro, and there was every sign of bustle and activity.
+
+The signal officer read out Admiral Rojestvensky's order:
+
+"The fleet will proceed to Libau to-day _en route_ to the East.
+Anchors will be weighed at noon. By order of the Czar."
+
+M. Auguste had failed me at last!
+
+With the frightful boasts of Vassileffsky still ringing in my ears, I
+felt that I must make one effort to stay its departure.
+
+"This news compels me to return to Petersburg immediately," I told
+the Captain. "Have the goodness to put me ashore at once."
+
+For a moment or two the Russian made no answer. I glanced at him
+curiously.
+
+His face had gone suddenly livid. His limbs were trembling. He gave
+me the dull look of a man stupefied by fear.
+
+"The Japanese!" he ejaculated in a thick voice.
+
+I seized him by the arm.
+
+"Are you pretending?" I whispered.
+
+He gave me a savage glance.
+
+"It's true!" he said. "Those devils will be up to something. It's all
+over with the fleet. No one believes we shall ever see Port Arthur."
+
+Grave and pre-occupied, I went ashore and caught a fast train to
+Petersburg.
+
+It was late when I got to the little house on the Alexander Quay. The
+faithful Breuil received me with a serious face.
+
+"Fauchette is here," he announced.
+
+"Fauchette?"
+
+"Yes. She has some news for you."
+
+"Let me see her."
+
+I strode in front to my study, where I was immediately joined by the
+maid, who appeared not a little alarmed.
+
+I never like to see my assistants agitated.
+
+"Sit down, my good girl," I said soothingly. "Do not be afraid; I
+know what pains you take to serve me. Now, what is it?"
+
+"Madame has dismissed me."
+
+I had feared as much.
+
+"On what grounds?"
+
+"She gave none, except that she was leaving home."
+
+I pricked up my ears.
+
+"Did she tell you where she was going?"
+
+"Yes, to her estates in the country."
+
+"It was a lie, I suppose. She had come to suspect you, had she not?"
+
+"Since Monsieur's escape, I fear yes."
+
+"And have you ascertained----?"
+
+"The Princess has left Petersburg by the midday train for----"
+
+"For?" I broke in impatiently.
+
+"For Berlin."
+
+I rang the bell. Breuil appeared.
+
+"Have you got the tickets?" I asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And my dress as a pilot of the Kiel Canal?"
+
+"It is packed."
+
+"And what time does the next train leave?"
+
+"In two hours from now."
+
+"Good. And now, my children, we will have supper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+ON THE TRACK
+
+
+As the really exciting moment of the protracted struggle drew near, I
+summoned all my energies to meet it.
+
+I alighted in Berlin armed only with two weapons, the passport made
+out in the name of Petrovitch, and a fairly accurate knowledge of the
+schemes, or at all events the hopes, of the German Government.
+
+From the first beginning of my long investigation, all the clues I
+had picked up had led steadily in one direction.
+
+The great disorganized Empire of the Czar's, with its feeble-willed
+autocrat, its insubordinate grand dukes, its rival ministers pulling
+different ways, and its greedy officials whose country was their
+pocket, had been silently and steadily enfolded in the invisible web
+of German statecraft.
+
+The brilliant personality of Wilhelm II had magnetized the
+vacillating, timorous Nicholas. Count Buelow had courted the Russian
+Foreign Office with the assiduous arts of a lover, and his wooing had
+been crowned by complete success. Through Petrovitch the grand dukes
+had been indirectly bribed, and the smaller fry like M. Auguste had
+been bought outright. Even the Army and Navy had been cajoled, or
+bought, or terrorized by pretended revelations of Japanese designs.
+
+Russia had become a supple implement in the hands of the German
+Kaiser, the sovereign who for nearly twenty years had been striving
+toward one goal by a hundred different crooked paths.
+
+It was evident that the unexplained disappearance of Petrovitch must
+have struck consternation into his employers. I suspected that the
+Princess Y---- had been summoned to Berlin to throw light on the
+event, and possibly to be furnished with instructions which would
+enable her to take over the dead man's work.
+
+My position was now peculiarly difficult. I wished to get in touch
+with the principals for whom Petrovitch had acted, but to avoid, if
+possible, meeting any one who had known him personally.
+
+Above all, I was determined not to risk an encounter with Sophia. She
+knew that I was still alive, and I feared that her feminine
+intuition, quickened by love, would penetrate through whatever
+disguise I might adopt.
+
+Under these circumstances I decided to begin by approaching Herr
+Finkelstein, the head of the imperial Secret Service in Berlin.
+
+This man was an old crony of mine. While a magnificent organizer of
+espionage, he was a poor observer himself, and I had already
+succeeded on one occasion in imposing myself on him under a false
+identity.
+
+I had brought with me the papers which I had obtained by bribery from
+the police agent Rostoy, representing me as an inspector in the
+secret police of the Russian Empire.
+
+Wearing my pilot's dress, but carrying these and other papers in my
+pocket, I presented myself at Finkelstein's office, and asked to see
+him.
+
+I was shown in first, as I had expected, to Finkelstein's secretary,
+who asked me my business.
+
+"I can tell that only to the Herr Superintendent himself," I said.
+
+"If you will let him know that I have just come from Petersburg, I am
+sure he will receive me."
+
+The secretary seemed to think so too. He went straight into his
+chief's room and came out immediately to fetch me in.
+
+As soon as I found myself alone with the head of the German service,
+I said quietly,
+
+"I have brought you a message from M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Petrovitch!" exclaimed the Superintendent, surprised out of his
+usual caution. "But he is dead!"
+
+"You have been misinformed," I replied in an assured tone.
+
+Finkelstein looked at me searchingly.
+
+"My informant does not often make mistakes," he observed.
+
+"The Princess is deceived this time, however," was my retort.
+
+It was a fresh surprise for the Superintendent.
+
+"The Princess! Then you know?" He broke off short, conscious that he
+was making an admission.
+
+"The Princess Y---- having left Petersburg, it was natural to suppose
+that she had come here to consult you," I answered modestly, not
+wishing to appear too well informed.
+
+Finkelstein frowned.
+
+"You have not yet told me who you are," he reminded me.
+
+I produced the forged papers.
+
+"I am an inspector attached to the Third Section, as you will see. I
+must inform you, however, that I am not here with the knowledge of my
+superiors."
+
+The German gave a glance at the papers, which were similar to others
+which he must have had presented to him from time to time.
+
+"That is all satisfactory," he said, as he returned them to me. "But
+you say that you have a message from M. Petrovitch?"
+
+"He had no opportunity of giving me any but this," I responded,
+producing the passport.
+
+This time Finkelstein seemed really satisfied.
+
+"It is clear that you know something about him, at least," he
+remarked. "I will listen to what you have to say."
+
+"M. Petrovitch is confined in Schluesselburg."
+
+The name of the dreaded fortress, the last home of so many political
+prisoners, caused Finkelstein a shock.
+
+"_Gott im Himmel!_ You don't say so! How did he get there? Tell me
+everything."
+
+"He does not know from what quarter the blow came. The only person he
+can think of who might have denounced him is the Princess herself."
+
+"The Princess Y----?"
+
+"Exactly."
+
+The German looked incredulous.
+
+"But they were hand in glove. The Princess was his best agent."
+
+"True. Unfortunately there is always one source of danger where a
+woman is concerned--she cannot control her affections. It appears
+that M. Petrovitch ordered her to remove a certain Englishman, a spy
+of some kind, who was giving trouble, and Madame Y---- was attached
+to the fellow. She carried out her orders, but M. Petrovitch fears
+that she has taken revenge on him."
+
+Finkelstein gave a superior smile.
+
+"I can dispose of that suspicion," he said confidently. "The
+Princess did _not_ carry out her orders. The man you speak of--who is
+the most dangerous and unprincipled scoundrel in the world--has
+escaped, and we have lost all trace of him."
+
+It was my turn to show surprise and alarm.
+
+"What you tell me is appalling! I ought to see the Princess as soon
+as possible. If what she says is true, it must be the Englishman who
+has brought about Petrovitch's arrest."
+
+"He is no Englishman," the Superintendent returned. "He is an
+American, a Pole, a Frenchman, whatever you please. That man has been
+at the bottom of all the troubles in Europe for the last twenty
+years. I have employed him myself, sometimes, so I ought to know
+something about him."
+
+I listened with an interest that was not feigned to this character of
+myself. It was, all the same, a lie that Finkelstein had ever
+employed me; on the contrary, I had been called in by his imperial
+master to check his work.
+
+"Then what is to be done?" I asked, as the German finished speaking.
+"M. Petrovitch sent me here to warn you against the Princess, and to
+demand your influence to secure his release."
+
+"That will be a difficult matter. I shall have to consult the
+Minister. In the meantime, where can I find you?"
+
+I mentioned the name of a hotel.
+
+"And the Princess Y----? Where can I see her?"
+
+"I expect that she has left for Kiel," said the Superintendent. "She
+has volunteered to carry out the plan originally proposed by
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Then in that case you will not require my services?" I said, with an
+air of being disappointed. "M. Petrovitch thought you might find me
+useful in his place."
+
+"I must consult others before I can say anything as to that," was the
+cautious reply.
+
+He added rather grudgingly,
+
+"I did not know M. Petrovitch myself, you see. It was thought better
+that he should not come to Berlin."
+
+This statement relieved me of a great anxiety. I now saw my way to
+take a bolder line.
+
+"So I understood, sir. But I did not venture to approach his majesty
+except through you."
+
+Finkelstein started again, and gave me a new look of curiosity.
+
+"Who authorized you to mention the Emperor?"
+
+I tried to play the part of a man who has made an unintentional slip.
+
+"I spoke too quickly. Petrovitch informed me--that is to say, I
+supposed--" I broke down in feigned confusion.
+
+I knew inquisitiveness to be the Superintendent's besetting sin,
+and, up to a certain point, I had an interest in tempting him on.
+
+"You appear to be more in the confidence of M. Petrovitch than you
+are willing to admit," he said sagely. "Up to the present you have
+not explained how he came to make you his messenger."
+
+I leaned back with a faint smile.
+
+"I imagine you are quite astute enough to guess my secret, if you
+choose, Herr Finkelstein. But you must excuse me if I am a little
+careful whom I trust, especially after the behavior of Princess
+Y----."
+
+"You are M. Petrovitch himself! Of course! I thought as much all
+along," Finkelstein said with a smile of triumph. "Well, you are
+certainly right to be cautious; but, as you see, it is not easy to
+deceive an old hand like myself."
+
+"At all events you will be at least equally cautious, I hope. What
+you tell me about this international spy being still at large has
+disturbed me a good deal, I confess."
+
+"Make your mind easy," the German returned with a patronizing air.
+"We are in Berlin here, not in Petersburg. This gentleman will not
+venture within my reach, I assure you."
+
+I professed every satisfaction with this guarantee, and took my
+leave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+AN IMPERIAL FANATIC
+
+
+I was now to face Wilhelm II.
+
+It was solely for this purpose that I had come to Berlin. But I knew
+the great advantage of getting myself vouched for in advance by a
+third party, and therefore I had been anxious to convince Finkelstein
+of my identity in the first place, so that his master might accept me
+without inquiry as to whether I was the man I claimed to be.
+
+I dined quietly in my hotel, a small tavern in a back street. It was
+getting late, and I was on the point of going to bed, when I heard
+the noise of a motor rushing up and stopping suddenly outside the
+little inn.
+
+An aide-de-camp burst in upon me.
+
+"Your name, sir?" he demanded in a whisper.
+
+"Petrovitch," I replied in the same tone.
+
+"Come this way, if you please."
+
+In less than a minute I was seated in the car, which was dashing at a
+really dangerous pace through the nearly deserted streets.
+
+"I am taking you to Potsdam," was all the explanation my companion
+thought necessary.
+
+It did not take us long to reach the famous palace of Frederick the
+Great, which the growth of Berlin has almost turned into a suburban
+residence.
+
+My conductor brought me past all the sentries and servants, and led
+me down some steps into what seemed to be a subterranean hall. It was
+decorated with statues and paintings of the ancestors of Wilhelm II.,
+together with weapons, suits of armor, and banners of the successive
+periods in which they lived.
+
+But the most striking object in the hall or crypt--for it might have
+been either--was a trophy erected on a species of altar at one end,
+exhibiting a variety of crowns.
+
+At the foot were a number of small coronets, representing those worn
+by the former Margraves of Brandenburg, in whom the Hohenzollern
+family took its rise. Above were ranged the crowns of the Kings of
+Prussia, that of Frederick the Great being in the center. Still
+higher rose the three imperial crowns of Germany, those of William
+I., Frederick III., and the present Emperor. And then, right on the
+summit, came a still more gorgeous object, whose like I had never
+seen before.
+
+It was a colossal miter, somewhat after the fashion of the Papal
+tiara, wrought out of pure gold, thickly studded with great pearls,
+and surmounted by a cross.
+
+But I had barely time to notice this singular display. As my guide
+left me on the threshold of the hall, I was aware that I stood in the
+presence of the German Emperor.
+
+This extraordinary monarch, whose great and far-reaching views are
+combined with a type of extravagance which has long made him looked
+upon as the _enfant terrible_ of Europe, was about to teach me a new
+side of his character.
+
+He received me seated in a small ivory chair like a throne, and
+attired in a garment of pontifical design.
+
+"Advance, M. Petrovitch," he commanded in a loud voice.
+
+As I stood in front of him, he said theatrically,
+
+"I receive you in the Hall of the Hohenzollerns. You see around you
+the sacred memorials of the family which Providence has raised up to
+be the saviors of Europe, and the future rulers of the world."
+
+In response to this invitation I took a longer and more comprehensive
+view of the various objects already described. The Kaiser
+condescended to point some of them out to me with a long two-handed
+sword which he held.
+
+I began to suspect seriously that the megalomania which has always
+formed one of Wilhelm's characteristic traits, was overpowering his
+good sense.
+
+"M. Petrovitch," my august cicerone proceeded, "you see there the
+crowns which have been won and worn by my illustrious and
+never-to-be-forgotten ancestors. Can you guess the meaning of the
+diadem above--which I have designed myself?
+
+"That," declared the last and most remarkable of the Hohenzollerns,
+"is intended to be worn by that member of my Family who shall be
+called by the united voice of the other sovereigns to the supreme
+world monarchy. It is destined to be our Planetary Crown."
+
+I bowed in stupefaction. The Kaiser seemed pleased with the
+impression he had made.
+
+"And now," he said, "since it is necessary that I should be sure of
+you before I trust you with my plans, kneel down."
+
+I knelt, feeling as if I were in a dream. Wilhelm II. solemnly held
+out the hilt of his two-handed sword:--
+
+"You swear to yield faith, loyalty and utter obedience now and
+henceforth to Almighty God, and the Head of the Hohenzollerns!"
+
+It being impossible to refuse the oath in the circumstances, I kissed
+the sword, with a mental reservation.
+
+Wilhelm II. surprised me by thereupon laying it across my shoulders.
+
+"I dub thee knight of the Sacred Order of the Hohenzollerns! Arise."
+
+I got up, thoroughly confused. The Emperor invited me to be seated,
+and proceeded to deliver a harangue--for it was nothing less.
+
+"Bismarck had not sufficient genius to see the destiny of the
+Hohenzollerns. With the vision of a mere German Junker, he looked on
+Russia as the enemy.
+
+"It is I who have changed all that. I have taught the Czar to look to
+me for guidance and protection. Should the present revolutionary
+movement become dangerous, I shall march at the head of my army to
+the rescue, and reinstate the Romanoffs as my vassals.
+
+"The only obstacle in the path of the Hohenzollerns is an island
+which two of my Army Corps could subdue in a fortnight. But in order
+to invade it with safety, I must have France on my side.
+
+"It is for this end that I have been working. France cherishes a
+grudge against me because of the glorious exploits of my immortal
+grandfather. Moreover, my uncle, Edward VII., has contrived to win
+the friendship of the Republicans.
+
+"But France is the ally of Russia, and if Russia is attacked, France
+must draw the sword on her behalf.
+
+"You understand?--with the first shot which is fired by a British
+warship on the Russian flag, I shall be able to invade England."
+
+I understood indeed. Briefly and plainly Wilhelm II. had summed up
+the result of my own inquiries and reasonings.
+
+"It is you," the Emperor proceeded, "who have undertaken to secure
+this result."
+
+I bowed, intensely desirous to know exactly what it was that
+Petrovitch had pledged himself to do.
+
+"I have just rewarded you for the services you have already rendered,
+by admitting you to my Family Order, an order which I intend shall
+take precedence of the Golden Fleece, and even the Garter. Should you
+carry out your present task to my satisfaction I shall consider no
+reward too great for you."
+
+I trembled as I listened to this wild vaporing. If such were the
+private thoughts of the Kaiser, no wonder some of his public
+utterances smacked of the visionary.
+
+I could not doubt that he was thoroughly in earnest. Long brooding on
+the greatness of his ancestors, and his own importance as the sole
+European ruler who has kings for his satellites, had filled him with
+the fanatical spirit of a Mohammed or a Hildebrand. He believed,
+firmly and sincerely believed, that Providence had called him to the
+sovereignty of the globe, and authorized him to sweep every rival out
+of his path.
+
+"Your majesty overwhelms me," I murmured. "Consider, sire, that to be
+your servant is in itself an honor so great that no other reward is
+necessary."
+
+The Kaiser smiled graciously.
+
+"Well, now, M. _de_ Petrovitch----" his majesty emphasized the
+particle by way of reminding me that I was now a knight of the
+important Order of Hohenzollern--"let us discuss your next step."
+
+I seized the opportunity to obtain the information I was so anxious
+to secure.
+
+"I should feel it presumptuous to enter into anything like a
+discussion with you, sire. If your majesty will be gracious enough to
+impart your criticism on my proposal?"
+
+Wilhelm II. looked at me as though he found me to be a person of much
+good sense.
+
+"Your idea, my dear de Petrovitch, as I understand it, is to provoke
+the British to reprisals by some outrage on the part of the Baltic
+Fleet during its passage to the Far East.
+
+"Unfortunately, as you must see, the British are determined not to be
+provoked. Remember what has been done already. You have captured and
+sunk their ships, in violation of international law; you have sent
+out volunteer cruisers from the Black Sea in defiance of treaties,
+and turned back their mail steamers with government stores on board.
+
+"What has been the result? The English Government has complained to
+yours; the Czar has ordered explanations to be given, and the thing
+has blown over.
+
+"This time there must be something more than that. There must be
+something which cannot be explained away. We must if possible place
+Nicholas II., as well as Great Britain, in a position from which
+neither can retreat without loss of honor.
+
+"To this end it is necessary that the Baltic Fleet should commit an
+act of war, and that the Czar should be convinced that the
+provocation has come from the English side. Do you understand?"
+
+I recalled the hints dropped by Captain Vassileffsky at Revel.
+
+"Your majesty has been informed perhaps that I have caused the
+officers and men of the Fleet to believe that they will find Japanese
+torpedo boats lying in wait for them among the English fishing
+vessels in the North Sea. In consequence, they will be ready to fire
+without waiting to see if the torpedo boats are really there,
+especially if the fishermen fail to retire as the Fleet approaches."
+
+The Kaiser shook his head.
+
+"All that is leaving too much to chance, my good de Petrovitch. What
+is required is something more positive. In short, the torpedo boats
+must really be there."
+
+I lifted my eyes to his.
+
+"There is not a Japanese torpedo boat within ten thousand miles of
+the North Sea, unfortunately."
+
+Wilhelm II. smiled a meaning smile.
+
+"If that is all, we must so far forget the duties of neutrality as to
+allow the friends of Japan to procure a craft suitable for the
+purpose from our dockyard at Kiel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+THE STOLEN SUBMARINE
+
+
+As the full extent of this audacious plot was laid bare before my
+eyes I had a difficulty in believing in its reality.
+
+I was obliged to remind myself of some of the maneuvres which have
+marked German statecraft in the recent past, of the forgeries and
+"reinsurance" treaties of Bismarck, of the patronage extended to
+Abdul Hamid, of the secret intrigue that brought about the disasters
+of Greece.
+
+If I had had any scepticism left, the Emperor would have dispelled it
+by the clear and business-like explanations which followed.
+
+His majesty produced a chart of the North Sea, showing the coasts of
+Great Britain and Germany, with the Kiel Canal and so forth. Half-way
+between the opposite shores a dotted outline marked the situation of
+the great shoals which attract the fish, and from which the harvests
+of the sea are gathered by the brave and industrious toilers of
+Grimsby, Hull, and many another port.
+
+From the northern point of Denmark, two lines in red ink were drawn
+right down the map to where the North Sea narrows into the Straits of
+Dover.
+
+The first of these lines was fairly direct, passing about thirty
+miles to the eastward of the great fishing grounds.
+
+The second line took a wide curve to the west, and crossed right over
+the center of a shoal marked "Dogger Bank."
+
+The Kaiser proceeded to explain.
+
+"This is a duplicate of the charts used by the pilots of the North
+Sea. I have offered my brother Nicholas as a special favor the
+services of German pilots, and they will board the vessels of the
+Baltic Fleet as soon as it leaves Danish waters.
+
+"As you see, the right course would take the fleet a long way off the
+English fishing-boats. But the pilots who go on board will receive
+secret orders at the last moment to take the Russian ships over the
+Dogger Bank, and, if possible, into the very midst of any fishing
+fleet that may be there.
+
+"Then all that is required is that you should be on the spot, and
+should fire the first shot from the midst of the fishing-boats."
+
+I endeavored to preserve a calm demeanor.
+
+"May I suggest to your majesty that the presence of a torpedo boat
+among them is likely to arouse suspicion beforehand. The English
+sailors have keen eyes."
+
+"I have thought of that. It will be necessary for you to have a
+submarine."
+
+"A submarine, sire!"
+
+"Certainly. I have had six submarine torpedo boats built by my own
+designs at Kiel since this war broke out, for use in defending the
+approaches to the Canal.
+
+"These boats are now lying in the inner harbor, all fitted out and
+ready for sea.
+
+"You will take one, with a crew of your own, whom you must enlist
+secretly, and slip out through the Canal into the North Sea.
+
+"You will proceed, keeping under the surface, till you reach the
+Dogger Bank, and find yourself among the trawl nets of the English
+fishermen.
+
+"There you will wait till such time as the Russian ships come up.
+
+"As soon as the right moment has arrived, you will rise to the
+surface and discharge a torpedo. As soon as you have drawn the fire
+of the Russians, and have seen an English fishing-boat struck, you
+can go beneath the surface again, and make the best of your way back
+to Kiel."
+
+"Your plan is perfection itself, sire!" I exclaimed with an
+admiration which was not wholly pretended, since the idea really was
+not lacking in cleverness.
+
+The Kaiser nodded good-humoredly.
+
+"The Russians will never be persuaded they were not attacked first,
+and the English will never pass over such an outrage in their own
+waters," his majesty remarked complacently. "Lord Charles Beresford
+will do the rest."
+
+"I am ready to carry out your orders, sire. All I require is an
+authority to take the submarine from Kiel."
+
+The Kaiser frowned.
+
+"Have you had any authority from me for anything you have done up to
+the present, sir?" he demanded harshly.
+
+As an answer in the negative was clearly expected, I gave it.
+
+"Understand me, M. de Petrovitch, I repose every confidence in you;
+but I should not have held this conversation with any man, even my
+Chancellor, if I thought it could ever be used against me. If I gave
+you the authority you ask for, I should not be able to deny that I
+had ever employed you, in case of trouble."
+
+"Then you propose, sire----?"
+
+"I intend you to take this vessel secretly, without authority from me
+or from any one else."
+
+"And if I am caught in the act of taking it? If any of the naval
+authorities question my movements?"
+
+"You will not be caught. Your movements will not be questioned. I can
+assure you of so much."
+
+"I thank you, sire. That is quite sufficient."
+
+I retired from the imperial presence, though not, as I have had some
+reason to suspect, from the imperial observation. In other words, I
+felt pretty well convinced that there would be a watch on my
+movements till my task was over.
+
+The same aide-de-camp awaited me outside the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, and carried me back to my obscure hotel with the same
+speed and silence as he had brought me.
+
+The next morning I arose to find the papers filled with the news of
+the departure of the Baltic Fleet from Libau.
+
+The Russian Admiral, as if in obedience to the secret promptings of
+Berlin, was reported as having issued a preposterous and illegal
+warning that he should fire on any ship of any nation that presumed
+to venture within reach of his guns. I could not help wondering what
+would be thought of this proclamation in the British Admiralty.
+
+There being no more for me to do in Berlin, I took the first train to
+Kiel, the Portsmouth of Germany. Kiel itself, it will be remembered,
+stands at the Baltic end of the famous canal which the present Kaiser
+has had constructed for his warships to pass out to the North Sea
+without going around Denmark.
+
+It was late when I arrived, but I determined to lose no time in
+seeing how far the secret orders of the Kaiser extended.
+
+Accordingly, as soon as I had dined, I went out and took my way
+toward the government dockyard.
+
+The entrance to the dockyard was guarded by a sentry with fixed
+bayonet. Behind him I saw a large iron gate which appeared to be
+heavily barred, with a small postern at one side, which was also
+closed.
+
+I advanced toward the sentry, expecting every moment to hear a
+challenge ring out. To my genuine astonishment, nothing of the kind
+occurred. The sentry did not pay the slightest attention to me, but
+went on pacing to and fro as though I had been wearing a cap of
+invisibility.
+
+I went up to the postern door, and tried the handle. It opened at a
+touch, and I found myself alone in the deserted dockyard.
+
+For some time I groped my way forward by the light of the few
+scattered electric lights, till I reached the edge of a large basin
+which appeared to communicate with the outer harbor of Kiel.
+
+Turning the opposite way, I went along the edge of the wharf, picking
+my way among timber balks, stacks of iron sheeting, chains, ropes,
+and all the other things that are found scattered about a naval
+dockyard.
+
+At the head of the great basin I found a lock giving access to a
+small inner dock, in which a number of vessels were moored.
+
+I made my way around, searching everywhere for the vessels I had been
+told I should find.
+
+At last, in the farthest and most secluded corner, I perceived a row
+of small craft, shaped much like a shark, with a long narrow tube or
+funnel rising up from the center of each.
+
+They lay low in the water, without being submerged. Alone among the
+shipping they carried no riding-lights. They appeared dark, silent,
+and deserted.
+
+Almost unconsciously I ran my eye along them, counting them as they
+lay. Suddenly I was aroused to keen attention.
+
+One--two--three--four--five. The Kaiser had assured me that I should
+find six submarines to choose from!
+
+I counted once more with straining eyes.
+
+_One_--_two_--_three_--_four_--_five_.
+
+One of the mysterious craft had been taken away!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+THE KIEL CANAL
+
+
+It was impossible to resist the conclusion suggested by the absence
+of the sixth submarine.
+
+I was not the only person who had been authorized, or rather
+instructed, to carry out the design against the Baltic Fleet. My
+august employer had thought it better to have two strings to his bow.
+
+Who, then, was the person by whom I had been anticipated?
+
+To this question an answer suggested itself which I was tempted to
+reject, but which haunted me, and would not be dismissed.
+
+The Princess Y---- had arrived in Berlin twelve hours before me. She
+had come, fully believing that Petrovitch was dead, and prepared to
+take his place.
+
+She had interviewed Finkelstein, as I knew. Was it not possible that
+she, also, had been received in the crypt at Potsdam, had been shown
+the chart of the North Sea, with its ominous red lines, and had
+accepted the task of launching one of the submarines on its fatal
+errand?
+
+In spite of all the stories which had been told me of Sophia's daring
+and resource, in spite of my own experiences of her adventures and
+reckless proceedings, I did not go so far as to credit her with
+having proceeded to sea in the missing craft.
+
+But it struck me as altogether in keeping with her character that she
+should have arranged for the withdrawal of the boat, provided it with
+a crew, and despatched it fully instructed as to the work to be done.
+
+But whether these suspicions were well founded or otherwise, of one
+thing there could be no doubt. A submarine had been taken by some
+one, and was now on its way to the North Sea, to lie in wait for the
+ships of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+This discovery entirely changed the position for me.
+
+I had come down to Kiel intending to take a submarine out to sea, to
+watch for the approach of the Russian fleet, and to take whatever
+steps proved practicable to avert any collision between it and the
+fishing-boats on the Dogger Bank.
+
+I now saw that the chance of my preventing a catastrophe depended
+entirely on the movements of the boat which had left already. This
+boat had become my objective, to use a strategical phrase.
+
+Somewhere in the North Sea was a submarine boat, charged with the
+mission of provoking a world-wide war. And that boat I had to find.
+
+There was no time to be lost. I hastened back by the most direct way
+I could find, to the dockyard gates. The little postern was still
+unlocked, and I passed out, the sentry again taking no notice of my
+passage.
+
+But at the first street corner I saw a man in seafaring dress who
+fixed a very keen gaze on me as I came up, and saluted me by touching
+his cap.
+
+"Good-night," I said in a friendly voice, slowing down in my walk.
+
+"Good-night, sir. Beg pardon, Captain,"--he came and moved along
+beside me--"but you don't happen to know of a job for a seafaring
+man, I suppose?"
+
+I stopped dead, and looked him straight in the eyes.
+
+"How many men do you estimate are required to navigate a submarine?"
+I asked.
+
+"Fifteen," was the prompt answer.
+
+"How soon can you have them here?" was my next question.
+
+The fellow glanced at his watch.
+
+"It's half-past eleven now, Captain. I could collect them and bring
+them here by half-past one."
+
+"Do it, then," I returned and walked swiftly away.
+
+The whole thing, it was evident, had been prearranged, and I did not
+choose to waste time in mock negotiations.
+
+I went back to my inn to wait, but there was nothing for me to do,
+except examine the cartridges in my revolver. I was not quite sure
+how much my crew had been told, and I thought it just possible that I
+might have some trouble with them when they found out the nature of
+my proceedings.
+
+Punctually at the hour fixed I returned to the street outside the
+dockyard, where I found fifteen men assembled.
+
+Glancing over them, I formed the opinion that they were picked men,
+on whom I could have relied thoroughly for the work I had been
+ordered to do, but who might be all the more likely to mutiny if they
+suspected that I was playing false.
+
+I stood in front of them in the silence of the street.
+
+"Now, my men, if there is any one of you who is not prepared to obey
+me, even if I order him to scuttle the ship, let him fall out before
+we start."
+
+Not a man stirred. Not an eyelash quivered. The German discipline had
+done its work.
+
+"I give you notice that the first man who hesitates to carry out my
+orders will be shot."
+
+The threat was received with perfect resignation.
+
+"Follow me."
+
+I turned on my heel, and led the way to the dockyard gates, the men
+marching after me with a regular tramp which could only have been
+acquired on the deck of a man-of-war.
+
+The sentry was, if possible, more indifferent to our approach than
+he had been when I had been alone. I threw open the wicket, and bade
+the last man close it.
+
+Then we marched in the same order to the place where the five
+submarines were moored.
+
+"I am going on board one of these boats," I announced. "Find
+something to take us off."
+
+The man whom I had engaged originally, taking on himself the part of
+mate, repeated my directions. A large whale-boat was found tied up in
+a convenient spot beside the wharf.
+
+We all got in, and I took the tiller. The mate, who answered to the
+Russian name of Orloff, though the only language I heard him speak
+was German, said nothing till I brought the whale-boat alongside of
+the nearest submarine.
+
+"I beg pardon, Captain, but I have a fancy that the boat at the far
+end is in better trim, if you have no choice."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me so at once?" I returned sharply, not too well
+pleased to find him so well informed.
+
+We boarded the submarine pointed out, and found it, of course,
+provided with everything necessary for an immediate departure,
+including provisions for a week.
+
+"You understand the navigation of the Canal, I suppose?" I inquired
+of Orloff.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Very good. Take the boat through. And ascertain all that you can
+about another submarine which must have passed through yesterday.
+Wake me if you hear or see anything."
+
+I lay down in the captain's berth and tried to sleep. But the
+excitement and, I may say, the romantic interest of the adventure
+proved too strong for me.
+
+I rose again, and came to where my deputy was seated, carefully
+conning the boat out of the dockyard basin into the Baltic end of the
+great Canal.
+
+We were already submerged, only the tip of our conning staff being
+out of the water. But by an ingenious system of tiny mirrors the
+steersman was able to see his way as plainly as if he had been on
+deck above the surface.
+
+On approaching the lock by which the basin opened into the Canal, no
+signal appeared to be given. Silently, as if of their own accord, the
+huge sluices opened and shut, and we glided out into the great
+waterway which has made the German Navy independent of Danish
+good-will.
+
+The voyage along the Kiel Canal in the silence of the night was
+deeply interesting, and were I not obliged to restrict myself
+severely to the naked outline of such facts as bear directly on the
+catastrophe, I should like to attempt a description of the weird and
+picturesque scene.
+
+Keeping steadily just under the surface, we proceeded swiftly past
+ports and villages and lonely wharves, till the stars paled and
+disappeared and a faint flush overspreading the sky in front warned
+us that day was breaking behind us.
+
+I searched the banks for anything resembling the craft of which I was
+in search, but in vain. We passed many other ships, chiefly
+merchantmen bound for Lubeck and Dantzig and other Baltic ports, but
+of course without being perceived ourselves.
+
+When we reached the mouth of the Canal, I ordered Orloff to stop.
+
+"I must go ashore here, and inquire about the other boat," I
+explained.
+
+I saw from the expression of his face that this step was not quite to
+his liking, but he did not venture on any remonstrance.
+
+He brought the boat alongside the bank, and raised her gently to the
+surface, to enable me to step on shore.
+
+But my quest proved useless, as perhaps I ought to have foreseen.
+
+The harbor-master, or port captain, to whom I addressed myself,
+affected the most entire ignorance of the exit of any submarine
+within the last week or more.
+
+"What you suggest is impossible," he assured me. "Every submarine is
+well known and carefully guarded, and if one had been permitted to
+leave Kiel by way of the Canal, I should have been notified in
+advance. No such notification has reached me, and therefore, as you
+will see, no such boat can possibly have left."
+
+I suspected that he was lying, but I thought it unsafe to persist.
+
+It occurred to me too late that I had been guilty of some imprudence
+in showing so much anxiety on the subject. It was only too probable
+that my inquiries would be reported to the Kaiser, who would draw his
+own inferences in the event of anything going wrong.
+
+I returned on board my own boat, saying nothing to Orloff, and gave
+the order to proceed.
+
+Orloff had handed over the wheel to one of his subordinates, who
+steered the submarine out into the blue waters of the North Sea.
+
+As soon as we were well out of reach of the Slesvig shore, I said to
+the steersman,
+
+"Now I will take the helm."
+
+Instead of promptly relinquishing it to me, the man turned his head
+in search of Orloff, saying at the same time,
+
+"Do you understand the course, sir?"
+
+I saw that if I meant to be master of the vessel, I must prove that
+my words of the night before were spoken in earnest. I drew my
+revolver, and put a bullet through the mutineer's head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+THE DOGGER BANK
+
+
+The sound of the explosion reverberated through the little craft like
+thunder. Orloff and half a dozen more men came rushing up.
+
+"This man disobeyed me," I said, quietly, slipping a fresh cartridge
+into the smoking chamber of my revolver. "Throw the body overboard,
+and return to your duties."
+
+What instructions Orloff and his men had received it was impossible
+for me to guess. But they clearly did not authorize any breach of
+discipline at this stage of the voyage.
+
+Without the slightest demur they lifted up the body, and carried it
+off. I had learned the way to manage the submarine by watching Orloff
+during the night, and I now pressed a lever which brought us swiftly
+to the surface. There was a sound of trampling feet overhead,
+followed by a splash, and I saw the mutineer's body drift past.
+
+It would be idle to seek for words in which to describe the
+overpowering anxiety which racked my nerves as we tore through the
+water. The peace of Europe, the safety of Japan and Great Britain,
+perhaps the future of the world, might be at stake.
+
+Everything depended on my finding the other submarine before it had
+launched its bolt against the great war fleet which was even now
+steaming through the Danish Belts, officered by men, some of whom I
+knew to be ready to take advantage of any pretext for outraging the
+peace of the seas.
+
+It did not take me long to decide that the neighborhood of the Dogger
+Bank was the most likely place, in fact the only place, for my
+search.
+
+I am not wholly unskilled in navigation, having given up a good deal
+of my spare time to yachting. With the aid of a chart which was on
+board, I had little difficulty in keeping a fairly straight course
+for the famous fishing ground.
+
+On the way I did not neglect the opportunity of acquiring a complete
+command over the movements of the submarine.
+
+It was driven by electricity, and so designed that by means of
+various knobs, one man could control it entirely, steering it,
+raising or lowering it in the water, increasing or slackening speed,
+stopping, backing, and even discharging the torpedo which was its
+only weapon of attack--with the exception of a small sharp ram at the
+bow.
+
+Having asserted my authority, and acquired the practical knowledge I
+needed, I at last called Orloff to me, and gave him the wheel.
+
+"Take me to the Dogger Bank. Warn me as soon as we get near any
+fishing-boats, and above all keep a careful lookout for our consort."
+
+It was by this name that I thought it most prudent to refer to the
+object of my search.
+
+Orloff took the wheel, and said immediately with an air of great
+respect,
+
+"You have laid a marvelously straight course, Captain. I was not
+aware that you were familiar with these waters. The Dogger Bank is
+right ahead, and we shall reach it in less than an hour."
+
+An hour later I was conscious of a light shock as the submarine
+stopped.
+
+We had grounded on the sandy shoal of the Dogger, in twenty fathoms
+of water, and overhead I could see great black shadows sweeping
+slowly past.
+
+They were cast by the trawlers of the Gamecock fleet.
+
+It being still daylight I did not venture to let the submarine show
+itself on the surface of the sea.
+
+Hugging the bottom, I steered in and out among the great trailing
+nets of the fisher fleet.
+
+At the same time I ordered my crew to keep a sharp watch for the
+first submarine, promising fifty marks[B] to the man who sighted her.
+
+[Footnote B: A silver mark is about twenty cents of our money.]
+
+The rest of that day passed without anything happening.
+
+As soon as darkness fell I brought my boat up to the surface, partly
+in order to renew the air supply, and partly to scan the horizon in
+search of the oncoming Russian fleet.
+
+But thanks to the promptness with which I had gone out to sea I had
+anticipated Rojestvensky by twenty-four hours. The Baltic Fleet was
+still in Danish waters, waiting to pick up the German pilots who were
+to lure it from its course.
+
+Finding there were no signs of the Russians, I submerged the
+submarine, all except the little conning tube, which was invisible in
+the darkness, and ran in among the English smacks.
+
+As I heard the brave, hardy fishermen talking to one another, the
+temptation was a strong one to disclose myself, and warn them of the
+coming peril.
+
+Only my experience of the uselessness of such warnings restrained me.
+I knew that these simple, law-abiding citizens would laugh me in the
+face if I told them that they were in danger from the warships of a
+foreign Power.
+
+As my unseen vessel glided softly past the side of one fishing-boat,
+whose name I could just make as the _Crane_, I overheard a few scraps
+of conversation, which threw a pathetic light on the situation.
+
+"We shall have the Rooshians coming along presently," said one voice.
+
+"No," answered another, "they won't come anywhere near us. 'Tis out
+of their course."
+
+"They do say the Rooshians don't know much about seamanship," a third
+voice spoke out. "Like as not we'll see their search-lights going
+by."
+
+"Well, if they come near enough, we'll give the beggars a cheer; what
+d'ye say?"
+
+"Aye, let's. Fair play's what I wishes 'em, and let the best man
+win."
+
+The words died away along the water, as I drew off and let my craft
+sink under once again.
+
+That night I slept soundly, making up for the vigil of the night
+before. The submarine rested on the sea floor, in a hollow of the
+undulating Bank, and one of the crew kept watch in case a "trawl"
+should come too close.
+
+But there was no sign of the mysterious companion which had come out
+of Kiel Harbor in front of me, and was even now prowling somewhere in
+the dark depths around.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+TRAFALGAR DAY
+
+
+In the morning I was conscious of a certain stir and display on board
+some of the fishing boats among which I continued to lurk.
+
+At first I supposed that the Baltic Fleet must have been sighted. But
+in the course of the day I gathered from various cries and shouts
+which were borne across the water, that the fishermen were keeping
+the anniversary of the most glorious day in the history of England,
+the day on which the immortal Nelson annihilated the united fleets of
+France and Spain, and shattered the dream of the great Napoleon that
+he could tame the haughty Island Power.
+
+As long as daylight lasted I scoured the sea for a distance of five
+miles all around the devoted fishing fleet, without coming on the
+slightest trace of the other submarine.
+
+A delusive hope assailed me that some accident might have overtaken
+it. But I did not relax my vigilance, and when night fell I took up a
+station about a mile in front of the English smacks, in the
+direction from which I had reason to expect the approach of
+Rojestvensky.
+
+A few hours elapsed, then my watchfulness was rewarded.
+
+Away down on the horizon toward the northeast, there glittered out a
+row of twinkling lights, one behind the other, as though a lamp-lit
+thoroughfare had got afloat and drifted out to sea.
+
+The sinuous streak of lights, shifting as they approached like the
+coils of some great water-snake, glided toward us at what seemed a
+fearful speed, and as they drew near the white lights were
+interspread with green and crimson points, like rubies and emeralds
+set between rows of diamonds. And ever and anon the swift electric
+tongues of the search-lights spat forth and licked the dark face of
+the waters like hungry things.
+
+Keeping my upper deck just awash, I lay still and beheld at last the
+great black sides of the battleships tower up, pierced with
+illuminated windows.
+
+My heart began to throb wildly. If only the other submarine failed to
+appear; if only the English fishermen would realize their danger and
+flee in time, disaster might be averted.
+
+The hope had scarcely formed itself in my mind when Orloff, who had
+come to repose confidence in me, respectfully touched my arm and
+pointed ahead.
+
+Not two hundred yards from me, stealing along about a mile in advance
+of the Russian fleet, I perceived a small dark object, showing hardly
+a foot above the surface of the waves.
+
+It was the rival submarine!
+
+Instead of proceeding direct to the Dogger Bank, as I had done, the
+other boat must have joined Admiral Rojestvensky's squadron, and come
+on before it like a jackal pointing out the lion's prey.
+
+"Go forward," I commanded the German mate. "Let no one disturb me
+till this business is over."
+
+Orloff gave me a wondering look, but obeyed without an instant's
+hesitation.
+
+As soon as his back was turned, I swung the wheel around, put on the
+full power of the engines, and went after the craft I had been
+searching for during the last forty-eight hours.
+
+Had the commander of the other submarine noticed mine, and did he
+suspect my intention to frustrate his design? It almost seemed so.
+His boat, scarcely visible in the gloom, fled in front of me to where
+the foremost fishing boats were riding lazily over the shoals,
+dragging their nets along the bottom.
+
+It was a weird chase. Neither of us showed a glint of light, or made
+the smallest sound. Like two great shadowing fish we darted through
+the depths of the sea, hunter and hunted.
+
+In between the sagging nets with their load of cod and flounders,
+shot the phantom boat I was pursuing, and I followed, obliged to
+slacken speed as we twisted in and out under the keels of the
+unconscious fishermen.
+
+And all this time the huge warships in two lines astern were plunging
+through the seas, heading straight for the unfortunate smacks.
+
+The chase seemed to be aware that it was a case of now or never. I
+was catching up with it fast; I was able to mark its course by the
+broken water churned up by its propeller; when, all at once, I saw it
+rise with the swift motion of a bird.
+
+I had no alternative but to do the same.
+
+As I emerged upon the surface I found my boat in the very center of
+the full glare of a search-light which lit up the whole scene with
+dazzling radiance.
+
+Fresh from the depths below, where all had been dark, my eyes fairly
+blinked in the sudden splendor of light.
+
+Then, for what might have been from three to five seconds, I saw
+everything that passed.
+
+The foremost vessels of the Russian fleet had already gone past the
+group of drifting trawlers. One large cruiser was passing within a
+stone's-throw of the nearest fishing-boat, and the English fishermen
+were playfully holding up some of their freshly-caught fish, as
+though offering it to the Russian sailors.
+
+Another line of warships was coming up behind, with its search-lights
+thrown out in front.
+
+And then, right across the range of lights, and in a straight line
+between the Russian battleships and the English smacks, I saw the
+phantom torpedo boat pass deliberately, as high out of the water as
+she could show.
+
+What happened next took place so swiftly, and with such confusion
+that I cannot pretend to describe it with accuracy.
+
+Shouts rang out on some of the Russian ships, the submarine headed
+around as though to seek refuge among the trawlers, and then a gun
+was fired, and a cannon-ball struck the water within a few feet of
+me.
+
+All at once, it seemed to me, and as though by some preconcerted
+plan, half the ships of the Baltic Fleet opened fire on the English
+fishermen, who seemed too surprised and horrified to do anything. I
+saw ball after ball crash into one luckless smack, which quickly
+began to fill and sink. But, generally speaking, the marksmanship of
+the Russians was too wild for the firing to have serious effect.
+
+As soon as I realized that I had become a mark for the Russian guns I
+sank beneath the surface. It is no doubt this voluntary move on my
+part which has given rise to the belief cherished by some of the
+officers of the Baltic Fleet, and indorsed by Admiral Rojestvensky,
+that a torpedo boat was sunk by their fire.
+
+But I knew that the massacre--for it was nothing less--would go on as
+long as the other submarine remained on the surface, mixing among the
+luckless fishing boats with the deliberate intention of drawing on
+them the Russian fire.
+
+I marked her course, put my engines to their fullest speed one more,
+and rushed after her.
+
+This time my coming was not watched by the hostile commander. Like
+Admiral Rojestvensky, he may have believed that my boat had been sunk
+by the ball which had come so close. Or else, perhaps, in his
+exultation at having brought about an event which seemed to make war
+inevitable, he had forgotten his former fears.
+
+But the truth will never be known.
+
+I brought my own boat right under the demon craft, and then, tilting
+her up at a sharp angle, rammed the other in the center of her keel.
+
+There was a concussion, a muffled sound of tearing iron, and as I
+backed away at full speed astern, I saw the waters of the North Sea
+pour through a long jagged rent in the bottom of the doomed
+submarine, and watched her go down staggering like a wounded vulture
+through the air.
+
+The shock of the collision had brought Orloff and the rest of my crew
+running aft.
+
+"An accident," I explained coolly. "I have sunk some boat or other in
+the dark."
+
+The men exchanged suspicious glances.
+
+"It was the other submarine, sir," said Orloff, still preserving his
+respectful tone. "Will you permit us to see whether it is possible to
+save any of the crew?"
+
+"Do as you please," I returned, leaving the helm. "My work here is
+done, and I am ready to go back."
+
+I intended them to think I referred to the attack on the
+fishing-boats. The cannonade died away as I spoke.
+
+We went down through the water to where the wrecked submarine was
+lying half over on her side. Some frightened faces peered at us out
+of the upper portholes, where a supply of air still lingered.
+
+It was impossible to do anything for them down there without being
+swamped ourselves. We could only invite them by signs to forsake
+their own craft and let us carry them up to the surface where it
+would be safe for us to take them inside.
+
+In order to receive them on our upper deck we circled slowly around
+to the opposite side of their vessel. And there I beheld a sight
+which will haunt me for years to come.
+
+The whole side of the submarine had been wrenched open, revealing the
+interior of the cabin. And on the floor, lying in the peaceful
+attitude of one who had just resigned herself to sleep, I beheld the
+drowned form of the beautiful, desperate, perhaps wicked, but
+unhappy, woman from whose mad love I had fled.
+
+So, in the midst of the wild North Sea, in their strange coffin, the
+bones of Sophia, Princess Yernoloff, lie and rock on the incessant
+tides that sweep across the Dogger Bank.
+
+_Requiescat in pace!_
+
+As our boat, laden with the rescued survivors, shot up again to the
+surface, I felt a noosed rope drawn tightly around my throat and
+heard the voice of Orloff hiss in my ear,
+
+"I arrest you in the name of the Kaiser!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+THE FAMILY STATUTE
+
+
+My task is done. At last the reader knows all that ever will be
+known--all there is to know, in short--concerning the tragedy of the
+North Sea.
+
+My personal adventures can possess little interest after the
+all-important transactions I have had to describe. But in case there
+should be a reader here and there who is good enough to feel any
+curiosity as to my fate, I will briefly tell what followed on my
+arrest.
+
+My revolver was taken from me and I was conducted under a strict
+guard back to Kiel.
+
+Off the mouth of the Canal we were boarded by a despatch-boat flying
+the German naval ensign, and a police officer with three men took me
+off the submarine.
+
+The first proceeding of my new captor was to handcuff me. He then
+warned me,
+
+"If you speak a single word to me or any one else till you are in the
+imperial presence, my orders are to shoot you through the head."
+
+I nodded. I had as little wish to speak as the Emperor could have to
+let me. My thoughts were busy with the memory of the woman of whose
+tragic death I had been the unwitting cause, and with the measures
+that remained to be taken to extenuate, so far as extenuation was
+possible, the fatal action of the Baltic fleet.
+
+As for myself, I can say truly that I had become almost indifferent
+to what was in store for me. My feeling toward the unfortunate
+Princess had not been such as that which makes a man desire a woman
+for his wife; it had not deserved the name of love, perhaps; and it
+was certainly free from any taint of a less noble passion.
+
+Nevertheless it had been a powerful sentiment, colored and
+strengthened by my knowledge of her love for me.
+
+Sophia had loved me. She had saved my life. And I had taken hers in
+return.
+
+Must I accuse myself of weakness for feeling as if happiness for me
+were over, and the best fate I could wish would be to lie there
+beside my victim on the lonely Dogger sands?
+
+When I came before Wilhelm II. he was not in the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, indulging his vein of extravagant romance, but in his
+private cabinet and in his most stern and business-like mood.
+
+"Give the prisoner a chair, and wait outside," his majesty commanded
+briefly.
+
+I sat down, still handcuffed, and the guards withdrew.
+
+"Now," said the Kaiser, fixing me with an eagle glance, "be good
+enough to explain your proceedings."
+
+I met his look with a steadfast one in return.
+
+"I have carried out your majesty's orders scrupulously. I have taken
+out the submarine torpedo boat, engaged a crew, proceeded to the
+Dogger Bank, and drawn the fire of the Baltic Fleet on the
+fishing-boats from Hull. I have not seen a newspaper since, but I
+assume that the British Navy has already arrested Admiral
+Rojestvensky and his squadron, and that the two Powers are at war."
+
+The Kaiser gnawed his moustache.
+
+"Things have not gone quite so well as you pretend, M. Petrovitch.
+
+"The Russian cannonade ceased after a few minutes," the Emperor
+resumed. "You did not remain on the surface after the first shot; you
+did not launch your torpedo, neither did you permit the other
+submarine to do so. In fact you sunk her."
+
+"I had no orders with respect to another submarine, sire. I was
+entitled to treat it as an enemy."
+
+"Nonsense, you know that it had left Kiel before you, on the same
+errand."
+
+"On the contrary, sire, I could not possibly know anything of the
+kind."
+
+"Why, you saw it had disappeared from the dock. You inquired after
+it along the Canal. When you got out to the Dogger you were searching
+for it the whole time."
+
+"And when I found it, sire, it was leading the Russian squadron, of
+which it appeared to form part. I had every right to assume that it
+was a Russian man-of-war."
+
+"A German boat!" thundered the Kaiser.
+
+"A boat not flying any flag must be presumed to belong to the country
+of those who are in control of it. I found this submarine under the
+control of a Russian subject."
+
+"The Princess was my agent."
+
+"Your majesty had not told me so. On the contrary, I understood that
+you wished my own boat to be considered a Russian vessel, in case of
+any question. I shipped a Russian crew therefore."
+
+Wilhelm II. frowned angrily.
+
+"Do not play with me, M. Petrovitch. I know all about your crew.
+Explain why you, a Russian subject, should have attacked what you are
+pleased to pretend was a Russian ship."
+
+"I regret to have to say that your majesty is laboring under a
+mistake. I am not a Russian subject."
+
+This time the Kaiser was fairly taken aback.
+
+"What subject are you?"
+
+"A Japanese."
+
+Wilhelm looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Japanese!" was all he could say.
+
+"If your majesty pleases. That being so, as soon as I took possession
+of the submarine, with your permission, of course it became a
+Japanese ship."
+
+"What you tell me is monstrous--ridiculous. Your name is Russian,
+your face is at least European."
+
+"My name, sire, is Matsukata. I received it in Tokio at the
+commencement of the war, on being adopted into a Japanese family.
+
+"If your majesty doubts my statement, I ask to be confronted with the
+Japanese Ambassador in Berlin."
+
+The Kaiser looked as if he would have liked to doubt it, but found
+himself unable to do so.
+
+"Then on your own showing you are a Japanese spy," he pronounced
+slowly. "As such I am entitled to have you shot."
+
+"Pardon me again, sire. In Petersburg I admit, that was my character.
+In Germany I have been your majesty's agent, and have literally
+fulfilled your commands."
+
+"You are a very acute quibbler, I see," was the retort, "but quibbles
+will not save you. You have stolen one of my ships to sink another
+with, and at the very least you deserve to be hanged as a pirate."
+
+"I demand to be tried," I said boldly, knowing that this was the one
+step to which the Emperor, for his own sake, could not consent.
+
+As I expected, he frowned uneasily.
+
+"In this case I must exercise my right of refusing a civil trial, in
+the interest of the State. I will give you a court-martial with
+closed doors."
+
+"That would be illegal, sire."
+
+"You dare to tell me so!"
+
+"Your majesty will find I am right. The case falls within the
+Hohenzollern Family Statute."
+
+The Kaiser appeared stupefied.
+
+"The Family Statute?" he repeated slowly, as if unable to believe his
+ears. "What has the Statute to do with you?"
+
+"It is provided in the Statute, if I recollect rightly, sire, that a
+member of the Imperial Family can be tried only by his peers, that is
+to say, by a court composed of members of your majesty's House."
+
+"Well, and what then?"
+
+"By another clause in the Statute--I regret that the number has
+escaped my memory--the privileges of a Hohenzollern in that respect
+are extended to members of other reigning Houses."
+
+"What are you going to tell me?" Wilhelm II. demanded in amazement.
+
+"Only that I have the honor to be the adopted son of his imperial
+highness Prince Yorimo, cousin to his majesty the Emperor of Japan."
+
+The German monarch sat still, unable to parry this unexpected blow.
+
+"The Japanese Ambassador--" he began to mutter.
+
+"Will confirm my statement, sire. I have already asked to be
+confronted with him. Before going to Kiel, I sent him information of
+my plans, so that he is already expecting to hear from me, I have no
+doubt."
+
+Wilhelm II. saw that he had come to the end of his tether. Lying back
+in his chair, he ejaculated----
+
+"I believed there was only one man in the two hemispheres who could
+do things like this!"
+
+"I am flattered to think you may be right, sire," I responded in my
+natural voice, with a smile.
+
+The Emperor bounded from his seat.
+
+"You--are--Monsieur V----!" he fairly gasped out.
+
+"I was, sire. Permit me to repeat that I am now called Prince
+Matsukata of Japan."
+
+Wilhelm II. made an effort, and came out of it with his best manner.
+
+"Then, in that case, you will stay and lunch with the Empress and
+myself, my dear Prince."
+
+As soon as the handcuffs had been removed, I told the whole story to
+the Kaiser, who was immensely interested, and decidedly touched by
+the part which related to the drowned Princess.
+
+Before leaving the Palace, I asked permission of my imperial host to
+make use of his private wire for a message to London, in the interest
+of peace.
+
+Wilhelm II., who began to see that he had been betrayed into going a
+little farther than was altogether desirable, consented in the
+friendliest spirit, merely stipulating that he should be allowed to
+see the message.
+
+He was rather surprised when he found it was addressed to Lord Bedale
+at Buckingham Palace, and comprised a single word, "Elsinore."
+
+And so, although some of the newspapers in the two capitals of
+England and Russia continued to breathe war for some days longer, I
+felt no more anxiety after reading the paragraph which stated that
+the British Prime Minister, at the close of the decisive Cabinet
+Council, had driven to the Palace to be received in private audience
+by her majesty Queen Alexandra.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE
+
+
+As I write these lines the war which has cost so many brave lives,
+and carried so much desolation through the fields and cities of
+Manchuria is still raging.
+
+The great fleet of Admiral Rojestvensky, from which the stains of the
+innocent fisherman's blood have not yet been washed, is plowing its
+way to meet a terrible retribution at the hands of the victorious
+Togo.[C] A curse is on that fleet, and it may be that the British
+Government foresaw that they could punish the crime of the Dogger
+Bank more terribly by letting it proceed, than by bringing it into
+Portsmouth to await the result of the international trial.
+
+[Footnote C: These words, which have been proven prophetic, were
+written last March, when Admiral Rojestvensky's fleet was still a
+very formidable fact to be reckoned with.--EDITOR.]
+
+In the great affairs of nations it is not always wise to exact strict
+justice, or to expose the actual truth.
+
+I, too, am a lover of peace. Not of that hysterical, sentimental
+horror of bloodshed which would place a great civilized nation at the
+mercy of more barbarous powers, which would stay the wheels of
+progress, and be indistinguishable from cowardice in the face of
+wrong.
+
+But I am a friend of the peace which is the natural result of a
+better understanding between peoples, of respect for one another's
+character and aims, of a wise recognition of facts, and an honorable
+determination not to play the part of the aggressor.
+
+It is in the hope of promoting such a peace on earth, and such
+good-will toward men, that I have allowed myself to publish the
+foregoing narrative.
+
+In order to soften the character of this revelation I have endeavored
+to impart to it a character of romance.
+
+So far as my abilities extend, I have sought to give the reader the
+impression that he has been reading an allegory rather than a dry,
+business record. I have tried to cover certain incidents with a
+discreet veil. I have as much as possible refrained from using real
+names.
+
+I trust that my narration will be accepted in the spirit in which it
+has been written and that no reader will allow his feelings of
+curiosity to lead him into going further, or raising questions which
+it might be indiscreet on my part to answer.
+
+But there is one part of the story to which the foregoing remarks do
+not apply.
+
+Whatever else be mythical, there is nothing mythical about the
+bright figure whose portrait has accompanied me through so many
+perils. There is a home for me in far-off Tokio, and when the
+blood-begrimed battalions of Asia sheathe their swords, I shall go
+thither to claim my reward.
+
+                         THE END
+
+
+
+
+POPULAR AND ATTRACTIVE CLOTH BOUND BOOKS
+
+
+Printed on superior paper; clear type; multi-color jackets. A
+carefully selected list of titles of the World's Best Authors;
+embracing absorbing love stories, baffling detective and mystery
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+of them have been dramatized and filmed--you will enjoy reading every
+title on this list:--
+
+ =Ball, Eustace Hale=                   =Marshall, Edward=
+   Traffic In Souls                       In Old Kentucky
+                                          The Bat
+ =Barrett, Alfred Wilson=
+   The Silver King                      =Raleigh, Cecil=
+                                          The Sins of Society
+ =Dane, John Collin=
+   The Champion                         =Roberts, Theodore Goodrich=
+                                          Brothers in Peril
+ =Drummond, A. L.=                        Captain Love
+   True Detective Stories                 Cavalier of Virginia
+                                          The Wasp
+ =Ferguson, W. B. M.=
+   A Man's Code                         =Scarborough, George=
+                                          The Lure
+ =Gallon, Tom=
+   The Rogue's Heiress                  =Sinclair, Bertrand W.=
+                                          Land of the Frozen Suns
+ =Harding, John W.=                       Raw Gold
+   The Chorus Lady
+                                        =Sutton, Margaret Doris=
+ =Heyn, Cutliffe=                         Goddess of The Dawn
+   Adventures of Captain Kettle
+                                        =Upward, Allen=
+ =Kent, Oliver=                           The International Spy
+   Her Heart's Gift
+                                        =Varnardy, Varick=
+ =Lewis, Alfred Henry=                    Return of The Night Wind
+   Apaches of New York
+                                        =Way, L. N.=
+ =Macvane, Edith=                         Call of The Heart
+   The Thoroughbred
+
+You have enjoyed this book--Read every title listed above--you may
+procure them at the store where this book was purchased at the same
+price per copy, or sent postpaid to any address for 75c per volume by
+the Publishers.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 701-733 S. DEARBORN STREET :: CHICAGO
+
+
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+
+
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+
+A Child's Story of Life in the Alps
+
+By Johanna Spyri
+
+395 pages--illustrated. Printed from new plates; neatly bound in
+cloth.
+
+
+PINOCCHIO
+
+A Tale of a Puppet--By C. Collodi
+
+Printed from new plates on a good grade of paper; neatly bound in
+cloth; illustrated.
+
+
+ELSIE DINSMORE
+
+By Martha Finley
+
+Beautiful edition of this popular book. Printed from new plates,
+covers stamped in four colors from original design.
+
+
+BROWNIES AND OTHER STORIES
+
+Illustrated by Palmer Cox
+
+320 pages and containing an illustration on nearly every page,
+printed from new plates from large, clear type, substantially bound
+in cloth.
+
+
+HELEN'S BABIES
+
+By John Habberton
+
+This amusing and entertaining book, printed from new plates, cloth
+binding.
+
+
+HANS BRINKER; or, The Silver Skates
+
+By Mary Mapes Dodge
+
+A popular edition of this well-known story of life in Holland.
+
+
+RAINY DAY DIVERSIONS
+
+By Carolyn Wells
+
+
+PLEASANT DAY DIVERSIONS
+
+By Carolyn Wells
+
+Printed on a good grade of paper from new plates, bound in a superior
+grade book binders' cloth. These volumes have never before been
+offered for less than $1.25; for sale now at the special price of 75
+cents each.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,      Chicago
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+
+ _BOOKS BY_ MRS. E. D. E. N.
+ SOUTHWORTH
+
+ AN ATTRACTIVE LIST OF THE
+ WORKS OF THIS POPULAR AUTHOR
+
+The first eighteen titles with brackets are books with sequels,
+"Victor's Triumph," being a sequel to "Beautiful Fiend." etc. They
+are all printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of
+flexible paper and bound in English vellum cloth, assorted colors,
+containing charming female heads lithographed in twelve colors, as
+inlays; the titles being stamped in harmonizing colors of ink or
+foil. Cloth, 12mo size.
+
+  {1 Beautiful Fiend, A                 26 Discarded Daughter, The
+  {2 Victor's Triumph                   27 Doom of Deville, The
+  {3 Bride's Fate                       28 Eudora
+  {4 Changed Brides                     29 Fatal Secret, A
+  {5 Cruel as the Grave                 30 Fortune Seeker
+  {6 Tried for Her Life                 31 Gypsy's Prophecy
+  {7 Fair Play                          32 Haunted Homestead
+  {8 How He Won Her                     33 India; or, The Pearl on
+  {9 Family Doom                            Pearl River
+ {10 Maiden Widow                       34 Lady of the Isle, The
+ {11 Hidden Hand, The                   35 Lost Heiress, The
+ {12 Capitola's Peril                   36 Love's Labor Won
+ {13 Ishmael                            37 Missing Bride, The
+ {14 Self Raised                        38 Mother-in-Law
+ {15 Lost Heir of Linlithgow            39 Prince of Darkness, and
+ {16 Noble Lord, A                          Artist's Love
+ {17 Unknown                            40 Retribution
+ {18 Mystery of Raven Rocks             41 Three Beauties, The
+  19 Bridal Eve, The                    42 Three Sisters, The
+  20 Bride's Dowry, The                 43 Two Sisters, The
+  21 Bride of Llewellyn, The            44 Vivian
+  22 Broken Engagement, The             45 Widow's Son
+  23 Christmas Guest, The               46 Wife's Victory
+  24 Curse of Clifton
+  25 Deserted Wife, The
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postpaid at 75c each by the publishers.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 Dearborn Street CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+THE "HOW-TO-DO-IT" BOOKS
+
+By J. S. ZERBE
+
+
+Carpentry for Boys
+
+A book which treats, in a most practical and fascinating manner all
+subjects pertaining to the "King of Trades"; showing the care and
+use of tools; drawing; designing, and the laying out of work; the
+principles involved in the building of various kinds of structures,
+and the rudiments of architecture. It contains over two hundred and
+fifty illustrations made especially for this work, and includes also
+a complete glossary of the technical terms used in the art. The most
+comprehensive volume on this subject ever published for boys.
+
+
+Electricity for Boys
+
+The author has adopted the unique plan of setting forth the
+fundamental principles in each phase of the science, and practically
+applying the work in the successive stages. It shows how the
+knowledge has been developed, and the reasons for the various
+phenomena, without using technical words so as to bring it within the
+compass of every boy. It has a complete glossary of terms, and is
+illustrated with two hundred original drawings.
+
+
+Practical Mechanics for Boys
+
+This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series of
+practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the structure
+and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how they are utilized
+to perform the work, and the manner in which all dimensional work
+is carried out. Every subject is illustrated, and model building
+explained. It contains a glossary which comprises a new system of
+cross references, a feature that will prove a welcome departure in
+explaining subjects. Fully illustrated.
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price $1.00 each._
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00._
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET  ::  CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+GIRLS' LIBERTY SERIES
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls
+by standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+_12mo, clothene. Price 50c each._
+
+  1. Camp Fire Girls on a Long Hike, or,
+     Lost in the Great Northern Woods        Stella M. Francis
+  2. Daddy's Girl                            Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  3. Ethel Hollister's First Summer as
+     a Camp Fire Girl                        Irene Elliott Benson
+  4. Ethel Hollister's Second Summer         Irene Elliott Benson
+  5. Flat Iron for a Farthing                Mrs. Ewing
+  6. Four Little Mischiefs                   Rose Mulholland
+  7. Girls and I                             Mrs. Molesworth
+  8. Girl from America                       Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  9. Grandmother Dear                        Mrs. Molesworth
+ 10. Irvington Stories                       Mary Mapes Dodge
+ 11. Little Lame Prince                      Mrs. Muloch
+ 12. Little Susie Stories                    Mrs. H. Prentiss
+ 13. Mrs. Over the Way                       Julianna Horatio Ewing
+ 14. Naughty Miss Bunny                      Rose Mulholland
+ 15. Sweet Girl Graduate                     Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 16. School Queens                           Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 17. Sue, A Little Heroine                   Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 18. Wild Kitty                              Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ COMPLETE EDITIONS--THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY
+
+
+ Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ _SERIES_
+
+An excellent edition of the works of this very popular author of
+books for girls. Printed from large type on an extra quality of
+paper, cover design stamped in three colors, large side title
+letterings, each book in glazed paper printed wrapper. Each book with
+a beautiful colored frontispiece. Printed wrapper, 12 mo, cloth.
+
+  1 Bad Little Hannah                   18 Little Mother to
+  2 Bunch of Cherries, A                    Others
+  4 Children's Pilgrimage               20 Merry Girls of
+  5 Daddy's Girl                            England
+  6 Deb and the Duchess                 21 Miss Nonentity
+  7 Francis Kane's                      22 Modern Tomboy, A
+     Fortune                            23 Out of Fashion
+  8 Gay Charmer, A                      24 Palace Beautiful
+  9 Girl of the People, A               25 Polly, A New-Fashioned
+ 10 Girl in Ten                             Girl
+     Thousand, A                        26 Rebels of the School
+ 11 Girls of St. Wodes,                 27 School Favorite
+     The                                28 Sweet Girl Graduate,
+ 12 Girls of the True                       A
+     Blue                               29 Time of Roses, The
+ 13 Good Luck                           30 Very Naughty Girl, A
+ 14 Heart of Gold, The                  31 Wild Kitty
+ 15 Honorable Miss, The                 32 World of Girls
+ 17 Light of the Morning                33 Young Mutineer, The
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postage prepaid to any address at 75c by the
+publishers
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 South Dearborn St., CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS' ELITE SERIES
+
+ _12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+Contains an attractive assortment of books for boys by standard and
+favorite authors. Printed from large, clear type on a superior
+quality of paper, bound in a superior quality of binders' cloth,
+ornamented with illustrated original designs on covers stamped in
+colors from unique and appropriate dies. Each book wrapped in
+attractive jacket.
+
+ 1. Cudjo's Cave                             Trowbridge
+ 2. Green Mountain Boys
+ 3. Life of Kit Carson                       Edward L. Ellis
+ 4. Tom Westlake's Golden Luck               Perry Newberry
+ 5. Tony Keating's Surprises                 Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy)
+ 6. Tour of the World in 80 Days             Jules Verne
+
+
+THE GIRLS' ELITE SERIES
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls by
+standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+ 1. Bee and the Butterfly                    Lucy Foster Madison
+ 2. Dixie School Girl                        Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 3. Girls of Mount Morris                    Amanda Douglas
+ 4. Hope's Messenger                         Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 5. The Little Aunt                          Marion Ames Taggart
+ 6. A Modern Cinderella                      Amanda Douglas
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+
+ THERE IS MONEY
+ IN POULTRY
+
+ AMERICAN STANDARD PERFECTION
+ POULTRY BOOK, _By_ I. K. FELCH.
+
+Yet many old-fashion farmers are inclined to discredit the statement.
+Why? Because they are not up to the new and improved ideas in poultry
+management. A little trial of the rules laid down in these books will
+soon dispel all misgivings in this direction and tend to convince the
+most skeptical that there is money in poultry-keeping. It contains a
+complete description of all the varieties of fowls, including
+turkeys, ducks and geese.
+
+This book contains double the number of illustrations found in any
+similar work. It is the best and cheapest poultry book on the market
+Paper covers, 25c. Cloth, prepaid, =50c=
+
+
+ POULTRY CULTURE
+
+ _By_ I. K. FELCH
+
+How to raise, manage, mate and judge thoroughbred fowls, by I. K.
+Felch, the acknowledged authority on poultry matters. Thorough,
+comprehensive and complete treatise on all kinds of poultry. Cloth,
+438 pages, large 12mo, and over 70 full-page and other illustrations.
+Printed from clear type on good paper, stamped on side and back from
+ornate, appropriate designs.
+
+Price, prepaid, =$1.00=
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers, or will send to any address in
+the United States, Canada or Mexico, postage prepaid, on receipt of
+price, in currency, money order or stamps.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 S. DEARBORN STREET : CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+OUR YOUNG FOLKS'
+
+ILLUSTRATED BOOKS
+
+
+This series contains those books for young folks that are without
+question conceded to be the most popular of this class. Each title
+has a distinctive cover design. Each volume contains twenty to sixty
+illustrations.
+
+_The following books are ready for delivery_:
+
+ Andersen's Fairy Tales
+ Alice in Wonderland
+ Arabian Nights
+ Black Beauty
+ Mother Goose
+ Pilgrim's Progress
+ Rip Van Winkle
+ Robinson Crusoe
+ Story of the Bible
+ Wood's Natural History
+ Through the Looking Glass
+
+_Sent postpaid at twenty cents each or six for one dollar._
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+ _SELECTED WORKS OF_
+ EUGENE FIELD
+
+A very attractive selection of popular books by this favorite and
+gifted author. Each book contains a carefully selected and classified
+list of poems that have endeared the author to millions and given him
+a place among the immortals. These books should be in every library,
+both public and private.
+
+ In Four Volumes. Boxed.
+ Cloth Binding.
+
+ Price, =$3.00= per set.
+
+ Single Volumes =75c= each,
+ postpaid.
+
+
+IN WINK-A-WAY LAND
+
+The contents of this volume is especially selected and arranged for
+the little folks. All are suitable for use in school exercises and on
+"Eugene Field Day."
+
+
+HOOSIER LYRICS
+
+This is a series of pathetic, amusing and entertaining poems rendered
+in Indiana dialect on notable Hoosier scenes with parodies on poems
+by James Whitcomb Riley.
+
+
+JOHN SMITH, U. S. A.
+
+The romantic story of John Smith, also includes many other poems, all
+of which afford suitable material for "Field Readings" and general
+school and church entertainments.
+
+
+THE CLINK OF THE ICE and other poems
+
+Edition containing portraits and autographs. Stories of inimitable
+wit and humor with lullabies and sketches of every day scenes that
+made Eugene Field famous. All worth while.
+
+Printed from new plates on good paper, uniformly and neatly bound in
+cloth; gold titles on front and back.
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address
+upon receipt of price in stamps, currency, postal or express money
+order, by the publishers.
+
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 S. Dearborn St. Chicago
+
+
+
+
+BOYS' COPYRIGHTED BOOKS
+
+
+Printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of paper,
+embellished with original illustrations by eminent artists, and bound
+in a superior quality of book binders' cloth, ornamented with
+illustrated covers, stamped in colors from unique and appropriate
+dies, each book wrapped in a glazed paper wrapper printed in colors.
+
+
+MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES
+
+By Louis Arundel
+
+ 1.--The Motor Club's Cruise Down the Mississippi; or, The Dash
+      for Dixie.
+ 2.--The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or, Adventures
+      Among the Thousand Islands.
+ 3.--The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or, Exploring the Mystic
+      Isle of Mackinac.
+ 4.--Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or, The Struggle for
+      the Leadership.
+ 5.--Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or, Through Storm and
+      Stress.
+ 6.--Motor Boat Boys' River Chase.
+
+
+THE BIRD BOYS SERIES
+
+By John Luther Langworthy
+
+ 1.--The Bird Boys; or, The Young Sky Pilots' First Air Voyage.
+ 2.--The Bird Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics.
+ 3.--The Bird Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a
+      Wreck.
+ 4.--Bird Boys' Flight; or, A Hydroplane Round-up.
+ 5.--Bird Boys' Aeroplane Wonder; or, Young Aviators on a Cattle
+      Ranch.
+
+
+CANOE AND CAMPFIRE SERIES
+
+By St. George Rathborne
+
+
+ 1.--Canoe Mates in Canada; or, Three Boys Afloat on the Saskatchewan.
+ 2.--Young Fur Takers; or, Traps and Trails in the Wilderness.
+ 3.--The House Boat Boys; or, Drifting Down to the Sunny South.
+ 4.--Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise in the Motor Boat.
+ 5.--Camp Mates in Michigan; or, With Pack and Paddle in the Pine
+      Woods.
+ 6.--Rocky Mountain Boys; or, Camping in the Big Game Country.
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+By
+
+Mrs. George Sheldon Downs
+
+
+=Katherine's Sheaves=
+
+A Great Novel With a Great Purpose
+
+Katherine's Sheaves is altogether delightful, a charming piece of
+fiction, a beautiful romance. One must admire the book for its
+characterization, its brilliant pictures of life, and its dramatic
+situations, but still more for its philosophy and wisdom.
+
+The story is a dramatic one, abounding in strong situations.
+
+The plot is well conceived and carried out, the style easy and the
+characters likable.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #30482 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/30482)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The International Spy
+       Being the Secret History of the Russo-Japanese War
+
+Author: Allen Upward
+
+Release Date: November 16, 2009 [EBook #30482]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INTERNATIONAL SPY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ The
+
+ International Spy
+
+ BEING THE SECRET HISTORY
+ OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR
+
+ BY
+
+ ALLEN UPWARD
+
+ ("_Monsieur A. V._")
+
+ AUTHOR OF "UNDERGROUND HISTORY," ETC.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+
+ CHICAGO  NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1904, 1905, BY
+
+ THE PEARSON PUBLISHING CO.
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY
+
+ G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY.
+
+ _Entered at Stationers' Hall._
+
+ The International Spy.
+
+ Made in U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                               PAGE
+
+         PROLOGUE--THE TWO EMPRESSES                     9
+
+      I. THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----             17
+
+     II. THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT                      24
+
+    III. THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE           36
+
+     IV. THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH                           45
+
+      V. A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY                        54
+
+     VI. DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED                          63
+
+    VII. THE RACE FOR SIBERIA                           71
+
+   VIII. THE CZAR'S MESSAGE                             76
+
+     IX. THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH                       87
+
+      X. THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO                       96
+
+     XI. WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND               107
+
+    XII. THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN                   113
+
+   XIII. HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS                         123
+
+    XIV. THE SUBMARINE MINE                            130
+
+     XV. THE ADVISOR OF NICHOLAS II                    139
+
+    XVI. A STRANGE CONFESSION                          145
+
+   XVII. A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT                       159
+
+  XVIII. THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN                        169
+
+    XIX. THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY                180
+
+     XX. THE DEVIL'S AUCTION                           192
+
+    XXI. THE FUNERAL                                   199
+
+   XXII. A PERILOUS MOMENT                             210
+
+  XXIII. A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST                    217
+
+   XXIV. A SECRET EXECUTION                            224
+
+    XXV. A CHANGE OF IDENTITY                          233
+
+   XXVI. TRAPPED                                       240
+
+  XXVII. THE BALTIC FLEET                              246
+
+ XXVIII. ON THE TRACK                                  256
+
+   XXIX. AN IMPERIAL FANATIC                           264
+
+    XXX. THE STOLEN SUBMARINE                          272
+
+   XXXI. THE KIEL CANAL                                279
+
+  XXXII. THE DOGGER BANK                               287
+
+ XXXIII. TRAFALGAR DAY                                 292
+
+  XXXIV. THE FAMILY STATUTE                            300
+
+         EPILOGUE                                      308
+
+
+
+
+The International Spy
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE[A]
+
+THE TWO EMPRESSES
+
+[Footnote A: The author desires to state that this history should be
+read as a work of imagination simply, and not as authentic.]
+
+
+"Look!"
+
+A fair, delicately-molded hand, on which glittered gems worth a
+raja's loyalty, was extended in the direction of the sea.
+
+Half a mile out, where the light ripples melted away into a blue and
+white haze upon the water, a small black smudge, like the back of a
+porpoise, seemed to be sliding along the surface.
+
+But it was not a porpoise, for out of it there rose a thin, black
+shaft, scarcely higher than a flag-staff, and from the top of this
+thin shaft there trickled a faint wreathing line of smoke, just
+visible against the background of sky and sea.
+
+"It is a submarine! What is it doing there?"
+
+The exclamation, followed by the question, came from the second,
+perhaps the fairer, of two women of gracious and beautiful presence,
+who were pacing, arm linked in arm, along a marble terrace
+overlooking a famous northern strait.
+
+The terrace on which they stood formed part of a stately palace,
+built by a king of the North who loved to retire in the summer time
+from his bustling capital, and gather his family around him in this
+romantic home.
+
+From here, as from a watch-tower, could be seen the fleets of
+empires, the crowded shipping of many a rich port and the humbler
+craft of the fisherman, passing and repassing all day long between
+the great inland sea of the North and the broad western ocean.
+
+Along this narrow channel had once swept the long ships of the
+Vikings, setting forth on those terrible raids which devastated half
+Europe and planted colonies in England and France and far-off Italy.
+But to-day the scene was a scene of peace. The martial glory of the
+Dane had departed. The royal castle that stood there as if to guard
+the strait had become a rendezvous of emperors and queens and
+princes, who took advantage of its quiet precincts to lay aside the
+pomp of rule, and perhaps to bind closer those alliances of
+sovereigns which serve to temper the fierce rivalries of their
+peoples.
+
+The pair who stood gazing, one with curiosity and wonder, the other
+with an interest of a more painful character, at the sinister object
+on the horizon, were imperial sisters. Born in the tiny sea kingdom,
+they had lived to wear the crowns of the greatest two realms the
+world has ever seen, two empires which between them covered half the
+surface of our planet, and included one-third of its inhabitants.
+
+But though sundered in interests they were not divided in affection.
+As they stood side by side, still linked together, it was evident
+that no common sympathy united them.
+
+The one who had been first to draw attention to the mysterious craft,
+and whose dress showed somber touches which spoke of widowhood,
+answered her sister's question:
+
+"I never see one of those vessels without a shudder. I have an
+instinct which warns me that they are destined to play a dangerous,
+perhaps a fatal, part in the future. What is that boat doing here, in
+Danish waters?--I do not know. But it can be here for no good. If a
+war ever broke out in which we were concerned, the Sound would be our
+first line of defense on the west. It would be mined, by us, perhaps;
+if not, by our enemy. Who can tell whether that submarine has not
+been sent out by some Power which is already plotting against peace,
+to explore the bed of the strait, with a view to laying down mines
+hereafter?"
+
+The other Empress listened with a grave countenance.
+
+"I hope your fears are not well founded. I can think of no Power that
+is ever likely to attack you. It is my nephew, or rather those who
+surround him, from whom the signal for war is likely to come, if it
+ever does come."
+
+The widowed Empress bowed her head.
+
+"You know what my hopes and wishes are," she answered. "If my son
+listened to me there would be no fear of his departing from the
+peaceful ways of my dear husband. But there are secret influences
+always at work, as stealthy in their nature as that very craft----"
+
+The speaker paused as she glanced 'round in search of the black
+streak and gray smoke-wreath which had attracted her notice a minute
+before. But she looked in vain.
+
+Like a phantom the submarine had disappeared, leaving no trace of its
+presence.
+
+The Empress uttered an ejaculation of dismay, which was echoed by her
+sister.
+
+"Where is it now? Where did it go? Has it sunk, or has it gone back
+to where it came from?"
+
+To these questions there could be no answer. The smooth waters
+glistened in the sunlight as merrily as if no threatening craft was
+gliding beneath the surface on some errand fraught with danger to the
+world.
+
+"Perhaps they saw they were observed, and dived under for
+concealment," suggested the second Empress.
+
+Her sister sighed gently.
+
+"I was telling you that that submarine was a type of the secret
+dangers which beset us. I know, beyond all doubt, that there are men
+in the innermost circle of the Court, men who have my son's ear, and
+can do almost what they like with him, who are at heart longing for a
+great war, and are always working underground to bring it about. And
+if they succeed, and we are taken unprepared by a stronger foe, there
+will be a revolution which may cost my son his throne, if not his
+life."
+
+There was a brief silence. Then the Empress who had listened to this
+declaration murmured in a low voice:
+
+"Heaven grant that the war is not one between you and us!"
+
+"Heaven grant it!" was the fervent reply. And then, after a moment's
+reflection, the widowed Empress added in an eager voice:
+
+"But we--cannot we do something to avert such a fearful calamity?"
+
+Her sister pressed her arm as though to assure her of sympathy.
+
+"Yes, yes," the other continued. "We can do much if we will. Though
+my son does not always take my advice, he has never yet refused to
+listen to me. And in moments of grave stress he sometimes consults
+me of his own accord. And I know that you, too, have influence. Your
+people worship you. Your husband----"
+
+The Western Empress interrupted gently:
+
+"I cannot play the part that you play. I do not claim the right to be
+consulted, or to give direct advice. Do not ask me to step outside my
+sphere. I can give information; I can be a channel sometimes between
+your Court and ours, a channel which you can trust as I fear you
+cannot always trust your ministers and diplomatic agents. More than
+that I should not like to promise."
+
+"But that is very much," was the grateful response. "That may be
+quite enough. Provided we can arrange a code by which I can always
+communicate with you safely and secretly, it may be possible to avert
+war at any time."
+
+"What do you propose?"
+
+"It is very simple. If any crisis comes about through no fault of my
+son's--if the party who are conspiring to make a war arrange some
+unexpected _coup_ which we could not foresee or prevent--and if I am
+sure that my son sincerely desires peace, I can send you a
+message--one word will be enough--which you can take as an assurance
+that we mean to put ourselves right with you, and to thwart the
+plotters."
+
+The Western Empress bowed her head.
+
+"I accept the mission. And the word--what shall it be?"
+
+The other glanced 'round the horizon once more, and then, bending her
+lips to her imperial sister's ear, whispered a single word.
+
+The two great women who had just exchanged a pledge for the peace of
+the world were moving slowly along the terrace again, when the
+Western sister said, thoughtfully,
+
+"I think I know another way to aid you."
+
+The Eastern Empress halted, and gazed at her with eagerness.
+
+"I know the difficulties that surround you," her sister pursued, "and
+that the greatest of them all is having no one in your service whom
+you can entirely and absolutely trust."
+
+"That is so," was the mournful admission.
+
+"Now I have heard of a man--I have never actually employed him
+myself, but I have heard of him from those who have, and they tell me
+he is incorruptible. In addition, he is a man who has never
+experienced the sensation of fear, and his abilities are so great
+that he has been called in to solve almost every problem of
+international politics that has arisen in recent years."
+
+"But this man--how can he be obtained?"
+
+"At present he is retained in our secret service. I must not conceal
+from you that he is partly a Pole by descent, and as such he has no
+love for your Empire. But if it were made clear to him that in
+serving you he was serving us, and defeating the designs of the
+anti-popular and despotic clique at your Court, I feel sure he would
+consent to place himself at your disposal."
+
+The Eastern Empress listened intently to her sister's words. At the
+close she said,
+
+"Thank you. I will try this man, if you can prevail on him to come to
+me. What is his name?"
+
+"I expect you must have heard of him already, It is----"
+
+"_Monsieur V----?_"
+
+The second Empress nodded.
+
+No more was said.
+
+The two imperial figures passed away along the terrace, silhouetted
+against the red and stormy sunset sky, like two ministering spirits
+of peace brooding over a battleground of blood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----
+
+
+The great monarch by whose gracious command I write this narrative
+has given me his permission to preface it with the following
+remarkable document:
+
+      _Minute_: It is considered that it cannot but promote the
+      cause of peace and good understanding between the British
+      and Russian Governments if Monsieur V---- be authorized to
+      relate in the columns of some publication enjoying a wide
+      circulation, the steps by which he was enabled to throw
+      light on the occurrences in the North Sea.
+
+                         _By the Cabinet._
+
+In addition, I desire to state for the benefit of those who profess
+to see some impropriety in the introduction of real names into a
+narrative of this kind, that objections precisely similar to theirs
+were long ago raised, and long ago disposed of, in the case of
+Parliamentary reports, newspaper articles, society papers, and comic
+publications of all kinds; and, further, that I have never received
+the slightest intimation that my literary methods were displeasing to
+the illustrious personages whom my narratives are intended to honor.
+
+With this apology I may be permitted to proceed.
+
+On a certain day in the winter which preceded the outbreak of war
+between Russia and Japan, I received a summons to Buckingham Palace,
+London, to interview the Marquis of Bedale.
+
+I am unable to fix the precise date, as I have forsworn the dangerous
+practice of keeping a diary ever since the head of the French police
+convinced me that he had deciphered a code telegram of mine to the
+Emperor of Morocco.
+
+The Marquis and I were old friends, and, anticipating that I should
+find myself required to start immediately on some mission which might
+involve a long absence from my headquarters in Paris, I took my
+confidential secretary with me as far as the British capital,
+utilizing the time taken by the journey in instructing him how to
+deal with the various affairs I had in hand.
+
+I had just finished explaining to him the delicate character of the
+negotiation then pending between the new King of Servia and Prince
+Ferdinand of Bulgaria, when the train rolled into Charing Cross.
+
+Not wishing any one, however high in my confidence, to know too much
+of my movements, I ordered him to remain seated in the railway
+carriage, while I slipped out of the station and into the closed
+brougham for which I had telegraphed from Dover.
+
+I had said in the wire that I wished to be driven to a hotel in
+Piccadilly. It was not till I found myself in Cockspur Street that I
+pulled the check-string, and ordered the coachman to take me to
+Buckingham Palace.
+
+I mention these details in order to show that my precautions to
+insure secrecy are always of the most thorough character, so that, in
+fact, it would be quite impossible for any one to unveil my
+proceedings unless I voluntarily opened my lips.
+
+The instructions which I received from Lord Bedale were brief and to
+the point:
+
+"You are aware, of course, Monsieur V----, that there is a
+possibility of war breaking out before long between Russia and
+Japan."
+
+"It is more than a possibility, I am afraid, my lord. Things have
+gone so far that I do not believe it is any longer possible to avert
+war."
+
+His lordship appeared gravely concerned.
+
+"Do you tell me that it is too late for you to interfere with
+effect?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Even for me," I replied with firmness.
+
+Lord Bedale threw at me a glance almost imploring in its entreaty.
+
+"If you were to receive the most ample powers, the most liberal
+funds; if you were to be placed in direct communication with one of
+the most exalted personages in the Court of St Petersburg--would it
+still be impossible?"
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"Your lordship should have sent for me a fortnight ago. We have lost
+twelve days, that is to say, twelve battles."
+
+The Marquis of Bedale looked more and more distressed.
+
+"At least you can try?" he suggested.
+
+"I can try. But I am not omnipotent, my lord," I reminded him.
+
+He breathed a sigh of relief before going on to say:
+
+"But that is only the preliminary. Great Britain is bound to come to
+the assistance of Japan in certain contingencies."
+
+"In the event of her being attacked by a second Power," I observed.
+
+"Precisely. I rely on you to prevent that contingency arising."
+
+"That is a much easier matter, I confess."
+
+"Then you undertake to keep the war from extending to us?"
+
+"I undertake to keep a second Power from attacking Japan," I answered
+cautiously.
+
+Lord Bedale was quick to perceive my reservation.
+
+"But in that case we cannot be involved, surely?" he objected.
+
+"I cannot undertake to keep you from attacking Russia," I explained
+grimly.
+
+"But we should not dream of attacking her--without provocation," he
+returned, bewildered.
+
+"I fancy you will have a good deal of provocation," I retorted.
+
+"Why? What makes you think that?" he demanded.
+
+I suspected that Lord Bedale was either sounding me, or else that he
+had not been taken into the full confidence of those for whom he was
+acting.
+
+I responded evasively:
+
+"There are two personages in Europe, neither of whom will leave one
+stone unturned in the effort to involve you in war with Russia."
+
+"And they are?"
+
+Even as he put the question, Lord Bedale, as though acting
+unconsciously, raised one hand to his mustache, and gave it a
+pronounced upward twirl.
+
+"I see your lordship knows one of them," I remarked. "The other----"
+
+He bent forward eagerly.
+
+"Yes? The other?"
+
+"The other is a woman."
+
+"A woman?"
+
+He fell back in his chair in sheer surprise.
+
+"The other," I repeated in my most serious tone, "is a woman, perhaps
+the most formidable woman now living, not even excepting the Dowager
+Empress of China."
+
+"And her name?"
+
+"Her name would tell you nothing."
+
+"Still----"
+
+"If you really wish to hear it----"
+
+"I more than wish. I urge you."
+
+"Her name is the Princess Y----."
+
+Scarcely had the name of this dangerous and desperate woman passed my
+lips than I regretted having uttered it.
+
+Had I foreseen the perils to which I exposed myself by that single
+slip I might have hesitated in going on with my enterprise.
+
+As it was I determined to tell the Marquis of Bedale nothing more.
+
+"This business is too urgent to admit of a moment's unnecessary
+delay," I declared, rising to my feet. "If your lordship has no
+further instructions to give me, I will leave you."
+
+"One instant!" cried Lord Bedale. "On arriving in Petersburg you will
+go straight to report yourself to her majesty the Empress Dagmar."
+
+I bowed my head to conceal the expression which might have told his
+lordship that I intended to do nothing of the kind.
+
+"Your credentials," he added with a touch of theatricality, "will
+consist of a single word."
+
+"And that word?" I inquired.
+
+He handed me a sealed envelope.
+
+"I do not myself know it. It is written on a piece of paper inside
+that envelope, and I have to ask you to open the envelope, read the
+word, and then destroy the paper in my presence."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I proceeded to break the seal. But no
+sooner did my eyes fall on the word within, and above all on the
+handwriting in which that word was written, than I experienced a
+sensation of admiring pleasure.
+
+"Tell the writer, if you please, my lord, that I am grateful for this
+mark of confidence, which I shall endeavor to deserve."
+
+I rolled up the paper into a tiny pellet, swallowed it, and left the
+room and the Palace without uttering another word.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT
+
+
+I never use the same stratagem more than once. It is to this rule
+that I attribute my success.
+
+On previous missions to Russia I assumed the disguises of a French
+banker, of the private secretary to Prince Napoleon, of an emissary
+from an Indian Maharaja, and of an Abyssinian Maduga.
+
+I now decided to go thither as an Englishman, or rather--for there is
+a distinction between the two--as a Little Englander.
+
+It appeared to me that no character could be more calculated to gain
+me the confidence of the Anglophobes of the Russian Court. I
+anticipated that they would smother me with attentions, and that from
+their hypocritical professions I should stand a good chance of
+learning what was actually in their minds.
+
+No sooner had I taken this decision, which was while the brougham was
+being driven along the Mall, than I gave the order "---- House."
+
+I was driven to the office of a well known review conducted by a
+journalist of boundless philanthropy and credulity. Mr. Place--as I
+will call him--was within, and I at once came to business.
+
+"I am a Peace Crusader," I announced. "I have devoted myself to the
+sacred cause of which you are the foremost champion. At present war
+is threatened in the Far East. I am going to Russia to persuade the
+war party to abandon their designs. I have come here to ask you for
+your aid and countenance in this pious enterprise."
+
+The editor gave me a doubtful glance.
+
+"If it is a question of financial aid," he said not very
+encouragingly, "I must refer you to the treasurer of the World's
+Peace League. I am afraid our friends----"
+
+"No, no," I interrupted him. "It is not a question of funds. I am a
+wealthy man, and if you need a subscription at any time you have only
+to apply to me. What I desire is your moral support, your valuable
+advice, and perhaps a few introductions to the friends of peace in
+the Russian capital."
+
+The editor's face brightened.
+
+"Of course!" he exclaimed in cordial tones. "I will support you with
+all my heart. I will write up your mission in the _Review_, and I
+will give you as many introductions as you need. What is your name,
+again?"
+
+"Sterling. Mr. Melchisadek Sterling."
+
+The philanthropist nodded and touched a bell on his table.
+
+"I will give you a letter," he said, as his secretary came in and
+seated herself at the typewriter, "to the noblest creature I have
+ever met, a woman of high birth and immense fortune who has devoted
+herself to the cause."
+
+And turning 'round in his chair he dictated to the attentive
+secretary:
+
+"_My dear Princess Y_----"
+
+It needed all that command over my features which it has taken me
+twenty years to acquire to conceal the emotion with which I heard
+this name. Less than half an hour had passed since I had warned Lord
+Bedale that the Princess would be the most formidable enemy in my
+path, and now, on the very threshold of my enterprise, her name
+confronted me like an omen.
+
+I need not repeat the highly colored phrases in which the
+unsuspecting philanthropist commended me to this artful and
+formidable woman as a fellow-worker in the holy cause of human
+brotherhood.
+
+Not content with this service, the editor wanted to arrange a meeting
+of his league or brotherhood, or whatever it was, to give me a public
+send-off. As I understood that the meeting would partake of a
+religious character I could not bring myself to accept the offer.
+
+In addition to the letter to the Princess Y----, he gave me another
+to a member of the staff of the Russian Embassy in London, a M.
+Gudonov. He also urged me to call upon a member of Parliament, a
+rising politician who is not unlikely to have a ministerial post in
+the next government, and who has made himself known as an apologist
+of the Czar's. But as I had good reason to know that this gentleman
+was by no means a disinterested dupe, like Mr. Place, I prudently
+left him alone.
+
+On going to the Russian Embassy to have my passport viséd I inquired
+for M. Gudonov.
+
+The moment he entered the room I recognized him as one of the most
+unscrupulous agents of the notorious Third Section, one of the gang
+who drugged and kidnapped poor Alexander of Bulgaria. My own
+disguise, it is hardly necessary to say, was impenetrable.
+
+This precious apostle of peace greeted me with unction, on the
+editor's introduction.
+
+"You are going to our country on a truly noble errand," he declared,
+with tears in his eyes. "We Russians have reason to feel grateful to
+worthy Englishmen like you, who can rise above national prejudices
+and do justice to the benevolent designs of the Czar and his
+advisers."
+
+"I hope that I may be instrumental in averting a great catastrophe,"
+I said piously.
+
+"Even if you fail in preventing war," the Russian replied, "you will
+be able to tell your countrymen when you return, that it was due to
+the insane ambition of the heathen Japanese. It is the 'Yellow
+Peril,' my friend, to which that good Emperor William has drawn
+attention, from which we are trying to save Europe."
+
+I nodded my head as if well satisfied.
+
+"Whatever you and your friends in Petersburg tell me, I shall
+believe," I assured him. "I am convinced of the good intention of
+your Government."
+
+The Russian fairly grinned at this simplicity.
+
+"You cannot find a more trustworthy informant than the Princess
+Y----," he said gravely. "And just now she is in a position to know a
+very great deal."
+
+"How so?" I asked naturally--not that I doubted the statement.
+
+"The Princess has just been appointed a lady-in-waiting to her
+imperial majesty the Dowager Empress Dagmar."
+
+This was a serious blow. Knowing what I did of the past of Princess
+Y----, I felt that no ordinary pressure must have been brought to
+bear to secure her admission into the household of the Czaritza. And
+with what motive? It was a question to which there could be only one
+answer. The War Party had guessed or suspected that the Czar's mother
+was opposed to them, and they had resolved to place a spy on her
+actions.
+
+Inwardly thankful to Mr. Place for having been the means of procuring
+me this important information in advance, I received my passport and
+quitted the Embassy with the heartfelt congratulations of the
+ex-kidnapper.
+
+Forty-eight hours later I had crossed the Russian frontier, and my
+life was in the hands of the Princess.
+
+My first step on arriving in the capital of the North was to put up
+at the favorite hotel of English visitors. The coupons of a
+celebrated tourist agency were credentials in themselves, and I had
+not forgotten to provide myself with the three articles indispensable
+to the outfit of every traveling Briton--a guide book, a prayer book,
+and a bath sponge.
+
+At the risk of incurring the suspicions of the police agent stationed
+in the hotel, I mingled some hot water in the bath which I took on
+the first morning after my arrival. Then, having made my toilet and
+eaten the heavy breakfast provided for English visitors, I set out,
+suffering sadly from indigestion, to present my letter of
+introduction to the Princess.
+
+As this woman, the most brilliant recruit ever received into the
+Russian secret service, and a foe of whom I am not ashamed to confess
+that I felt some fear, has never been heard of by the public of Great
+Britain, I shall say a word concerning her.
+
+The Princess, whose Christian name was Sophia, was the daughter of a
+boyar of Little Russia. Her extraordinary beauty, while she was still
+a very young girl, attracted the attention of the governor of the
+province, Prince Y----, who was one of the wealthiest nobles in the
+Empire, and a widower. He made proposals for her hand which were
+accepted by her father, without the girl herself being asked to
+express an opinion in the matter, and at the age when an English girl
+would be leaving home for a convent or "high-school," Sophia became
+the Governor's wife.
+
+Almost immediately the Prince resigned his government and went to
+live in his splendid palace on the Nevsky Prospect, in Petersburg.
+Before very long, society in the Russian capital was startled to hear
+of the sudden deaths in rapid succession of both the Prince's
+children by his former wife, a son and a daughter. Then, after a
+brief interval, followed the tragic death of the Prince himself, who
+was found in bed one morning by his valet, with his throat cut.
+
+The almost satanic beauty and fascination of the youthful Princess
+had made her from the very first one of the most conspicuous
+personages at the Imperial Court. These three deaths, following on
+the heels of one another, roused the most dreadful suspicions, and
+the Czar Alexander III. personally charged his minister of justice
+to see that the law was carried out.
+
+Accordingly the police took possession of the palace while the corpse
+of its late owner still lay where it had been found. The most
+searching investigations were made, the servants were questioned and
+threatened, and it was rumored that the widow herself was for a short
+time under arrest.
+
+Suddenly a great change took place. The police withdrew, professing
+themselves satisfied that no crime had been committed. The deaths of
+the son and daughter were put down to natural causes, and that of the
+Prince was pronounced a suicide, due to grief at the loss of his
+children. Some of the servants disappeared--it was said into
+Siberia--and in due course the Princess resumed her place in society
+and at Court, as though nothing were amiss.
+
+Nevertheless, from that hour, as I have every reason to know, her
+life was really that of a slave to the head of the secret police. She
+appeared to go about unfettered, and to revel in the enjoyment of
+every luxury; but her time, her actions, and the vast wealth
+bequeathed to her by her husband, were all at the disposal of her
+tyrant.
+
+Time after time, in half the capitals of Europe, but more especially,
+of course, in that of Russia, I had come on traces of this terrible
+woman, not less terrible if it were true that she was herself the
+most miserable victim of the system of which she formed part.
+
+But singularly enough, though I had heard so much of the Princess I
+had never actually found myself pitted against her. And, more
+singularly still, I had never met her.
+
+From this it will be gathered that I experienced a sensation of more
+than ordinary curiosity and even apprehension as I presented myself
+at the house in the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to be admitted to the
+presence of its mistress.
+
+"Her highness is on duty at the Palace to-day," I was told by the
+chamberlain who received me in the inner hall. "Her carriage is just
+ordered to take her there. However, I will take up your letter, and
+inquire when her highness can see you."
+
+I sat down in the hall, outwardly a calm, stolid Briton, but inwardly
+a wrestler, wound up to the highest pitch of excitement and impatient
+for the sight of his antagonist.
+
+To pass the time suitably, I took my guide-book out of my pocket and
+began to read. The book opened at Herr Baedaker's description of the
+gloomy fortress of the Schlüsselburg, the dreaded prison of the foes
+of the Czar.
+
+The description did not tend to soothe my nerves, conscious as I was
+that the woman I was about to meet could consign me to the most
+noisome dungeon in the fortress by merely lifting her little finger.
+
+I was just closing the book with an involuntary shudder when I heard
+a light, almost girlish, laugh from above. I looked hastily, and saw
+the woman I had come to measure myself against standing poised like a
+bird on the top of the grand staircase.
+
+As I rose hurriedly to my feet, taking in every detail of her superb
+yet delicate figure, her complexion like a blush-rose, her lustrous
+eyes--they were dark violet on a closer view--and the cloud of
+rippling gold that framed her brow, I was moved, yes, positively
+carried away for a moment, by a sentiment such as few women have been
+able to inspire in me.
+
+Perceiving, no doubt, that she had produced the desired impression,
+the Princess ran lightly down the stairs and came toward me holding
+out two tiny hands, the fingers of which were literally gloved in
+diamonds.
+
+"My friend! My noble Englishman!" she exclaimed in the purest French.
+"And since when have you known that dear Monsieur Place?"
+
+I checked myself on the point of replying, pretended to falter, and
+then muttered in the worst French I could devise on the spur of the
+moment:
+
+"_Parlez-vous Anglais, s'il vous plaît, Madame?_"
+
+The Princess shook her head reproachfully.
+
+"You speak French too well not to understand it, I suspect," she
+retorted in the same language. Then dropping it for English, marred
+only by a slight Slavonic accent, she repeated:
+
+"But tell me,--dear Mr. Place, he is a great friend of yours, I
+suppose?"
+
+"I can hardly claim the honor of his personal friendship," I replied,
+rather lamely. "But I have always known and admired him as a public
+man."
+
+"Ah! He is so good, is he not? So generous, so confiding, so great a
+friend of our dear Russia. You know Mr. ----?"
+
+The name she uttered was that of the politician referred to above.
+She slipped it out swiftly, with the action of a cat pouncing.
+
+I shook my head with an air of distress.
+
+"I am afraid I am not important enough to know such a great man as
+that," I said with affected humility.
+
+The Princess hastened to relieve my embarrassment.
+
+"What is that to us!" she exclaimed. "You are an Englishman, you are
+benevolent, upright, truthful, and you esteem our country. Such men
+are always welcome in Russia. The Czaritza is waiting for me; but you
+will come back and dine with me, if not to-night, then to-morrow, or
+the next day. I will send an invitation to your hotel. My friends
+shall call on you. You are staying at the----?"
+
+I mentioned the name of the hotel, murmuring my thanks.
+
+"That is nothing," the beautiful woman went on in the same eager
+strain. "I shall have good news for you when we meet again, believe
+me. Yes--" she lowered her voice almost to a whisper--"our dear Czar
+is going to take the negotiations into his own hands. So it is said.
+His majesty is determined to preserve peace. The odious intrigues of
+the War group will be defeated, I can assure you. You will not be
+disappointed, my dear Mr.----" she snatched the editor's letter from
+her muff and glanced at it--"Mr. Sterling, if I tell you that you are
+going to have your journey for nothing. You will have a good time in
+Petersburg, all the same. But believe me when I tell you so, your
+journey will fortunately be for nothing!"
+
+And with the repetition of these words, and another bright bow and
+look which dazzled my senses, the wonderful creature swept past me to
+where the chamberlain stood ready to hand her into her carriage.
+
+For nothing?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE
+
+
+No reader can have failed to notice one remarkable point in the
+interview between the Princess Y---- and myself. I refer of course to
+her invitation to me to dine with her in the course of a day or two.
+
+Unless the etiquette of the Russian Court differed greatly from that
+of most others in Europe, it would be most indecorous for a
+lady-in-waiting, during her turn of service, to give entertainments
+at her private house.
+
+I felt certain that this invitation concealed some trap, but I
+puzzled myself uselessly in trying to guess what it could be.
+
+In the meantime I did not neglect certain other friends of mine in
+the city on the Neva, from whom I had some hope of receiving
+assistance.
+
+Although I have never gone so far as to enroll myself as an active
+Nihilist, I am what is known as an Auxiliary. In other words, without
+being under the orders of the great secret committee which wages
+underground war with the Russian Government, I have sometimes
+rendered it voluntary services, and I have at all times the privilege
+of communicating with it, and exchanging information.
+
+While waiting for the next move on the part of the Princess,
+therefore, I decided to get in touch with the revolutionists.
+
+I made my way on foot to a certain tavern situated near the port, and
+chiefly patronized by German and Scandinavian sailors.
+
+The host of the Angel Gabriel, as the house was called, was a
+Nihilist of old standing, and one of their most useful agents for
+introducing forbidden literature into the empire.
+
+Printed mostly in London, in a suburb called Walworth, the
+revolutionary tracts are shipped to Bergen or Lubeck, and brought
+thence by these sailors concealed in their bedding. At night, after
+the customs officers have departed, a boat with a false keel puts off
+from a quay higher up the Neva, and passes down the river to where
+the newly arrived ship is lying; the packages are dropped overboard
+as it drifts past the side and hidden under the bottom boards; and
+then the boat returns up the river, where its cargo is transferred to
+the cellars of the tavern.
+
+The host, a namesake of the Viceroy of Manchuria, was serving in the
+bar when I came in. I called for a glass of vodka, and in doing so
+made the sign announcing myself as an Auxiliary.
+
+Alexieff said nothing in reply, but the sailors lounging in the bar
+began to finish off their drinks and saunter out one by one, till in
+a short time the place was empty.
+
+"Well?" said the tavern-keeper, as soon as we were alone.
+
+It was not my first visit to the Angel Gabriel, and I lost no time in
+convincing Alexieff of my identity. As soon as he recognized me, I
+said:--
+
+"You know the Princess Y----?"
+
+The expression of rage and fear which convulsed his features was a
+sufficient answer.
+
+"You know, moreover, that she is at present working her hardest to
+bring about a war between Russia and Japan, with the hope of
+ultimately involving Great Britain?"
+
+He nodded sullenly.
+
+"How does that affect your friends?" I asked cautiously. Something in
+the man's face warned me not to show my own hand just then.
+
+"We hate her, of course," he said grudgingly, "but just now we have
+received orders that she is not to be interfered with."
+
+I drew a deep breath.
+
+"Then you regard this war----?"
+
+"We regard it as the beginning of the revolution," he answered. "We
+know that the Empire is utterly unprepared. The Viceroy Alexieff is a
+vain boaster. Port Arthur is not provisioned. The Navy is rotten. The
+Army cannot be recruited except by force. The taxes are already
+excessive and cannot be increased. In short, we look forward to see
+the autocracy humiliated. The moment its prestige is gone, and the
+moujik feels the pinch of famine, our chance will come."
+
+I saw that I had come to the wrong quarter for assistance.
+
+"Then you will do nothing against this woman at present?" I remarked,
+anxious to leave the impression that she was the only object of my
+concern.
+
+"No. At least not until war is definitely declared. After that I
+cannot say."
+
+"And you think the war sure to come?"
+
+"We are certain of it. One of our most trusted members is on the
+board of the Manchurian Syndicate."
+
+"The Syndicate which has obtained the concessions in Korea?"
+
+"Against which Japan has protested, yes."
+
+I felt the full force of this announcement, having watched the
+proceedings of the Syndicate for some months for reasons of my own.
+
+Every student of modern history has remarked the fact that all recent
+wars have been promoted by great combinations of capitalists. The
+causes which formerly led to war between nation and nation have
+ceased to operate. Causes, or at least pretexts, for war continue to
+occur, but whether they are followed up depends mainly on commercial
+considerations. A distant Government is oppressing its subjects, it
+may be in Turkey, it may be in Cuba, it may be in Africa. No matter,
+some great Power suddenly discovers it is interested; the drums are
+beaten, the flag is unfurled, and armies are launched on their path.
+The next year, perhaps, the same Power sees its own subjects
+massacred wantonly off its own coasts by a foreign fleet. Nothing
+happens; a few speeches are made, and the whole incident is referred
+to arbitration, and forgotten.
+
+It is the consideration of money which decides between peace and war.
+
+Perceiving it was useless to ask any assistance of the Nihilists in
+my forlorn enterprise, I returned sadly to my hotel.
+
+Hardly had I finished the immense lunch on which I was compelled to
+gorge myself, when a waiter brought me a card, the name on which gave
+me an electric shock.
+
+"_M. Petrovitch._"
+
+Every one has heard of this man, the promoter of the Manchurian
+Syndicate, and, if report spoke truly, the possessor of an influence
+over the young Czar which could be attributed only to some occult
+art.
+
+I could not doubt that this powerful personage had been instigated to
+call on me by the Princess Y----.
+
+What then? Was it likely that she would have sent the most
+influential man in the imperial circle to wait upon a traveling
+fanatic, a visionary humanitarian from Exeter Hall?
+
+Impossible! Somehow something must have leaked out to rouse the
+suspicions of this astute plotter, and make her guess that I was not
+what I seemed.
+
+It was with the sensations of a man struggling in the meshes of an
+invisible net that I saw M. Petrovitch enter the room.
+
+The celebrated wire-puller, whose name was familiar to every
+statesman and stock-broker in Europe, had an appearance very unlike
+his reputation.
+
+He was the court dandy personified. Every detail of his dress was
+elaborated to the point of effeminacy. His hands were like a girl's,
+his long hair was curled and scented, he walked with a limp and spoke
+with a lisp, removing a gold-tipped cigarette from his well-displayed
+teeth.
+
+As the smoke of the cigarette drifted toward me, I was conscious of
+an acute, but imperfect, twinge of memory. The sense of smell, though
+the most neglected, is the most reliable sense with which we are
+furnished. I could not be mistaken in thinking I had smelt tobacco
+like that before.
+
+"I have come to see you without losing a moment, Mr. Sterling," he
+said in very good English. "My good friend Madame Y---- sent me a
+note from the Palace to beg me to show you every attention. It is too
+bad that an ambassador of peace--a friend of that great and good man,
+Place, should be staying in a hotel, while hundreds of Russians would
+be delighted to welcome him as their guest. My house is a poor one,
+it is true, and I am hardly of high enough rank, still----"
+
+The intriguer was asking me to transfer myself to his roof, to become
+his prisoner, in effect.
+
+"I cannot thank you enough," I responded, "but I am not going to
+stay. The Princess has convinced me that the war-cloud will blow
+over, and I think of going on to Constantinople to intercede with the
+Sultan on behalf of the Armenians."
+
+"A noble idea," M. Petrovitch responded warmly. "What would the world
+do without such men as you? But at all events you will dine with me
+before you go?"
+
+It was the second invitation to dinner I had received that day. But,
+after all, I could hardly suspect a trap in everything.
+
+"Do you share the hopes of the Princess?" I asked M. Petrovitch,
+after thanking him for his hospitality.
+
+The syndicate-monger nodded.
+
+"I have been working night and day for peace," he declared
+impudently, "and I think I may claim that I have done some good. The
+Japanese are seeking for an excuse to attack us, but they will not
+get it."
+
+"The Manchurian Syndicate?" I ventured to hint, rising to go to the
+bell.
+
+"The Syndicate is wholly in favor of peace," he assured me, watching
+my movement with evident curiosity. "We require it, in fact, to
+develop our mines, our timber concessions, our----"
+
+A waiter entered in response to my ring.
+
+"Bring me some cigarettes--your best," I ordered him.
+
+As the man retreated it was borne in on my guest that he had been
+guilty of smoking in my room without offering me his case.
+
+"A thousand pardons!" he exclaimed. "Won't you try one of mine?"
+
+I took a cigarette from the case he held out, turned it between my
+fingers, and lit it from the end farthest from the maker's imprint.
+
+"If I am satisfied that all danger is removed I should be inclined to
+apply for some shares in your undertaking," I said, giving the
+promoter a meaning look.
+
+From the expression in his eyes it was evident that this precious
+scoundrel was ready to sell Czar, Russia and fellow-promoters all
+together.
+
+While he was struggling between his natural greed and his suspicion
+the waiter reentered with some boxes of cigarettes.
+
+I smelt the tobacco of each and made my choice, at the same time
+pitching the half-smoked cigarette given to me by M. Petrovitch into
+the fireplace, among the ashes.
+
+"Your tobacco is a little too strong for me," I remarked by way of
+excuse.
+
+But the Russian was wrapped up in the thought of the bribe at which I
+had just hinted.
+
+"I shall bear in mind what you say," he declared, as he rose.
+
+"Depend upon it, if it is possible for me to meet your wishes, I
+shall be happy to do so."
+
+I saw him go off, like a fish with the bait in its mouth. Directly
+the door closed behind him I sprang to the fireplace, rescued the
+still burning cigarette and quenched it, and then, carefully brushing
+away the dust, read the maker's brand once more.
+
+An hour later simultaneous messages were speeding over the wires to
+my correspondents in London, Amsterdam and Hamburg:
+
+      Ascertain what becomes of all cigarettes made by
+      Gregorides; brand, Crown Aa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH
+
+
+The next morning at breakfast I found the two invitations already
+promised. That of the head of the Manchurian Syndicate was for the
+same night.
+
+Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason for
+this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the Marquis
+of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager Empress in
+person.
+
+Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty, I
+drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
+livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
+by an equerry.
+
+"I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give to
+her majesty in person," I told him. "Be good enough to let her know
+that the messenger from the Queen of England has arrived."
+
+He went out of the room, and at the end of ten minutes the door
+opened again and admitted--the Princess Y----!
+
+Overpowered by this unlucky accident, as I at first supposed it to
+be, I rose to my feet, muttering some vague phrase of courtesy.
+
+But the Princess soon showed me that the meeting did not take her by
+surprise.
+
+"So you have a message for my dear mistress?" she cried in an accent
+of gay reproach. "And you never breathed a word of it to me. Mr.
+Sterling, I shall begin to think you are a conspirator. _How_ long
+did you say you had known that good Mr. Place? But I am talking while
+her majesty is waiting. Have you any password by which the Czaritza
+will know whom you come from?"
+
+"I can tell that only to her majesty, I am afraid," I answered
+guardedly.
+
+"I am in her majesty's confidence."
+
+And bringing her exquisite face so near to mine that I was oppressed
+by the scent of the tuberoses in her bosom, she whispered three
+syllables in my ear.
+
+Dismayed by this proof of the fatal progress the dangerous police
+agent had already made, I could only admit by a silent bow that the
+password was correct.
+
+"Then come with me, Mr. Sterling," the Princess said with what
+sounded like a malicious accent on the name.
+
+The reception which I met from the Dowager Empress was gracious in
+the extreme. I need not recount all that passed. Her imperial majesty
+repeated with evident sincerity the assurances which had already
+been given me in a different spirit by the two arch-intriguers.
+
+"There will be no war. The Czar has personally intervened. He has
+taken the negotiations out of the hands of Count Lamsdorff, and
+written an autograph letter to the Mikado which will put an end to
+the crisis."
+
+I listened with a distrust which I could not wholly conceal.
+
+"I trust his majesty has not intervened too late," I said
+respectfully, my mind bent on framing some excuse to get rid of the
+listener. "According to the newspapers the patience of the Japanese
+is nearly exhausted."
+
+"No more time will be lost," the Czaritza responded. "The messenger
+leaves Petersburg to-night with the Czar's letter."
+
+I stole a cautious glance in the direction of the Princess Y----. She
+was breathing deeply, her eyes fixed on the Czaritza's lips, and her
+hands tightly clenched.
+
+I put on an air of great relief.
+
+"In that case, your majesty, I have no more to do in Petersburg. I
+will wire the good news to Lord Bedale, and return to England
+to-morrow or the next day. I beg your pardon, Princess!" I pretended
+to exclaim by a sudden afterthought, "_after_ the next day." And
+turning once more to the mother of the Czar, I explained:
+
+"The Princess has honored me with an invitation to dinner."
+
+The Dowager Empress glanced at her attendant in evident surprise.
+
+"I must implore your pardon, Madam," the Princess stammered, in real
+confusion. "I am aware I ought to have solicited your leave in the
+first place, but knowing that this gentleman came from----"
+
+She broke off, fairly unable to meet the questioning gaze of her
+imperial mistress.
+
+I pretended to come to her relief.
+
+"I have a private message," I said to the Empress.
+
+"You may leave us, Princess," the Empress said coldly.
+
+As soon as the door had closed on her, I gave a warning look at the
+Czaritza.
+
+"That woman, Madam, is the most dangerous agent in the secret service
+of your Empire."
+
+I trusted to the little scene I had just contrived to prepare the
+mind of the Czaritza for this intimation. But she received it as a
+matter of course.
+
+"Sophia Y---- has been all that you say, Monsieur V----. I am well
+acquainted with her history. The poor thing has been a victim of the
+most fiendish cruelty on the part of the Minister of Police, for
+years. At last, unable to bear her position any longer, she appealed
+to me. She told me her harrowing story, and implored me to receive
+her, and secure her admission to a convent. I investigated the case
+thoroughly."
+
+"Your majesty will pardon me, I am sure, if I say that as a man with
+some experience of intrigue, I thoroughly distrust that woman's
+sincerity. She is intimate with M. Petrovitch, to my knowledge."
+
+"But M. Petrovitch is also on the side of peace, so I am assured."
+
+I began to despair.
+
+"You will believe me, or disbelieve me as your majesty pleases. But I
+am accustomed to work for those who honor me with their entire
+confidence. If the Princess Y---- is to be taken into the secret of
+my work on your majesty's behalf, I must respectfully ask to be
+released."
+
+As I offered her majesty this alternative in a firm voice, I was
+inwardly trembling. On the reply hung, perhaps, the fate of two
+continents.
+
+But the Dowager Empress did not hesitate.
+
+"What you stipulate for shall be done, Monsieur V----. I am too well
+aware of the value of your services, and the claims you have on the
+confidence of your employers, to dispute your conditions."
+
+"The messenger who is starting to-night--does the Princess know who
+he is?"
+
+"I believe so. It is no secret. The messenger is Colonel Menken."
+
+"In that case he will never reach Tokio."
+
+Her majesty could not suppress a look of horror.
+
+"What do you advise?" she demanded tremulously.
+
+"His majesty the Czar must at once write a duplicate of the despatch,
+unknown to any living soul but your majesty, and that despatch must
+be placed by you in my hands."
+
+The Dowager Empress gazed at me for a moment in consternation.
+
+But the soundness of the plan I had proposed quickly made itself
+manifest to her.
+
+"You are right, Monsieur V----," her majesty said approvingly. "I
+will communicate with the Czar without delay. By what time do you
+want the despatch?"
+
+"In time to catch the Siberian express to-night, if your majesty
+pleases. I purpose to travel by the same train as Colonel Menken--it
+is possible I may be able to avert a tragedy.
+
+"And since your majesty has told me that the Princess Y---- is aware
+of the Colonel's errand, let me venture to urge you most strongly not
+to let her out of your sight on any pretense until he is safely on
+his way."
+
+I need not go into the details of the further arrangements made with
+a view to my receiving the duplicate despatch in secrecy.
+
+I came away from the Palace fully realizing the serious nature of my
+undertaking. I understood now all that had worried me in the
+proceedings of the Princess. It was clear to me that Lord Bedale, or
+the personage on whose behalf he instructed me, had wired to the
+Dowager Empress, notifying her majesty of my coming, and that she had
+shown the message to her lady-in-waiting.
+
+Blaming myself bitterly for not having impressed the necessity for
+caution on the Marquis, I at once set about providing myself with a
+more effectual disguise.
+
+It is a proverb on the lips of every moujik in Petersburg that all
+Russia obeys the Czar, and the Czar obeys the Tchin. Ever since the
+bureaucracy deliberately allowed Alexander II. to be assassinated by
+the Nihilists out of anger at his reforming tendencies, the Russian
+monarchs have felt more real dread of their own police than of the
+revolutionists. The _Tchin_, the universally-pervading body of
+officials, who run the autocracy to fill their pockets, and indulge
+their vile propensities at the expense of the governed, is as
+omnipotent as it is corrupt. Everywhere in that vast Empire the word
+of the Tchinovink is law--and there is no other law except his word.
+
+Taking the bull by the horns, I went straight to the Central Police
+Bureau of the capital, and asked to see a certain superintendent
+named Rostoy.
+
+To this man, with whom I had had some dealings on a previous
+occasion, and whose character was well understood by me, I explained
+that I had accepted a mission from a friendly Power to travel along
+the Siberian Railway and report on its capacity to keep the Army of
+Manchuria supplied with food and ammunition in the event of war.
+
+He expressed no surprise when I told him it was essential that I
+should leave Petersburg that night, and accordingly it did not take
+us long to come to terms.
+
+The service which I required of him was, of course, a fresh passport,
+with a complete disguise which would enable me to pass anywhere along
+the railway or in Manchuria without being detected or interfered with
+by the agents of the Government.
+
+After some discussion we decided that the safest plan would be for me
+to travel in the character of a Russian police officer charged with
+the detection of the train thieves and card-sharpers who abound on
+every great route of travel. I could think of no part which would
+serve better to enable me to watch over the safety of the Czar's
+envoy without exciting suspicion.
+
+I placed in Rostoy's hands the first instalment of a heavy bribe, and
+arranged to return an hour before the departure of the Moscow
+express to carry out my transformation.
+
+It was only as I left his office that I remembered my unlucky
+engagement to dine that very night with the head of the Manchurian
+Syndicate.
+
+I perceived that these hospitalities were well devised checks on my
+movements, and it was with something of a shock that I realized that
+when I went to dinner that evening with the most active promoter of
+the war I should be carrying the Czar's peace despatch in my pocket!
+
+If the enemies of peace had foreseen every step that I was to take in
+the discharge of my mission, their measures could not have been more
+skilfully arranged.
+
+And as this reflection occurred to me I turned my head nervously, and
+remarked a man dressed like a hotel porter lounging carelessly in my
+track.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY
+
+
+Readers of that prince of romancers, Poe, will recollect a celebrated
+story in which he describes the device employed by a man of uncommon
+shrewdness to conceal a stolen letter from the perquisitions of the
+police, and the elaborate argument by which the writer proves that
+the highest art of concealment is to thrust the object to be hidden
+under the very nose of the searcher.
+
+But that argument is one of the many mystifications in which the
+weird genius of Poe delighted. It is easy to see, in short, that the
+theory was invented to suit the story, and not the story to suit the
+theory. I now had before me the practical problem of concealing a
+document of surpassing importance, from enemies who were already on
+my scent, and keeping it concealed during a journey of some thousands
+of miles.
+
+The ordinary hiding-places of valuable papers, such as the lining of
+clothes, or a false bottom to a trunk, I dismissed without serious
+consideration. My luggage would probably be stolen, and I might be
+drugged long before I reached Dalny.
+
+The problem was all the more difficult for me because I have
+generally made it a rule to avoid charging myself with written
+instructions. I am sufficiently well known by reputation to most
+European sovereigns to be able to dispense with ordinary credentials.
+But in approaching the Mikado of Japan, a ruler to whom I was
+personally unknown, it was clearly necessary for me to have something
+in writing from the Russian Emperor.
+
+All at once an idea flashed on my mind, so simple, and yet so
+incapable of detection (as it seemed to me), that I almost smiled in
+the face of the man who was dogging my steps along the street, no
+doubt under instructions from the War Syndicate.
+
+That afternoon I was closeted with the Emperor of All the Russias in
+his private cabinet for nearly an hour.
+
+It is not my habit to repeat details of private conversations, when
+they are not required to illustrate the progress of public events,
+and therefore I will say merely that the Czar was evidently in
+earnest in his desire to avoid war, but greatly hampered and
+bewildered by the difficult representations made to him by, or on
+behalf of, those to whose interests war was essential.
+
+It was melancholy to see the destinies of half Europe and Asia, and
+the lives of scores of thousands of brave men, hanging on the will of
+an irresolute young man, depressed by the consciousness of his own
+infirmity, and desperately seeking for some stronger mind on which to
+lean. Had I not been placed by my Polish sentiment in a position of
+antagonism to the Czardom, perhaps--but it is useless to indulge in
+these reflections.
+
+One thing in the course of the interview struck me as having great
+significance for the future. I found that his majesty, who had
+entertained at one time a strong dislike of the German Emperor, a
+dislike not untinged with jealousy, had now completely altered his
+opinion. He spoke to me of Wilhelm II. in terms of highest praise,
+declared that he was under the greatest obligations to him for useful
+warnings and advice, said that he believed he had no truer or more
+zealous friend.
+
+When I drove to the house of M. Petrovitch that evening I carried,
+carefully sewn between the inner and outer folds of my well-starched
+shirt-front, where no sound of crackling would excite remark, a sheet
+of thin note-paper covered in a very small handwriting with the text
+of the Czar's letter to the ruler of Japan.
+
+M. Petrovitch was not alone. Around his hospitable board he had
+gathered some of the highest and proudest personages of the Russian
+Court, including the Grand Duke Staniolanus, generally believed to be
+the heart and soul of the War Party. His imperial highness was
+well-known to be a desperate gambler, up to the neck in debts
+contracted at the card-table, and bent on recouping himself out of
+the wealth of Korea and Manchuria.
+
+I was duly presented to this royal personage (whom I had met once
+before under widely different circumstances) in the character of a
+Peace Crusader, an emissary of the philanthropists of Great Britain.
+
+At the dinner-table, where I found myself placed on my host's left
+hand, while the Grand Duke was on his right, the conversation
+continued to be in the same strain. That Petrovitch believed me to be
+an English peace fanatic I did not believe any longer, but I could
+not tell if any, or how many, of the others were in his confidence.
+
+As soon as the solid part of the feast was disposed of, Petrovitch
+rose to his feet, and after a bow to the Grand Duke, launched out
+into a formal speech proposing my health.
+
+He commenced with the usual professions in favor of peace, spoke of
+the desire felt by all Russians to preserve the friendship of
+England, eulogized the work done by my friend the editor, and by
+other less disinterested friends of Russia in London, and wound up by
+asking all the company to give me a cordial welcome, and to send a
+message of congratulation and good-will to the British public.
+
+Knowing as I did, that the man was a consummate rogue, who had
+probably invited me to his house in order to keep me under
+observation, and possibly to prevent my getting scent of the
+intrigues pursued by his friend and ally, Princess Y----, I was still
+at a loss to understand the reason for this performance.
+
+I have learned since that an account of the proceedings, with
+abstracts from this hypocritical speech, was telegraphed to England,
+and actually found its way into some of the newspapers under the
+heading, "Peace Demonstration in St. Petersburg: No Russian Wants
+War."
+
+There was one of the guests, however, who made no pretense of
+listening with pleasure to the smooth speech of M. Petrovitch. This
+was a dark young man of about thirty, in a naval uniform. He sat
+scowling while his host spoke, and barely lifted his glass from the
+table at the conclusion.
+
+A minute or two later I took an opportunity to ask the promoter the
+name of this ungracious officer.
+
+"That?" my host exclaimed, looking 'round the table, "Oh, that is
+Captain Vassileffsky, one of our most distinguished sailors. He is a
+naval aide-de-camp to the Czar."
+
+I made a note of his name and face, being warned by a presentiment
+which I could not resist that I should come across him again.
+
+The champagne now began to flow freely, and as it flowed the tongues
+of many of the company were unloosed by degrees. From the subject of
+peace the conversation passed rapidly to the possibilities of war,
+and the Japanese were spoken of in a way that plainly showed me how
+little those present understood the resolution and resources of the
+Island Empire.
+
+"The Japanese dare not fire the first shot and, since we will not,
+there will be no war," declared my left-hand neighbor.
+
+"The war will be fought in Japan, not in Manchuria," affirmed the
+Grand Duke with a condescending air. "It will be a case of the Boers
+over again. They may give us some trouble, but we shall annex their
+country."
+
+M. Petrovitch gave me a glance of alarm.
+
+"Russia does not wish to add to her territory," he put in; "but we
+may find it necessary to leave a few troops in Tokio to maintain
+order, while we pursue our civilizing mission."
+
+I need not recount the other remarks, equally arrogant.
+
+Abstemious by habit, I had a particular reason for refraining from
+taking much wine on this night. It was already past nine o'clock, the
+train for Moscow, which connected there with the Siberian express,
+started at midnight, and I had to be at the police bureau by eleven
+at the latest to make the changes necessary for my disguise.
+
+I therefore allowed my glass to remain full, merely touching it with
+my lips occasionally when my host pressed me to drink. M. Petrovitch
+did not openly notice my abstinence, but presently I heard him give
+an order to the butler who waited behind his chair.
+
+The butler turned to the sideboard for a moment, and then came
+forward bearing a silver tray on which stood a flagon of cut-glass
+and silver with a number of exquisite little silver cups like
+egg-shells.
+
+"You will not refuse to taste our Russian national beverage, Mr.
+Sterling," the head of the War Syndicate said persuasively, as the
+butler began filling the tiny cups.
+
+It was a challenge which I could not refuse without rudeness, though
+it struck me as rather out of place that the vodka should be offered
+to me before to the imperial guest on my host's right.
+
+The butler filled two cups, M. Petrovitch taking the second from the
+tray as I lifted the first to my lips.
+
+"You know our custom," the financier exclaimed smilingly. "No
+heeltaps!"
+
+He lifted his own cup with a brave air, and I tossed off the contents
+of my own without stopping.
+
+As the fiery liquor ran down my throat I was conscious of something
+in its taste which was unlike the flavor of any vodka I had ever
+drunk before. But this circumstance aroused no suspicion in my mind.
+I confess that it never occurred to me that any one could be daring
+enough to employ so crude and dangerous a device as a drugged draft
+at a quasi-public banquet, given to an English peace emissary, with a
+member of the imperial family sitting at the board.
+
+I was undeceived the next moment. Petrovitch, as soon as he saw that
+my cup had been emptied, sat down his own untasted, and, with a
+well-acted movement of surprise and regret, turned to the Grand Duke.
+
+"I implore your pardon, sir. I did not ask if you would not honor me
+by taking the first cup!"
+
+The Grand Duke, whom I readily acquitted of any share in the other's
+design, shrugged his shoulders with an indifferent air.
+
+"If you wish your friends to drink vodka, you should not put
+champagne like this before us," he said laughing.
+
+Petrovitch said something in reply; he turned and scolded the butler
+as well, I fancy. But my brain was becoming confused. I had just
+sufficient command of my faculties left to feign ignorance of the
+true situation.
+
+"I am feeling a little faint. That _pâté_"--I contrived to murmur.
+
+And then I heard Captain Vassileffsky cry out in an alarm that was
+unmistakably genuine--"Look out for the Englishman! He is
+swooning"--and I knew no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED
+
+
+My first thought, as my senses began to come back to me, was of the
+train which was due to leave Petersburg for Moscow at midnight.
+
+I clutched at my watch, and drew it forth. The hands marked the time
+as 9.25. Apparently I had not been unconscious for more than a few
+seconds.
+
+My second glance assured me that my clothes were not disarranged. My
+shirt-front, concealing the Czar's autograph letter, was exactly as
+when I sat down to the table.
+
+Only after satisfying myself on these two points did I begin to take
+in the rest of my surroundings.
+
+I was resting on a couch against the wall in the room where we had
+dined. My host, the head of the Manchuria Syndicate, was standing
+beside me, watching my recovery with a friendly and relieved
+expression, as though honestly glad to see me myself again. A
+servant, holding in his hand a bottle which appeared to contain sal
+volatile, was looking on from the foot of the bed, in an attitude of
+sympathetic attention. The other guests had left the room, and the
+state of the table, covered with half-filled glasses and hastily
+thrown down napkins, made it evident that they had cleared out of the
+way to give me a chance to come to.
+
+The cold air blowing over my forehead told me that a window had been
+opened. A Russian January is not favorable to much ventilation. As a
+rule the houses of the well-to-do are provided with double windows,
+which are kept hermetically sealed while the rooms are in use. The
+fact that the dining-room was still warm was sufficient proof that
+the window could not have been opened for more than the briefest
+time.
+
+It was a singular thing that, in spite of these assurances that my
+swoon had been an affair of moments only, I was seized by an
+overmastering desire to get away from the house immediately.
+
+I heard M. Petrovitch exclaim--
+
+"Thank Heaven--you are better! I began to be afraid that your seizure
+was going to last. I must go and reassure my guests. The Grand Duke
+will be delighted to hear your are recovering. He was most distressed
+at the attack."
+
+I sat upright with an effort, and staggered to my feet.
+
+"I am ashamed to have given you so much trouble," I said. "I can't
+remember ever fainting like this before. Please make my excuses to
+his imperial highness and the rest of the company."
+
+"But what are you doing?" cried M. Petrovitch in dismay. "You must
+not attempt to move yet."
+
+"I shall be better in bed," I answered in a voice which I purposely
+strove to render as faint as possible. "If you will excuse me, I will
+go straight to my hotel."
+
+The promoter's brow wrinkled. I saw that he was trying to devise some
+pretext to detain me, and my anxiety to find myself clear of his
+house redoubled.
+
+"If you will do me a favor, I should be glad if you would let one of
+your servants come with me as far as the hotel," I said. "I am
+feeling rather giddy and weak."
+
+The secret chief of the War Party caught eagerly at the suggestion.
+It was no doubt exactly what he desired.
+
+"Mishka," he said, turning to the servant, and speaking in Russian,
+"this gentleman asks you to accompany him to his hotel, as he has not
+yet recovered. Take great care of him, and do not leave him until he
+is safe in his own bed."
+
+The man nodded, giving his master a look which said--I understand
+what you want me to do.
+
+Thanks to this request on my part, M. Petrovitch raised no further
+objection to my departure. I stumbled out of the room, pretending to
+cling to the servant's arm for support, and let him help me on with
+my furs, while the porter was summoning a sleigh.
+
+There was a hurried consultation in low tones between my host and the
+porter. Rather to my surprise the carriage, when it appeared, was a
+closed one, being a species of brougham on runners instead of wheels.
+I allowed myself to be carried down the steps like a child, and
+placed inside; the door was closed, with the windows carefully drawn
+up, and the jailer--for such he was to all intents and purposes--got
+on the box.
+
+The sleigh swept out of the courtyard and across the city. Directly
+it was in the street, I very softly lowered one of the windows and
+peered out. The streets seemed to me more deserted than usual at such
+an hour. I was idly wondering whether the imminence of war could
+account for this when I heard a church clock beginning to strike.
+
+Once--twice--the chimes rang out. And then, as I was preparing to
+close the window, they went on a third time--a fourth!
+
+I held my breath, and listened with straining ears, as the great
+notes boomed forth from the distant town across the silent streets
+and houses.
+
+One--two--three--four--five--six--seven--eight--nine--ten--ELEVEN!
+
+I understood at last. That drugged sleep had lasted an hour and a
+half, and before I came to myself my watch had been deliberately set
+back to the minute at which I lost consciousness, in order to prevent
+me from suspecting that I had been searched, or that there was
+anything wrong about the affair.
+
+Had I taken time for reflection I should probably have made up my
+mind to lose the Moscow express. In order to lull the suspicions of
+the conspirators, by making them believe I was their dupe, I should
+have let myself be taken to the hotel and put to bed in accordance
+with the kind instructions of my late host. In that case, no doubt,
+my watch would have been secretly put right again while I was asleep.
+
+But I could not bear the idea of all my carefully planned
+arrangements being upset. Above all things, I desired to keep up my
+prestige with the superintendent of police, Rostoy, who regarded me
+as an invincible being possessed of almost magical powers. At the
+moment when the clock was striking I ought to have been walking into
+his room in the bureau of the Third Section.
+
+Grinding my teeth with vexation, I very gently opened the door of
+the carriage, which was traveling noiselessly over the snow, and
+slipped out.
+
+I had taken care to ascertain that no onlooker was near. As soon as
+the sleigh was 'round the corner of the street I hailed a public
+conveyance and directed the driver to take me to the police office.
+
+I was only five minutes late in keeping my appointment. Detecting a
+look of slight surprise on the face of the superintendent, I
+apologized for keeping him waiting.
+
+"It is my habit to be punctual, even in trifling matters like this,"
+I remarked carelessly. "But the fact is I have been drugged and
+kidnapped since I saw you, and it took me five minutes to dispose of
+the rascals."
+
+Rostoy stared at me with stupid incredulity.
+
+"You are joking, Monsieur V----, I suppose," he muttered. "But,
+however, since you have arrived, there is your disguise. You will
+find everything in the pockets complete, including a handkerchief
+marked with the initials of the name you have chosen."
+
+"Monsieur Rostoy, you are an able man, with whom it is pleasure to do
+business," I responded heartily.
+
+The Russian swelled with pride at this compliment. I hastily changed
+clothes, shifting nothing from my discarded costume except a
+cigarette case which I had filled with the hotel cigarettes. My
+inquiry as to the Gregorides brand smoked by M. Petrovitch had not
+yet been answered.
+
+"Surely you are not going to wear that linen shirt of yours right
+across Siberia!" exclaimed Rostoy, who never took his eyes off me.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders.
+
+"It is a whim of mine always to wear linen," I responded. "I am not a
+rheumatic subject. And, besides, I have no time to lose."
+
+The superintendent threw a regretful look at the flannel shirt he had
+provided for me.
+
+As soon as I had finished my preparations I handed a thick bundle of
+ruble notes to the superintendent.
+
+"As much more when I come back safe," was all I said.
+
+Rostoy snatched at his pay, his eyes sparkling with greed.
+
+"Good-by and a good journey!" he cried as I strode out.
+
+Once in the street, I had no difficulty in finding a sleigh, this
+time an open one, to convey me to the railway station. I glanced at
+my watch, which I had set by the church clock, and calculated that I
+should have a few minutes to spare.
+
+But I had not allowed for Russian ideas as to time. As the sleigh
+drew up at the great terminus, and I came in view of the station
+clock, I saw that it was on the stroke of midnight.
+
+Flinging the driver his fare I rushed toward the barrier.
+
+"Moscow!" I shouted to the railway official in charge.
+
+"The train has just left," was the crushing reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE RACE FOR SIBERIA
+
+
+The unnatural strain I had put on my strength, undermined as it had
+been by the drugged vodka, gave way under this depressing failure,
+and for an instant I seriously thought of abandoning my effort to
+catch the Czar's messenger.
+
+I could leave Colonel Menken to pursue his journey, taking care of
+himself as best he could, while I followed by a later train. But I
+had little thought of that, as to adopt such a course would be to
+abandon the gallant officer to his fate. Whatever the War Syndicate
+might or might not know or suspect about myself, there could be no
+doubt that they knew all there was to know about Menken, and that the
+Colonel would never be allowed to reach Dalny with his despatch,
+alive.
+
+"Show me the passenger list," I demanded sternly, determined to use
+to the full the advantages conferred on me by my uniform.
+
+The station inspector hastened to obey. He took me into the booking
+office, opened a volume, and there I read the name and destination of
+every passenger who had left for Moscow that night. It is by such
+precautions that the Russian police are enabled to control the
+Russian nation as the warders control the convicts in an English
+prison.
+
+At the very head of the list I read the name of Colonel Menken,
+passenger to Dalny, on his imperial majesty's service.
+
+It was incredible folly thus publicly to proclaim himself as an
+object of suspicion to the powerful clique engaged in thwarting the
+policy of their nominal ruler.
+
+I glanced my eye down the list in search of some name likely to be
+that of an emissary of the Syndicate. It was with something like a
+shock that I came upon the conspicuous entry--
+
+"The Princess Y----, lady-in-waiting to H. I. M. the Dowager Empress,
+passenger to Port Arthur, on a visit to her uncle, commanding one of
+the forts."
+
+Stamping my foot angrily, in order to impress the railway official, I
+said--
+
+"Order a pilot engine immediately to take me to Moscow. Tell the
+driver he is to overtake the express, and enter the Moscow station
+behind it."
+
+There was some demur, of course, and some delay. But I wore the
+livery of the dreaded Third Section, and my words were more powerful
+than if I had been the young man who wears the Russian crown.
+
+By dint of curses, threats, blows and an occasional ruble note, I got
+my way. Indeed, I managed things so well that the railway officials
+did not even ask me for my name. I showed them my official badge; but
+when they made their report in the morning they would only be able to
+say that an inspector of the Secret Police had ordered a pilot engine
+to take him to Moscow in pursuit of the midnight express.
+
+The impression which I was careful to convey, without putting it into
+words, was that I was on the track of an absconding Nihilist.
+
+Within half an hour of my arrival at the terminus a light but
+powerful locomotive drew up on the main line of rails, with
+everything in readiness for an immediate start.
+
+I leaped into the driver's cab, where I found the driver himself and
+two stokers hard at work increasing the head of steam, and gave the
+order to go.
+
+The driver touched the tap, the whistle rang out once, and the wheels
+began to revolve. Ten seconds later we were beyond the station lights
+and facing the four hundred miles of frozen plain that lay between us
+and Moscow.
+
+Every one has heard the story of this famous piece of road. The
+engineers of the line, accustomed to map out their routes in other
+countries with reference to the natural obstacles and the convenience
+of commerce, waited upon the great autocrat, Nicholas I., a very
+different man from his descendant, and asked him for instructions as
+to laying out the first railway in the Russian Empire.
+
+The Czar called for a map of his dominions, and then, taking a ruler
+in his hand, drew a straight line between the old and new capitals.
+
+And so the line has been made, a symbol to all who travel on it of
+the irresponsible might of the Russian Czardom.
+
+It was not till we were fairly on our way, and the speed had risen to
+something like fifty miles an hour, that I realized what I had done
+in entering on this furious race.
+
+I had never traveled on a detached engine before, and the sensation
+at first was quite unnerving.
+
+Unlike a motor car, in which the hand of the driver has to be
+perpetually on the steering-gear, and his eye perpetually on the
+alert, the pilot engine seemed to be flung forward like a missile,
+guided by its own velocity, and clinging to the endless rails with
+its wheels as with iron claws. With the rush as of wind, with the
+roar as of a cataract, with the rocking as of an earthquake, the
+throbbing thing of iron sprang and fled through the night.
+
+Hour after hour we rushed across the blinding desert of snow, in
+which nothing showed except the flying disk of light cast by the
+engine lamps, and the red and white balls of fire that seemed to
+start, alight, and go out again as we frantically dashed past some
+wayside station.
+
+As the speed increased the light pilot engine, not steadied by a
+long train of coaches, almost rose from the rails as it raced along.
+Over and over again I thanked my stars that there were no curves to
+be taken, and I blessed the memory of that famous ruler wielded by
+the hand of Nicholas I. Here and there, at some slight rise in the
+ground, the engine literally did leave the rails and skim through the
+air for a few yards, alighting with a jar that brought my teeth
+together like castanets, and rushing forward again.
+
+I clung to a small brass hand-rail, and strained my eyes through the
+darkness. I could not have sat down, even had there been a seat
+provided for me--the pace was too tremendous. I was tired and unwell,
+and a slight feeling of headache and sickness began to gain on me,
+engendered by the vibration of the engine, the smell of oil, and the
+fearful heat of the furnace.
+
+It was some hours since we had started, but it was still pitch dark,
+with the wintry blackness of a northern night. I leaned and gazed
+forward with dull eyes, when I was aware of two red sparks that did
+not grow and rush toward us as I expected.
+
+Were we slackening speed by any chance? I turned to the engine
+driver, and pointed with my hand.
+
+The grimy toiler nodded. Then making a trumpet of his hands he
+shouted above the rattle of the wheels--
+
+"The rear-lights of the express!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE CZAR'S MESSENGER
+
+
+I drew out my watch and glanced at it by the light of the flaring
+stoke-hole. It was just half-past eight.
+
+The time taken up on the journey between Petersburg and Moscow varies
+greatly according to the state of the weather and the amount of snow
+on the line. But even in the summer the best trains are allowed
+twelve hours, while the slow ones take nearly twenty-four. The
+special Siberian express was timed to reach the ancient capital of
+the czars at ten o'clock in the morning, and we had overtaken it with
+rather more than an hour to spare.
+
+I ordered the driver to creep up gradually, but not to approach too
+near the hindmost coach of the train in front until Moscow was in
+sight.
+
+Obedient to my instructions, he slackened speed by degrees, till we
+were rolling along at the same rate as the express, with a space of
+three or four hundred yards between us.
+
+Presently a red flag was thrust out from a side window at the rear
+of the last coach and waved furiously. The driver of my engine
+responded with first a green and then a white signal, indication that
+there was no danger though caution was desirable.
+
+The express perceptibly quickened its speed, but of course without
+our allowing it to get farther ahead. At last the spires of the
+Kremlin, and the green copper domes gleamed out across the waste, and
+I nodded to the driver to close up.
+
+He managed the maneuver with the skill of an artist. Inch by inch we
+neared the guard's van in front, and our buffers were actually
+touching as the engine in front blew off steam and we slowed
+alongside the Moscow station.
+
+Before the wheels of the express had ceased to move I was out on the
+platform, and running up to the guard of the express.
+
+"I have come on the pilot engine from Petersburg," I told him
+hurriedly. "Tell no one of my arrival. Do not report the chase. If
+you are questioned, say that you have orders to say nothing. And now
+tell me which is the train for Dalny and Port Arthur, and when does
+it leave?"
+
+The guard, thoroughly cowed, promised implicit obedience. He showed
+me a long corridor train with handsome sleeping cars and dining
+saloons, which was drawn up ready at another platform.
+
+"That is the train which goes to Baikal," he told me. "If the ice on
+the lake will bear, rails may be laid right across it; if not, there
+will be sleighs to transport the passengers to a train on the other
+side. The train leaves at noon."
+
+I thanked him and strolled off down the platform, glancing into the
+carriages of the newly-arrived train as I passed in search of the
+Czar's messenger.
+
+I did not anticipate that any harm could have happened to him so soon
+after leaving Petersburg. The object of the conspirators would be
+defeated if Nicholas II. learned of any accident to his messenger in
+time to send another despatch. It was more likely, at least so I
+argued, that the Princess Y---- would accompany her victim across
+Siberia, gradually worming her way into his confidence, and that only
+at the last moment would she show her hand.
+
+It was with a slight start that I encountered the face of the fair
+emissary of M. Petrovitch, as she came to the door of her sleeping
+compartment and looked out.
+
+I was delighted to observe that this time she did not suspect me. In
+fact, she evidently mistook me for one of the ordinary station
+officials, for she gave me a haughty command:
+
+"Go and see if there is a telegram for the Princess Y----."
+
+Making a respectful salute I hastened off in the direction of the
+telegraph office. On the way I interrupted a man in uniform carrying
+an envelope in his hand.
+
+"For the Princess Y----?" I demanded.
+
+The man scowled at me and made as if to conceal the telegram. I saw
+that it was a case for a tip and handed him a ruble note, on which he
+promptly parted with his trust.
+
+I turned around, and as soon as the messenger had moved off, I tore
+open the envelope and read the message. Fortunately, it was not in
+cipher, the rules against any such use of the wires, except by the
+Government, being too strict.
+
+This is what I read:
+
+     "Our friend, who is now an inspector, will join you at
+     Moscow. Look out for him. He has left his luggage with us,
+     but does not know it."
+
+Accident, which had hitherto opposed my designs, was favoring them at
+last. It was clear that Rostoy had betrayed me, and that Petrovitch
+had sent this wire to the Princess to put her on her guard. But what
+was the "luggage" which I was described as having left in the hands
+of M. Petrovitch?
+
+I thought I knew.
+
+Crumpling up the tell-tale message in my pocket, I darted into the
+telegraph office, and beckoned to the clerk in charge.
+
+"On his majesty's secret service," I breathed in his ear, drawing him
+on one side. I showed him my police badge, and added, "An envelope
+and telegram form, quick!"
+
+Overwhelmed by my imperative manner, he handed me the required
+articles. I hastily scribbled:
+
+     "Our friend has parted with his luggage, though he does not
+     know it. He has been unwell, but may follow you next week.
+     To save trouble do not wire to us till you return."
+
+Slipping this into the envelope, I addressed it to the Princess, and
+hastened back to the carriage where I had left her.
+
+I found her fuming with impatience and scolding her maid, who looked
+on half awake. I handed her the bogus telegram with a cringing
+gesture. She snatched at it, tore off the cover and read, while I
+watched her furtively from under my lowered eyelashes.
+
+The first part of the message evidently gave her the greatest
+pleasure. The second part, it was equally evident, puzzled and
+annoyed her.
+
+"Fool! What is he afraid of now?" she muttered beneath her breath.
+
+She stood gnawing her rose-red lips for a moment--even a night passed
+in the train could not make her look less charming--and then turned
+to me.
+
+"That will do. No answer. Here, Marie, give this man a couple of
+rubles."
+
+I received the gratuity with a look of satisfaction which must have
+surprised the tired waiting maid. In reality I had scored a most
+important point. Thanks to my suppression of the first message and my
+addition to the second, I had completely cut off communication
+between the agent of the Syndicate and its head in Petersburg, for a
+time; while I had lulled the beautiful plotter into a false security,
+by which I was likely to benefit.
+
+My anxieties considerably lightened for the time being, I now renewed
+my search for Colonel Menken.
+
+The train from Petersburg had emptied by this time, so I moved across
+the station to where the luxurious Manchurian express was being
+boarded by its passengers.
+
+I got in at one end, and made my way slowly along the corridors,
+stepping over innumerable bags and other light articles. In a corner
+of the smoking car I came at last upon the man I sought.
+
+Colonel Menken was a young man for his rank, not over thirty, with a
+fine, soldierly figure, handsome face and rather dandified air. He
+wore a brilliant uniform, which looked like that of some crack
+regiment of Guards. A cigar was in his mouth, and he was making a
+little nest for himself with rugs and books and papers, and a box of
+choice Havanas. A superb despatch box, with silver mounts, was
+plainly marked with his initials, also in silver.
+
+I did not dare to choose a seat for myself in the same part of the
+train as the man whom I was anxious to guard. The oppressive powers
+wielded by the police of Russia are tolerated only on one condition,
+namely, that they are never abused to the disparagement of the social
+importance of the aristocracy.
+
+Bearing this in mind, I proceeded to the coach set aside for the
+servants of the rich passengers, and contrived to secure a place
+close to that occupied in the day-time by the maid of the Princess.
+
+Having more than an hour to spare, I now laid in a large stock of
+Turkish tobacco and cigarette papers, so as to have some means of
+beguiling the time on the long, wearisome run across Asia. I also
+bought a second-hand valise, and stocked it modestly with clothes.
+Finally I made a hearty breakfast in the station restaurant, and
+boarded the train a few minutes before it rolled out of Moscow.
+
+Needless to say, I had introduced myself to the superintendent of the
+train, an official of great dignity and importance. As a police
+agent, of course I traveled free on the Government lines. The
+superintendent was good enough to offer me a spare bed in his private
+cabin at the end of the train, and during the run we became the best
+of friends.
+
+But I must be excused from dwelling on the details of the journey,
+not the first I had taken on the great transasiatic line. My whole
+energies were absorbed in two tasks. In the first place, I had to
+gain the confidence of the maid, Marie, and in the second to prevent
+her mistress gaining the confidence of the messenger of the Czar.
+
+"I hope that message I brought to the Princess did not contain any
+bad news?" I said to Marie as soon as I got a chance of addressing
+her.
+
+This was when we were fairly on the way.
+
+After first attending to her mistress, and seeing that she was
+comfortably settled, the maid was at liberty to look after herself,
+and I had seized the opportunity to render her a few trifling
+services with her luggage.
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure," was the answer to my question. "The
+Princess tells me nothing of her secrets."
+
+"Perhaps the Princess Y----"
+
+"Oh, let's call her Sophy," the maid interrupted crossly.
+
+Needless to say I welcomed these symptoms that Marie was no great
+friend of her employer.
+
+"Perhaps she has no secrets," I continued. "Have you been with her
+long?"
+
+"Only six months," was the answer. "And I don't think I shall stay
+much longer. But you're quite mistaken if you think Sophy is one of
+the innocent ones. She's always up to some mischief or other, though
+what it is, I don't know."
+
+"If you stay with her a little longer, you may find out. And then,
+if it is anything political, you may make a good deal of money out of
+her."
+
+The girl's eyes brightened.
+
+"Keep your eyes open," I said. "Look out for any scraps of paper you
+see lying about. Keep a diary of the places Sophy goes to, and the
+people she sees. And when you have anything to tell, let me know. I
+will give you my address in Petersburg. And you may trust me to see
+that you come off well."
+
+Marie readily agreed to all I asked of her. The understanding thus
+arrived at was destined to be of the greatest assistance to me.
+Indeed, it is not too much to say that to this young Russian girl it
+is due that the two greatest Powers in the Old World are not at this
+moment battling on the Afghan frontier.
+
+We had hardly been an hour under way before I saw the two objects of
+my watchfulness seated side by side in the drawing-room car,
+apparently on the friendliest terms.
+
+Dismayed by this rapid progress, as it seemed, on the part of the
+Princess, I reproached myself for not having warned Colonel Menken
+before we started.
+
+I resolved to put him on his guard at the earliest possible moment,
+and with that view I hung about the smoking-car, waiting till I saw
+him return to his corner.
+
+This was not for some hours. Fortunately, owing to the universal
+expectation of war, there were not many passengers proceeding to the
+Far East. The train was practically empty, and so when Colonel Menken
+had seated himself once more in the snug corner he had prepared for
+himself, I was able to approach him without fear of being overheard.
+
+He was just lighting a cigar as I came up, and took no notice of my
+respectful salute till he had inhaled the tobacco smoke two or three
+times and expelled it through his nostrils to test the flavor.
+
+At last he turned to me.
+
+"Well?" he said with some sharpness. "What is the matter?"
+
+"I have seen in the passenger list that you are traveling on the
+service of the Czar," I answered, "and I venture to place myself at
+your orders."
+
+Colonel Menken scowled at me haughtily.
+
+"Does that mean that you want a tip?" he sneered. "Or has some fool
+ordered you to shadow me?"
+
+"Neither, Colonel," I replied. "I am a servant of the Czar, like
+yourself, as you may see from my uniform, and as I have reason to
+fear that there is an enemy of his majesty on the train, I wish to
+put you on your guard."
+
+Menken gave a self-confident smile.
+
+"I am pretty well able to take care of myself, I believe," he said
+boastfully. "As for the Nihilists, I no longer believe in their
+existence. You may point out the man you suspect, if you like, of
+course."
+
+"It is not a man, Colonel, it is a woman."
+
+"In that case the adventure promises to be interesting. I do not know
+any of the women on board except the Princess Y----."
+
+"You know her!" I allowed a note of surprise to appear in my voice.
+
+"The Princess is related to me," the Czar's messenger declared, with
+a rebuking frown. "I presume she is not the object of your
+suspicions?"
+
+"And if she were?"
+
+"If she were, I should tell you that you had made a very absurd
+mistake, my good fellow. The Princess is in the confidence of the
+Dowager Empress; she is perfectly aware of the object of my mission,
+and she has just promised me that if I carry it out successfully she
+will become my wife."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH
+
+
+Colonel Menken regarded me with ironical contempt as I tried to
+apologize for my hinted distrust of his betrothed.
+
+"That will do, my man. I shall tell the Princess of your blunder, and
+I can assure you she will be heartily amused by it."
+
+"At least you will remember that I wear his imperial majesty's
+uniform," I ventured. "And, however much I have been misled as to the
+intentions of her highness, I submit that I am entitled to secrecy on
+your part."
+
+"Am I to understand that some one has given you orders referring to
+the Princess? I thought this was simply some idle suspicion of your
+own?"
+
+"My instructions were to watch over your safety, without letting you
+perceive it, and to take particular note of any one who seemed to be
+trying to form your acquaintance on the journey. If you now denounce
+me to her highness, she will be annoyed, and in any case I shall be
+of no further use to you."
+
+"So much the better," the Colonel said rudely. "I consider your
+being here at all as an act of impertinence. If I engage to say
+nothing to the Princess--who, as you say, might be annoyed--will you
+undertake to leave me alone for the future?"
+
+"I will undertake to leave the train at Tomsk," I replied.
+
+Colonel Menken closed with this offer, which was meant as a delusive
+one. I had selected the first important stopping-place at which the
+train waited sufficiently long for me to procure the materials of a
+fresh disguise.
+
+I took the train superintendent into my confidence, as far as to say
+that I wished to assume a false character for the remainder of the
+journey in order to be better able to play the spy on the object of
+my suspicion. We agreed that one of the train attendants should be
+put off at Tomsk, and that I should take his place.
+
+After my scene with the Colonel, I could not venture to do much in
+the way of overlooking them. But I made the best use of my friendship
+with Marie, and she reported to me regularly what she observed of the
+doings of her mistress.
+
+"It is my belief that Sophy is going to marry that stupid Colonel,"
+she informed me, not long after I had heard of the engagement. "Why?
+I can't think. He has no brains, not much money, and I am certain she
+is not in love with him."
+
+"There has been a quarrel of some kind between those two," she
+reported later on. "Colonel Menken has been questioning Sophy about
+her reason for going to Port Arthur just now, when it may be attacked
+by the Japanese."
+
+All this time the Princess had made no move to possess herself of the
+despatch which Menken was carrying--the real object of her presence
+on board the train.
+
+When Tomsk was reached, I went off into the town and procured
+different hair and beard so as to effect a complete change in my
+appearance. The disguise was clumsy enough, but, after all, neither
+the Colonel nor his companion had had many opportunities of studying
+my personal appearance.
+
+In the little cabin of my friend the superintendent I carried out the
+transformation, and finished by donning the livery of the railway
+restaurant service.
+
+Thus equipped, I proceeded to lay the table at which the betrothed
+pair usually took their meals together.
+
+As soon as the next meal, which happened to be dinner, was ready, I
+proceeded to wait upon them. They noticed the change of waiters, and
+asked me what had become of my predecessor.
+
+"He got off at Tomsk," I told them. This was true--the getting rid of
+the waiter whose place I wished to take had been a simple matter. It
+must be remembered that I found myself everywhere received as an
+inspector attached to the secret police, the dreaded Third Section,
+and, in consequence, my word was law to those I had to deal with.
+
+I added with an assumed air of mysterious consequence, "The Inspector
+of Police also left the train at Tomsk. It is asserted that he is
+going to make an important arrest."
+
+Colonel Menken laughed. Then turning to the beautiful woman who sat
+facing him across the small table, he said smilingly,
+
+"It is lucky the inspector did not arrest you, my dear."
+
+"Why, what do you mean?" she demanded.
+
+"Simply that this officer, according to his own account, was charged
+to watch over and protect your devoted servant, and in the exercise
+of his functions he was good enough to hint to me that you were a
+suspicious character, of whom I should do well to be on my guard."
+
+"Infamous! The wretch! Why didn't you tell me this before?"
+
+"I promised the fellow not to. He was afraid of getting into trouble,
+and as he had only blundered out of zeal, I let him off."
+
+"And he has left the train. Why, I wonder?"
+
+"I ordered him to."
+
+The Princess Y---- looked less and less pleased. A minute later, I
+caught her stealthily glancing in my direction, and realized that her
+keen wits were already at work, connecting my appearance on the scene
+with the disappearance of the inspector.
+
+The next day, Colonel Menken and his betrothed took their seats at a
+different table in the restaurant of the train.
+
+I saw the meaning of this maneuver. It was of course a test by which
+the Princess Y---- sought to learn if I was a spy, appointed to
+replace the inspector. I took care not to assist her by following
+them to the new table; on the contrary, I refused the offer of my
+brother waiter, who was honest enough not to wish to take my tips
+from me.
+
+When we reached Irkutsk, I had another proof that the Princess was
+beginning to feel uneasy. Marie informed me that her mistress had
+ordered her to go into the town and send off a telegram, as she would
+not trust the railway officials.
+
+The message, which my ally faithfully reported to me, was addressed
+to Petrovitch himself and ran as follows:
+
+      Received wire from you at Moscow reporting our friend ill,
+      and telling me not to wire you again till my return. I now
+      fear some mistake. All going well otherwise.
+
+We were carried across the frozen Baikal amid a furious snowstorm.
+Huddled up in thick furs, and fighting to keep our blood circulating
+under the leaden pressure of the cruel frost, there was no time to
+think of conspiracies.
+
+But on resuming the journey on the other side of the lake, I saw that
+the cunning agent of the War Party was maturing some decisive attempt
+on the messenger of peace. The talks of the lovers became closer and
+more confidential, the manner of Colonel Menken grew daily more
+devoted and absorbed, and Marie described her mistress as laboring
+under an extraordinary excitement.
+
+At last, on the very day the train crossed the Chinese frontier on
+the way to Mukden, Marie came to me with a decisive report.
+
+"Sophy has won!" she declared. "I overheard them talking again last
+night. Ever since they left Tomsk they have been having a dispute,
+Sophy declaring that the Colonel did not love her, because he
+suspected her, and he, the stupid creature, swearing that he trusted
+her entirely. It appears she had got out of him that he was carrying
+a paper of some kind, and so she said that unless he gave her this
+paper to keep till they reached Dalny or Port Arthur, she would not
+believe in him, nor have anything more to say to him.
+
+"In the end, she was too many for him. Last night he gave her the
+paper in a sealed envelope, and I saw her take it from her breast
+before she undressed last night."
+
+"Where is it? What has she done with it?" I demanded anxiously.
+
+"I can't tell you that. She had it in her hand when she dismissed me
+for the night. It looked to me as though she meant to break the seal
+and read it."
+
+Full of the gravest forebodings, I hurried to the rear of the train,
+got out my inspector's uniform, though without effecting any change
+in my facial appearance, and made my way to the smoking-car.
+
+Colonel Menken, who had just finished breakfast, was settling himself
+down to a cigar and an illustrated magazine.
+
+He gazed up at me in astonishment, as he perceived the change in my
+costume.
+
+"So the Princess was right!" he exclaimed angrily. "You are another
+policeman."
+
+I bowed.
+
+"And charged, like the last, to protect me from my cousin and future
+wife!"
+
+"From the person who has robbed you of the Czar's autograph letter to
+the Emperor of Japan, yes!"
+
+Menken recoiled, thunderstruck.
+
+"You knew what I was carrying?"
+
+"As well as I know the contents of the telegram which the Princess
+sent from Irkutsk to the head of the Manchurian Syndicate--the man
+who has sworn that the Czar's letter shall never be delivered."
+
+Colonel Menken staggered to his feet, bewildered, angry, half induced
+to threaten, and half to yield.
+
+"You must be lying! Sophy never left my sight while we were at
+Irkutsk!"
+
+"We can discuss that later. Will you, or will you not, reclaim his
+majesty's letter--the letter entrusted to your honor?"
+
+Menken turned white.
+
+"I--I will approach the Princess," he stammered, obviously divided
+between fear of losing her, and dread of myself and any action I
+might take.
+
+"That will not do for me," I said sternly. "I can only make you this
+offer: Come with me at once to this lady's sleeping berth and regain
+the despatch, and I will agree to say no more about it; refuse, and I
+shall report the whole affair to his majesty personally."
+
+"Who are you?" inquired the dismayed man.
+
+"That is of no consequence. You see my uniform--let that be enough
+for you."
+
+He staggered down the car. I followed, and we reached the car where
+the Princess was at the moment engaged, with Marie's aid, in putting
+the last touches to her toilet.
+
+She looked up at our appearance, gave an interrogative glance first
+at Menken and then, at me, and evidently made up her mind.
+
+"What is it, gentlemen?"
+
+"The--the paper I gave--that you offered to--that--in short, I want
+it immediately," faltered my companion.
+
+"I have no paper of yours, and I do not know what you are talking
+about, my friend," said the Princess Y---- with the calmest air in
+the world.
+
+Menken uttered a cry of despair.
+
+"The letter, the letter I gave you last night--it was a letter from
+the Czar," he exclaimed feebly.
+
+"I think you must have dreamed it," said the Princess with extreme
+composure. "Marie, have you seen any letter about?"
+
+"No, your highness," returned the servant submissively.
+
+"If you think there is anything here, you are welcome to look," her
+mistress added with a pleasant smile. "As for me, I never keep
+letters, my own or anybody else's. _I always tear them up._"
+
+And with these words, and another smile and a nod, she stepped
+gracefully past us, and went to take her seat in the part of the
+train reserved for ladies.
+
+Somewhere, doubtless, on the white Manchurian plain we had crossed in
+the night, the fragments of the imperial peacemaker's letter were
+being scattered by the wind.
+
+Menken's face had changed utterly in the last minute. He resembled an
+elderly man.
+
+"Tell the Czar that I alone am to blame," were his last words.
+
+Before I could prevent him, he had drawn a revolver from his pocket,
+and put two bullets through his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO
+
+
+A week later, that is to say, on the 8th of February, 1904, I was in
+Tokio.
+
+The behavior of the Princess Y---- on hearing of the death of her
+victim had been a strange mixture of heartlessness and hysterical
+remorse.
+
+At the first sound of the fatal shots, she came rushing to the scene
+of the tragedy, and cast herself on the floor of the corridor beside
+the dead man, seizing his hands, crying his name aloud, and weeping
+frantically.
+
+When I tried to raise her, so that the body might be removed, she
+turned on me fiercely.
+
+"This is your fault!" she cried. "Who are you, and how dared you
+interfere with me?"
+
+"As you see by my uniform, I am an inspector of police attached to
+the Third Section."
+
+She gazed at me searchingly for a moment, and then, lowering her
+voice, and bringing her lips to my ear, she said with intense energy:
+
+"It is a lie. I am here by the orders of the Minister himself, as you
+must know well. You are acting against us, whoever you are."
+
+"I am acting by order of the Czar," I responded.
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"I expect that is another lie. You could not have got so far as you
+have unless you had some one else behind you. Poor Nicholas!--Every
+one knows what he is, and that he has less power than any other man
+in Russia. Are you Witte's man, I wonder?"
+
+"You are a bold woman to question me," I said. "How do you know that
+I am not going to arrest you for stealing and destroying the Czar's
+letter?"
+
+"I should not remain long under arrest," was the significant answer.
+She gave me another searching look, and muttered to herself, "If I
+did not know that he was safe in the hands of my friends in
+Petersburg I should think you must be a certain Monsieur ----"
+
+She broke off without pronouncing my name, and turned away.
+
+At Mukden, the next stopping place, the Princess Y---- left the
+train, no doubt intending to travel back to Russia and report her
+success.
+
+In the meantime, I had reason to think she had notified her friends
+in Manchuria to keep an eye on me.
+
+All the way to Dalny I felt by that instinct which becomes second
+nature to a man of my profession that I was under surveillance.
+I detected a change in the manner of my friend the train
+superintendent. My trifling luggage was carefully searched. In the
+night when I was asleep some one went through my pockets. I was able
+to see that even the contents of my cigarette case, which I had not
+opened since leaving Petersburg, had been turned out and put back
+again.
+
+As the train neared Dalny I began to feel a little nervous. I had a
+dread of being stopped on my way to embark on board the steampacket
+which was still running to Tokio.
+
+The train drew up at last, at the end of its five-thousand-mile-run,
+and I stepped off it to the platform, carrying my valise in my hand.
+
+The platform was literally swarming with spies, as it was easy for a
+man of my experience to detect. I walked calmly through them to the
+cab-stand, and hailed a droshky.
+
+The driver, before starting off, exchanged a signal almost openly
+with a stout man in plain clothes, who dogged me from the railway
+carriage.
+
+Presently I sighted the steamer, alongside the principal wharf, with
+the smoke pouring out of its funnel, all ready to start.
+
+The cabman whipped his horse and drove straight past the steamer.
+
+"Where are you going?" I shouted.
+
+"To the Custom House first; it is the regulation," was the answer.
+
+Taking out my long neglected case, I placed a cigarette between my
+lips, and asked the driver for some matches.
+
+He passed me a wooden box. I struck several, but each went out in the
+high wind before igniting the tobacco.
+
+I was making another attempt as the droshky drew up outside the steps
+of the Custom House. I dismounted negligently, while one of the
+officials came and clutched my luggage. Then I walked slowly up the
+steps, pausing in the porch to strike a fresh match.
+
+A porter snatched the box from my hand. "Smoking is forbidden," he
+said roughly. "Wait till you are out again."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders, pinched the burning end of the cigarette,
+which I retained in my mouth, and sauntered with an air of supreme
+indifference after the man who was carrying my bag.
+
+He led me into a room in which a severe-looking official was seated
+at a desk.
+
+"Your papers," he demanded.
+
+I produced the papers with which I had been furnished by Rostoy.
+
+The customs official scrutinized them, evidently in the hope of
+discovering some flaw.
+
+"On what business are you going to Tokio?" he demanded.
+
+I smiled.
+
+"Since when have the police of the Third Section been obliged to
+render an account of themselves to the officers of the customs?" I
+asked defiantly.
+
+"How do I know that you are not a Japanese spy?"
+
+I laughed heartily.
+
+"You must be mad. How do I know that you are not a Nihilist?" I
+retorted.
+
+The customs officer turned pale. I saw that my chance shot had gone
+home. The Russian imperial services are honeycombed by revolutionary
+intrigues.
+
+"Well, I shall detain your luggage for examination," he declared.
+
+This time I pretended the greatest agitation. Of course, the more I
+resisted the more he insisted. In the end he allowed me to depart
+without my person being searched. The fact is I had convinced him
+that he held an important prize in my worthless valise.
+
+I was just in time to catch the steamer. As I crossed the gangway, a
+man dressed like a coal-trimmer turned on me a last careful scrutiny,
+and remarked,
+
+"Your cigarette has gone out, Mister."
+
+"Can you give me a light? Thank you!" I struck a match, drew a puff
+of smoke, and handed him back the box. Then I walked on board, the
+gangway was drawn in, and the Japanese steamer headed out to the open
+sea.
+
+On reaching Tokio I experienced some difficulty in obtaining an
+audience of the Japanese ruler.
+
+I was obliged to announce my name. It will hardly be believed, but
+the chamberlain whom I had entrusted with the important secret,
+brought back the answer that the Mikado had never heard of me!
+
+"Tell his imperial majesty that there is no monarch of Europe, and
+only two of Asia, who could say the same. I am here as the
+confidential plenipotentiary of the Czar, with an autograph letter
+addressed to the Mikado, and I respectfully ask leave to present it
+in person."
+
+Such a demand of course could not be refused. But even now the
+haughty Japanese did not receive me in the privacy of his own
+cabinet. On the contrary, I found myself introduced into the State
+Council-Room, in which his majesty was seated at a table surrounded
+by his chief advisers.
+
+In particular I remarked the venerable Yamagata, conqueror of China,
+and the round bullet-head of Oyama, the future overthrower of
+Kuropatkin.
+
+On the table was spread out a large map, or rather plan, of the
+entire theater of war, including Manchuria, Korea, Japan and the seas
+between. A man in naval uniform was standing beside the imperial
+chair, with an expectant look on his face.
+
+All eyes were turned upon me at my entrance. The Mikado beckoned to
+me to approach him.
+
+"Is it true that you bring me a letter from the Russian Emperor?" he
+asked abruptly. "We have received information that such a letter was
+on its way, but that the bearer was murdered on the Manchurian
+railway four days ago."
+
+"Your majesty's information is substantially correct," I answered.
+"The messenger, a Colonel Menken, was seduced into parting with his
+despatch, and committed suicide in consequence."
+
+"Well, and what about yourself?"
+
+"Foreseeing that the unscrupulous men who have been trying to force
+on a war between his Russian majesty and your majesty would leave no
+stone unturned to intercept this despatch, the Czar wrote a duplicate
+with his own hand, which he entrusted to me, in the hope that I might
+baffle the conspirators."
+
+"Where is it?"
+
+"I endeavored to conceal it by unstitching the front of the shirt I
+am wearing, and sewing it up between the folds.
+
+"Unfortunately I was drugged at a dinner party in Petersburg just
+before starting. I was unconscious for an hour and a half, and I fear
+that the opponents of peace have taken advantage of the opportunity
+to find and rob me of the letter. But I will see, with your majesty's
+permission."
+
+The Mikado made no answer. Amid a breathless silence, with all the
+room watching my movements, I tore open my shirt-front and extracted
+a paper.
+
+It was blank.
+
+"So," commented the Japanese Emperor, sternly, "you have no such
+credentials as you boasted of having."
+
+"Pardon me, sire. Anticipating that the War Party would suspect the
+object of my mission, and would resort to some such step to defeat
+it, I purposely provided them with a document to steal, believing
+that when they had robbed me of it they would allow me to proceed
+unmolested. My real credentials are here."
+
+I drew out my cigarette case, found the partially smoked cigarette I
+had had in my mouth when I ran the gauntlet of the spies at Dalny,
+and proceeded to cut off the paper. On the inner surface these words
+were written in the hand of the Czar:
+
+      The bearer of this, M. V----, has my full confidence, and
+      is authorized to settle conditions of peace.
+                         NICHOLAS.
+
+As I respectfully placed the scrap of paper, with its charred edges,
+in the Mikado's hand, I was conscious of a profound sensation in the
+room. Aged statesmen and brilliant commanders bent eagerly across
+the table to learn the character of the message thus strangely
+brought to its destination.
+
+His majesty read the brief note aloud. It was received with a murmur,
+not entirely of satisfaction I was surprised to note.
+
+Seeing that the Mikado made no remark, I ventured to say:
+
+"I hope that the extreme character of the measures adopted by the
+Czar to assure your majesty of his peaceful sentiments will have the
+effect of convincing you that they are genuine."
+
+The Emperor of Japan glanced around his council board as if to
+satisfy himself that he and his advisers were of one mind before
+replying:
+
+"I appreciate the zeal and the extraordinary skill with which you
+have carried out your mission. I regret that I cannot give you a
+favorable answer to take back to your nation."
+
+I was thunderstruck at this exordium. Slightly raising his voice, the
+Mikado went on:
+
+"Tell the Emperor of Russia that I do not distrust his sincerity, but
+I distrust his power. The monarch who cannot send a letter through
+his dominions in safety; who has to resort to stratagems and
+precautions like these to overcome the opposition of his own
+subjects, is not the ruler of his empire.
+
+"Why, sir, do you suppose that if I had a message to send to my
+brother in St. Petersburg I should have to stoop to arts like these?
+That any subject of mine would dare to plot against me, to seduce my
+messengers, to drug and rob them? Incredible! The tale you have told
+me completely confirms everything I and my advisers have already
+heard with regard to the Russian Government. It is a ship without a
+captain, on which the helm is fought for and seized by different
+hands in turn. To-day the real rulers of Russia are the men who are
+bent on war--and who, while we are talking, have actually begun the
+war!"
+
+I gazed around the Council-Room, unable to believe my ears.
+
+"Yes," the stern sovereign continued, "while you, sir, were entering
+the Inland Sea, charged with this offer of peace"--his majesty tossed
+the precious piece of paper on the table with a look of disdain--"a
+Russian gunboat, the _Korietz_, was firing the first shot of the war
+at one of my squadrons off Chemulpo."
+
+The glances directed by those present at the naval officer behind the
+imperial chair convinced me that he had just brought the fatal news
+to the Council.
+
+"And now," added the Mikado, "I will give my reply to the real
+masters of Russia--to the directors of the _Korietz_."
+
+He nodded to the naval officer, who walked across the floor to a box
+on the wall like a telephone receiver, and pressed a button.
+
+"That," his majesty explained, "is the signal for a flotilla of
+torpedo boats to enter the harbor of Port Arthur and blow up the
+Russian fleet."
+
+I think a faint cry of remonstrance or misgiving must have escaped
+me. The Japanese monarch frowned, and his voice took a still sterner
+ring.
+
+"Go back to your unfortunate master, and tell him that when he can
+send me a public envoy, in the light of day, to ask for peace, and to
+undertake the fulfilment of the pledges which his Ministers have
+broken, I will grant his request."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND
+
+
+I left the presence of the Japanese Emperor deeply disheartened.
+
+It is true I had myself foretold this failure, and that his Japanese
+majesty and his advisers had been good enough to compliment me in
+almost extravagant terms on the energy and resourcefulness I had
+shown in baffling the enemies of peace.
+
+But I am unaccustomed to defeat, no matter what are the odds against
+me, and I felt that the first point in the game had been scored
+against by the formidable woman whose beauty and strangely composite
+character had fascinated me, even while I was countermining her.
+
+For my work was not yet over. Indeed, it had but just begun.
+
+I had not succeeded in averting war between the two great Powers of
+Asia. But I hoped to thwart the efforts which I feared would be made
+to extend the conflagration to Europe.
+
+As soon as I had found myself once more on civilized ground, I had
+despatched a cable to my Paris office, announcing my whereabouts and
+asking for information.
+
+The reader may be excused if he has forgotten a little episode which
+marked my stay in Petersburg. I had noticed something peculiar and at
+the same time familiar in the scent of the tobacco smoked by
+Petrovitch, the financial adventurer whose scheme to enrich himself
+and a corrupt clique of courtiers out of the spoils of Korea and
+China was the true cause of the war.
+
+By a ruse I had secured one of the cigarettes, smoked by this
+dangerous plotter, and having ascertained that it bore the mark
+_Gregorides, Crown Aa_, had instructed my staff to ascertain the
+history of this particular make of cigarettes.
+
+While I was resting in my hotel in Tokio, waiting for the reply to my
+cable, I was honored by a visit from no less a personage than Privy
+Councillor Katahashi, President of the Imperial Bank of Japan.
+
+"I have come," the Privy Councillor explained as soon as the door was
+closed, "to express the high sense of your ability and devotion which
+we all possess, and to ask if it is possible for Japan to secure your
+services."
+
+Deeply gratified by this proposal, I was obliged to explain that I
+was already retained in the interest of Russia.
+
+"But what interest?" Mr. Katahashi persisted. "It is clear that you
+are not acting on behalf of that group which has just succeeded in
+its purpose of forcing a war."
+
+"That is so," I admitted. "It is no breach of confidence--in fact, I
+serve my employers by assuring you that my efforts are directed
+toward peace."
+
+"In that case there can be no antagonism between us, surely. Is it
+not possible for you and me--I say nothing about our respective
+Governments--to co-operate for certain purposes?
+
+"I know enough of the conditions which prevail in the Russian Court
+to feel pretty sure that it was not Nicholas II. who originally
+sought you out, and entrusted you with this mission," the Japanese
+statesman added.
+
+"At the close of the last war in this part of the world," the Privy
+Councillor went on, "Japan was robbed of the fruit of her victories
+by an alliance of three Powers, Russia, Germany, and France. This
+time we know that England will support us against any such
+combination. Thanks to King Edward VII. we have nothing to fear. His
+diplomacy, moreover, has secured the powerful influence of France on
+the side of peace. Although nominally allied with the Czar, we know
+that the French Government is determined to limit the area of the
+war, and to take no part against us, except in one event."
+
+"You mean," I put in, "in the event of an attack by England on
+Russia."
+
+"Exactly. And therefore we know that King Edward is making it his
+particular care that no cause of conflict shall arise."
+
+He paused, and glanced at me as though he considered that he had
+sufficiently indicated the source from which my instructions were
+received.
+
+I contented myself with bowing.
+
+"We know, also, that the most restless and ambitious of living
+monarchs has been bending his whole thoughts and schemes, ever since
+he ascended the throne, to one supreme end--the overthrow of the
+British Empire by a grand combination of all the other Powers of the
+world. If that monarch can force on a general strife in which England
+will be involved on the side of Japan, while practically every other
+European Power is leagued against her, M. Petrovitch and his timber
+concessions will have done their work."
+
+I drew a deep breath as I looked at the Japanese statesman with a
+questioning gaze.
+
+As if in answer to my unspoken query, a waiter of the hotel knocked
+at the door in the same moment, and brought me the long-expected
+cable from my agent in Europe.
+
+I tore it open and read:
+
+      Cigarettes Gregorides Crown Aa special brand manufactured
+      to order of Marx, Berlin, tobacconist to German Emperor.
+
+I looked up from reading the telegram to see the eyes of the Japanese
+Privy Councillor fixed upon me with the inscrutable, penetrating gaze
+of the Oriental.
+
+"The message you have just received bears on the subject of our
+conversation, does it not?" he inquired, but in the tone of one who
+does not doubt what the answer will be.
+
+With the caution which has become a habit with me, I read the cable
+through carefully for the second time, and then placed it on the
+fire, where it was instantly consumed.
+
+The Japanese statesman smiled.
+
+"You forget, I think, M. V----, that you have come here as the
+emissary of a sovereign with whom we are at war, and that,
+consequently, we cannot afford to respect your privacy.
+
+"I have a copy in my pocket," he went on urbanely. "You have felt
+some curiosity about a particular brand of cigarettes, and your
+friends have just informed you that they are those supplied to the
+German Emperor."
+
+I looked at Mr. Katahashi with new respect.
+
+"Your secret service is well managed, sir," I observed.
+
+"Such a compliment from such a quarter is an ample reward for what
+little pains I may have taken."
+
+"Then it is you who are----?"
+
+"The organizer of our secret service during the war?--I am."
+
+"But you are a banker?" I turned my eyes to the card by which Mr.
+Katahashi had announced his visit.
+
+The Japanese gave another of his subtle smiles--those peculiar smiles
+of the Oriental which make the keenest-witted man of the West feel
+that he is little better than a blunderer.
+
+"I came here prepared to take you into my confidence," he said
+gravely. "I am well aware that it is the only safe course in dealing
+with the Bismarck of underground diplomacy.
+
+"I am equally well aware," the Privy Councillor added, "that a secret
+confided to Monsieur V---- is as safe as if it had been told in
+confidence to a priest of Buddha, for whom the penalty of betrayal is
+to be flayed alive."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN
+
+
+"Three years ago," Mr. Katahashi proceeded, "when we first recognized
+that Japan would be obliged to fight Russia for her existence as a
+free and independent country, his imperial majesty the Mikado
+appointed me head of the intelligence department.
+
+"I perceived that it would be necessary for me to establish centers
+in the chief European capitals, and to have at my command a corps of
+agents whose comings and goings would not attract the attention that
+is usually given to the movements of persons connected with the staff
+of an embassy.
+
+"In our case precautions were necessary which would not have been
+recognized in the case of another country.
+
+"On the one hand, our Government has laid to heart the profound
+advice of Herbert Spencer, that whatever is done for Japan should be
+done by Japanese.
+
+"On the other hand, our people have characteristic racial features
+which make it practically impossible for a Japanese to disguise
+himself as a Western European, so as to deceive European eyes.
+
+"It was therefore necessary to provide an excuse for distributing
+Japanese agents over the West without the true reason of their
+presence being known.
+
+"I solved this problem by founding the Imperial Bank of Japan."
+
+"But, surely!" I exclaimed, "the Imperial Bank of Japan is a _bona
+fide_ concern? Its shares are regularly quoted on the stock
+exchanges. It negotiates loans, and carries on the ordinary business
+of a bank?"
+
+"Certainly. Why not? You forget that Japan is not a rich country.
+What we lack in gold, we are obliged to make up in ingenuity and
+devotion. Thanks to this idea of mine, the secret service of Japan
+pays for itself, and even earns a small profit."
+
+It gave me something like a cold shock to comprehend the character of
+this people whom the Russians had so recklessly provoked to draw the
+sword.
+
+I thought of the intelligence departments of some Western Powers, of
+the rank corruption that reigned on the Neva, where every secret had
+its price; of the insane conceit of Berlin, which had forgotten
+nothing and learned nothing since the days of Moltke; of the
+luxurious laziness of Pall Mall, where superannuated soldiers dozed
+in front of their dusty pigeon-holes after apoplectic lunches, and
+exercised their wits chiefly in framing evasive answers suited to the
+intelligence of the House of Commons.
+
+And beside these pictures I placed this of the prosperous commercial
+house, founded by the man before me, a man whose salary would
+probably be sniffed at by a deputy-assistant controller in the
+British War Office.
+
+A bank, paying its way, and adding to the revenues of Japan, and yet
+every member of its staff a tireless spy, ready to go anywhere and
+risk everything on behalf of his native country!
+
+Mr. Katahashi seemed to ignore the effect produced on my mind by his
+modest explanation.
+
+"I have told you this," he resumed, "because if I can succeed in
+satisfying you that we are both working for the same ends, or at
+least against the same enemy, I hope it will be agreeable to you to
+co-operate with me."
+
+I drew my brows together in anxious thought. In spite of the flattery
+and deference of the Privy Councillor I could not but feel that I
+should be the junior partner in any such combination as he proposed,
+or, rather, I should find myself an instrument in the hands of one
+whose methods were strange to me.
+
+"Although his imperial majesty was not familiar with your name, you
+must not suppose that your reputation is not known in the right
+quarters. I have a very full report on your work in my office. I had
+intended from the first to engage your services if we required any
+Western aid; and, as a matter of fact, I was on the eve of sending
+you a retainer, when I heard I had been anticipated by----"
+
+"By Lord Bedale," I put in swiftly.
+
+"By Lord Bedale, certainly," the Japanese acquiesced with a polite
+bow and smile.
+
+"After your interview with him, I lost sight of you," my
+extraordinary companion went on. "Your wonderful transformation into
+a Little Englander of the Peace-at-any-Price school threw my agents
+off the scent. But I heard of your interview with Nicholas II."
+
+"You did!"
+
+Mr. Katahashi nodded.
+
+"I recognized you in that transaction. I even guessed that you might
+make an attempt to carry through a message from the Czar. But,
+knowing the influences arrayed against you, I never expected you to
+succeed. Your appearance in our Council-Room was a triumph on which I
+congratulate you warmly.
+
+"And now," the Mikado's Privy Councillor continued, "there remain two
+questions:
+
+"Supposing you are satisfied that the real author of this war is not
+any one in Russia, but a certain monarch who smokes cigarettes made
+by the house of Gregorides--
+
+"And that the same ambitious ruler is now weaving his snares to
+entangle Great Britain, in short your own employer, the----"
+
+"Marquis of Bedale," I again slipped in.
+
+Again the same polite but incredulous bow and smile from the Japanese
+statesman.
+
+"Would you be willing to accept a retainer from us?"
+
+I sat upright, frowning.
+
+The somewhat haughty attitude of the Emperor of Japan still rankled
+within me.
+
+"I will accept a retainer from his majesty the Mikado," I announced
+stiffly. "From no one else."
+
+Mr. Katahashi looked thoughtful.
+
+"I will see what can be done," he murmured. "The second question----"
+
+There was a momentary hesitation in his manner.
+
+"I have just spoken to you of the precept of the great English
+philosopher."
+
+"It was, if I remember rightly, that you should employ only Japanese
+in the service of Japan?"
+
+The Privy Councillor bowed.
+
+"Therefore, you will see, we are obliged to make a proposal which may
+seem to you unusual--perhaps unreasonable."
+
+"And this proposal is?" I asked, with undisguised curiosity.
+
+"That you should become a Japanese."
+
+I threw myself back in my chair, amazed.
+
+"Your Excellency, I am an American citizen."
+
+"So I have understood."
+
+"An American citizen is on a level with royalty."
+
+"That is admitted."
+
+"Even the Dowager Empress of China, when engaging me in her service,
+though she raised my ancestors to the rank of marquises, did not ask
+me to forego my citizenship of the United States."
+
+"That is not necessary," the Privy Councillor protested.
+
+"Explain yourself, if you will be so good."
+
+"A man may be an American citizen, although by birth he is a
+Frenchman, a German, or even a negro. You yourself are a Pole, I
+believe."
+
+I could only bow.
+
+"Now I do not propose that you should relinquish your political
+allegiance, but only that you should exchange your Polish nationality
+for a Japanese one."
+
+"But how, sir?"
+
+"It is very simple. By being adopted into a Japanese family."
+
+I sat and stared at the Japanese statesman, with his mask-like face
+and impenetrable eyes. I seemed to be in some strange dream.
+
+Who shall judge the ways of the Asiatic! This daring organizer, a
+match for the most astute minds of the West, believed that he could
+only make sure of fidelity by persuading me to go through what
+seemed the comedy of a mock adoption, a ceremony like the blood
+brotherhood of an African tribe.
+
+"And suppose I consent, into what family do you purpose to introduce
+me?"
+
+The Privy Councillor's look became positively affectionate as he
+responded:
+
+"If you would honor me by becoming my kinsman?"
+
+I rose to my feet, shaking my head slowly.
+
+"I appreciate the compliment your Excellency pays me. But, as we have
+just now agreed, an American citizen has no equals except royalty.
+Let us return to the German Emperor and his designs. If I cannot
+serve you directly I may be able to do so indirectly."
+
+The Japanese made no attempt to press his proposal.
+
+Instead he plunged into a discussion of the intrigues which radiated
+from Berlin.
+
+"In nearly all the international difficulties and disagreements of
+the last twenty years," he said, "it is possible to trace the evil
+influence of Germany.
+
+"To German sympathy, a secret encouragement, was due the wanton
+invasion of Cape Colony by the Boers. To the Kaiser, and his promises
+of support, was due the hopeless defiance of the United States by
+Spain. The same Power tried to drag Great Britain into collision
+with your Republic over the miserable concerns of Venezuela. For
+years, Germany has been secretly egging on the French to raise
+troubles against the English in Egypt. In the same spirit, the Sultan
+has been abetted, first against England and next against Russia.
+
+"All these schemes have been spoiled by the action of King Edward
+VII. in establishing cordial relations with France, and even to a
+certain extent with Russia.
+
+"Now Wilhelm II. has taken advantage of the attraction of France to
+England, to draw nearer to Russia. He has secured in his interest
+some of the most influential personages at the Russian Court. The
+Anglophobe grand dukes, the fire-eaters of the Admiralty, are all his
+sworn allies.
+
+"But that is not the worst.
+
+"By some means which I have not yet been able to trace, the Kaiser
+seems to have acquired a peculiar hold over Nicholas II.
+
+"The whole policy of Russia seems to be tinged by this influence.
+Even where the instigation of Germany is not directly apparent, yet
+in a hundred ways it is clear that the Russian Government is playing
+the German game. The cause of all this is a riddle, a riddle which it
+is for you to solve."
+
+"For me?"
+
+The words escaped me involuntarily. I had listened with growing
+uneasiness to the Privy Councillor's revelations.
+
+"Undoubtedly. You have facilities which no one else possesses. You
+enjoy the confidence of the Czar. You cannot be suspected of any
+selfish designs, still less of any hostile feeling against Wilhelm
+II., who is understood to be almost your personal friend."
+
+"I never allow personal friendships to influence me in the discharge
+of my duty."
+
+"It is because I believe that, that I am talking to you like this,"
+Mr. Katahashi responded quickly.
+
+"Well!" he added after a short silence, "what do you say?"
+
+"I must have the night to decide."
+
+The Japanese Privy Councillor rose to say good-by.
+
+After he had gone I sat up late into the night considering how far I
+could serve my employer in England by entering into the projects of
+the secret service of Japan.
+
+In the morning, I was still undecided, but on the whole it seemed to
+me that it would be better to act independently.
+
+I was considering how to convey this decision to the Mikado's
+minister, when he again presented himself before me.
+
+His manner was deeply agitated. It was evident that he came to make a
+communication of the highest importance.
+
+Instead of taking the chair I offered him, he stood regarding me with
+an expression that seemed one of awe.
+
+"Monsieur V----," he said at length, "your conditions are accepted by
+his imperial majesty."
+
+"What conditions?" I asked, bewildered for the moment.
+
+"Last night you informed me that an American citizen occupied the
+same rank as royalty."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"The Mikado offers to make you a member of the imperial family by
+adoption, and one of his majesty's cousins has consented to make you
+his son!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS
+
+
+In these days, when princes resign their rank to marry commoners, and
+queens elope with tutors, it is probable that most Western minds will
+see nothing out of the way in the condescension of the Japanese ruler
+in admitting a diplomatic agent to the honor of the imperial
+cousinship.
+
+But the dynasty of Japan is the most illustrious in the world,
+excepting only that of Great Britain. Like Edward VII., the Mikado
+traces his lineage back to pagan gods. From the days of the famous
+Empress Jimmu, an unbroken line of sacred sovereigns has filled the
+throne of the Realm of the Rising Sun during more than two thousand
+years.
+
+Mr. Katahashi was evidently pleased to see that I appreciated to the
+full the tremendous honor accorded to me.
+
+"An imperial carriage is waiting to convey you to the Palace," he
+said. "But it will not be becoming for you to wear that uniform. I
+have brought you a Japanese dress."
+
+An attendant came into the room bearing a gorgeous robe of green silk
+embroidered with golden chrysanthemums.
+
+I put it on like one in a dream. The Privy Councillor with his own
+hands girt around my waist the two weapons, sacred from time
+immemorial to the use of the Japanese noble, the sword with which to
+behead his friend, and the dagger with which to disembowel himself.
+
+Needless to say, I had no expectation that I should ever have
+occasion to regard these magnificently embellished weapons in any
+other light than as ornamental badges of rank.
+
+As we rode to the Palace, I could not forbear contrasting this
+splendid treatment with that which I had been accustomed to receive
+from some of the European sovereigns to whom I had rendered important
+services.
+
+Even the German Kaiser, who trusted me more than the head of his own
+police, who talked to me almost on the footing of an intimate friend,
+had never offered me so much as the coveted "von" before my name--had
+not given me even the pretty Red Eagle which is lavished on
+second-rate generals and lords-in-waiting.
+
+I became well-nigh appalled as I contrasted the sluggish
+conversation, the hide-bound officialism, the stereotyped and sleepy
+methods of the Western Powers with the sleepless energy, the daring
+initiative, the desperate industry and courage of this rejuvenated
+Eastern race.
+
+What could any of these obsolete European Governments effect against
+a nation which was really a vast secret society of forty-five
+millions, directed by a sacred chief, and wielding all the mechanical
+resources of the West with the almost inhuman subtlety and
+ruthlessness of the Orient?
+
+"Anything can be done for money." This maxim, which is forever on the
+lips of Russian statesmen, no longer sounded true in the meridian of
+Tokio.
+
+The ruler of Japan had not offered me so much as a yen. Nay, it
+was clearly expected and intended that I should devote myself
+to the service of my new country without pay, and with the same
+single-hearted devotion as Mr. Katahashi himself. The Mikado was
+going to enroll in his services as an unpaid volunteer the most
+highly-paid, in other words, the most trusted and feared, secret
+service agent of two hemispheres.
+
+And it was to cost him? An embroidered garment and two sentences
+spoken in a private audience!
+
+Such are the methods of Japan!
+
+On our arrival at the Palace we were received by a chamberlain, who
+conducted us by the private staircase to the Hall of the Imperial
+Family.
+
+The Hall is an imposing room, hung with portraits of deceased
+mikados. A single chair, decorated with the emblem of the Rising Sun,
+stood at the upper end.
+
+Almost as soon as we had taken our places, a door behind the chair
+was thrown up, and a number of the officers of the household, all
+wearing the ancient national costume, filed in, and grouped
+themselves around the imperial chair.
+
+Then a silver bell sounded, and his imperial and sacred majesty,
+Mutsuhito CXXI., Mikado, walked slowly forward into the Hall,
+accompanied by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Yoshihito, and an
+elderly man, attired with great richness, who was, as my guide
+whispered to me, his imperial highness Prince Yorimo, second cousin
+to the Emperor, and the man who had consented to be my titular
+father.
+
+The ceremony was brief but impressive. I could not but be struck by
+the contrast between the two Mikados--the one whom I had seen
+yesterday, an alert statesman, wearing Western clothes, and speaking
+French with hardly a trace of accent, and the one before me now, a
+solemn, pontifical figure, in his immemorial robes, moving, speaking
+with the etiquette of a bygone age.
+
+Everything passed in the Japanese language, of which I did not then
+know a single word.
+
+Mr. Katahashi did his best to provide a running translation,
+whispering in my ear, and prompting me with the Japanese words which
+it was necessary for me to pronounce.
+
+As far as I could understand, Prince Yorimo asked permission of the
+Emperor to adopt a son, as he was childless and desired to have some
+one who would sacrifice to his own spirit and those of his father and
+grandfather after he was dead.
+
+The Mikado graciously consenting, I was brought forward, and made to
+renounce my own family and ancestors, and promise to sacrifice
+exclusively to those of my new father.
+
+Prince Yorimo next brought forward a robe embroidered with the
+imperial emblems, the most prominent of which was the Rising Sun. I
+was divested of the dress lent me by Katahashi, and my adoptive
+father flung the imperial garment over my shoulders.
+
+The girding on of the samurai weapon followed, and my father
+addressed me a short exhortation, bidding me hold myself ready at all
+times to obey the will of the Divine Emperor, even to the point of
+committing _seppuku_ at his command.
+
+_Seppuku_ is the correct name of the rite known in the West by the
+vulgar name of _hara-kiri_, or the "happy despatch." It is a form of
+voluntary execution permitted by the ancient laws of Japan to men of
+noble rank, much as European nobles were allowed to be beheaded
+instead of being hanged.
+
+I was then permitted to kiss the hand of Prince Yorimo, who formally
+presented me to the Mikado, whose hand also I had to kiss, kneeling.
+
+That was the whole of the ceremony, at the close of which Mr.
+Katahashi bade me a temporary farewell, and my princely father
+carried me off to a banquet in his own mansion.
+
+Tedious and uninteresting as I fear these details must seem to the
+reader, I have thought it right to record them as an illustration of
+the spirit of Japan, of that country of which I am proud to be an
+adopted son.
+
+The moment we had quitted the Hall of the Imperial Family, Prince
+Yorimo began to talk to me in French.
+
+He proved to be a most fascinating companion. Old enough to remember
+the feudal age, which was still in full vigor in Japan forty years
+ago, he had since mastered most of the knowledge of the West.
+
+I soon found that the Prince was by no means disposed to treat the
+adoption as a mere form. It was evident that the old gentleman had
+taken a strong fancy to me. He gave me a most affectionate welcome on
+the threshold of his house, and immediately calling his servants
+around him, introduced me to them as their future master, and bade
+them obey me as himself.
+
+I was more touched than I care to say by this kind treatment. My own
+parents have long been dead; I know nothing of any other relations,
+if I have any; I have long been a wanderer and an adventurer on the
+face of the earth, and now, at last, I felt as though I had found a
+home.
+
+Something of this I tried to convey to his imperial highness.
+
+"My son," he replied with deep tenderness, "I feel that to me you
+will be a son indeed. You shall learn the language of our beautiful
+country, you shall grow used to our national ways. Before long you
+will let me provide you with a daughter of the Chrysanthemum to be
+your wife, and my grandchildren shall be Japanese indeed."
+
+A sound of bells was heard outside.
+
+"My friends are coming to pay the customary congratulation," the aged
+prince explained. "As it is necessary that you should have a name
+suited to your new rank, I ask you to take that of my father,
+Matsukata."
+
+A few words of direction were spoken to the steward of the chambers,
+who went out. Immediately afterward he returned, throwing open the
+doors widely, and announced:
+
+"The Marquis Yamagata to congratulate his imperial highness Prince
+Matsukata!"
+
+And the Prime Minister of Japan came toward me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SUBMARINE MINE
+
+
+Having told the reader as much as was necessary to enable him to
+understand my subsequent proceedings, and the real forces at work in
+the underground struggle which produced the tragedy of the Dogger
+Bank, I will suppress the remainder of my adventures in Tokio.
+
+When I left the capital of my new country I wore around my neck,
+under the light shirt of chain mail without which I have never
+traveled for the last twenty years, a golden locket containing the
+miniature portrait of the loveliest maiden in the East or in the
+West.
+
+It was a pledge. When little, tender fingers had fastened it in its
+place, little moving lips had whispered in my ear, "Till peace is
+signed!"
+
+I had decided to return to the capital of what was now the country of
+my enemies, by much the same route as I had left it.
+
+To do so, it was necessary to run the blockade of Port Arthur, or
+rather to feign to do so, for the Japanese Minister of Marine had
+been asked by my friend Katahashi to give secret instructions to
+Admiral Togo on my behalf.
+
+In order to ensure a welcome from the Russian commander, and to
+dispel any suspicions, I planned to take in a cargo of Welsh steam
+coal.
+
+Through an agent at Yokohama I chartered a British collier lying at
+Chi-fu, with a cargo for disposal. Leaving the Japanese port on a
+steamer bound for Shanghai, I met the collier in mid-ocean, and
+transferred myself on board her.
+
+As soon as I had taken command, I ordered the skipper to head for
+Port Arthur.
+
+This was the first intimation to him that he was expected to run the
+blockade, and at first he refused.
+
+"I'm not afraid--myself," the sturdy Briton declared, "but I've got a
+mixed crew on board, Germans and Norwegians and Lascars, and all
+sorts, and I can't rely on them if we get in a tight place."
+
+I glanced around at the collection of foreign faces and drew the
+captain aside. He, at least, was an Englishman, and I therefore
+trusted him.
+
+"There is no danger, really," I said. "Admiral Togo has had secret
+orders to let me through. This cargo is merely a pretext."
+
+The rough sailor scratched his head.
+
+"Well, maybe you're telling the truth," he grunted. "But, dang me, if
+I can get the hang of it. You might belong to any country almost by
+the cut of your jib; you say you've fixed things up with the blessed
+Japs, and you're running a cargo of coal for the blessed Rooshians.
+It's queer, mortal queer, that's all I can say. Howsomdever----"
+
+I took out a flask of three-star brandy, and passed it to the
+doubting mariner.
+
+He put it first to his nose, then to his lips.
+
+"Ah! Nothing wrong about that, Mister," he pronounced, as he handed
+back the flask.
+
+"It's a fifty-pound job for yourself, no matter what becomes of the
+cargo," I insinuated.
+
+The worthy seaman's manner underwent a magic change.
+
+"Port your helm!" he yelled out suddenly and sharply to the man at
+the wheel. "Keep her steady nor'-east by nor', and a point nor'. Full
+steam ahead! All lights out! And if one of you lubbers so much as
+winks an eyelid, by George, I'll heave him overboard!"
+
+The crew, who had shown a good many signs of uneasiness since my
+coming over the side, seemed to think this last hint worth attending
+to. They slunk forward to their duties, leaving the captain and
+myself to pace the quarter-deck alone.
+
+We steamed swiftly through the darkness till we began to see the
+search-lights of the Japanese fleet like small white feathers
+fluttering on the horizon.
+
+"Come up on the bridge," the skipper advised. "Got a revolver handy?"
+
+I showed him my loaded weapon.
+
+"Right! I ain't much afraid of the Japs, but we may have trouble with
+some of that all-sorts crew I've got below."
+
+By and by the white plumes became bigger. All at once a ship lying
+dark on the water, scarcely a mile away on the weather-bow, spat out
+a long ribbon of light like an ant-eater's tongue, and we found
+ourselves standing in a glare of light as if we were actors in the
+middle of a stage.
+
+There was a howl from below, and a mixed body of Lascars, headed by
+one of the Germans, rushed toward the helm.
+
+"Back, you milk-drinking swabs!" the skipper roared. "As I'm a living
+man, the first one of you that lays a hand on the wheel, I'll fire
+into the crowd.
+
+"Hark ye here!" their commander said with rough eloquence. "In the
+first place, it don't follow that because you can see a flashlight
+the chap at t'other end can see you. Second place, no ship that does
+see us is going to sink us without giving us a round of blank first,
+by way of notice to heave to. Third place, if we do get a notice, I'm
+going to stop this ship. And, fourth place, you've got five seconds
+to decide whether you'd rather be taken into Yokohama by a prize crew
+of Japs, or be shot where you stand by me and this gentleman."
+
+The crew turned tail. Before five seconds had elapsed, not a head was
+to be seen above decks, except that of the man at the helm, who
+happened to be a Dane, to be first mate, and to be more than
+three-parts drunk.
+
+Needless to say the warning shot was not fired.
+
+We steamed steadily on through the fleet, every vessel of which was
+probably by this time aware of our presence. The search-lights
+flashed and fell all around us, but not once did we have to face
+again that blinking glare which tells the blockade runner that the
+game is up.
+
+But there was another peril in store on which we had not reckoned.
+The sea all around Port Arthur had been strewn with Russian mines!
+
+Unconscious of what was coming, we steamed gaily past the last
+outlying torpedo-boat of Admiral Togo's squadron.
+
+"Through!" cried my friend the skipper, pointing with a grin of
+delight at the Port Arthur lights as they came into view around the
+edge of a dark cliff.
+
+And even as he looked and pointed, there was a terrific wave, a rush,
+a flare and a report, and I felt myself lifted off my feet into
+mid-air.
+
+I fancy I must have been unconscious for a second or two while in the
+air, for the splash of the sea as I struck it in falling seemed to
+wake me up like a cold douche.
+
+My first movement, on coming to the surface again, was to put my hand
+to my neck to make sure of the safety of the precious locket which
+had been placed there by my dear little countrywoman.
+
+My second was to strike out for a big spar which I saw floating amid
+a mass of tangled cordage and splinters a few yards in front of me.
+
+Strange as it may seem, only when my arms were resting safely on the
+spar, and I had time to look about me and take stock of the
+situation, did I realize the extreme peril I had been in.
+
+Most dangers and disasters are worse to read about than to go
+through. Had any one warned me beforehand that I was going to be
+blown up by a mine, I should probably have felt the keenest dread,
+and conjured up all sorts of horrors. As it was, the whole adventure
+was over in a twinkling, and by the greatest good luck I had escaped
+without a scratch.
+
+By this time the forts at the entrance to Port Arthur, attracted, no
+doubt, by the noise of the explosion, were busily searching the spot
+with their lights.
+
+The effect was truly magnificent.
+
+From the blackness of the heights surrounding the famous basin, fiery
+sword after fiery sword seemed to leap forth and stab the sea. The
+wondrous blades of light met and crossed one another as if some
+great archangels were doing battle for the key of Asia.
+
+The whole sea was lit up with a brightness greater than that of the
+sun. Every floating piece of wreckage, every rope, every nail stood
+out with unnatural clearness. I was obliged to close my eyes, and
+protect them with my dripping hand.
+
+Presently I heard a hail from behind me. I turned my head, and to my
+delight saw the brave skipper of the lost ship swimming toward me.
+
+In another dozen strokes he was alongside and clinging with me to the
+same piece of wood, which he said was the main gaff.
+
+He was rather badly gashed about the head, but not enough to threaten
+serious consequences. So far as we could ascertain, the whole of the
+crew had perished.
+
+I confess that their fate did not cost me any very great pang, after
+the first natural shock of horror had passed. They owed their death
+to their own lack of courage, which had caused them to take refuge in
+the lowest part of the ship, where the full force of the explosion
+came. The captain and I, thanks to our position on the bridge, had
+escaped with a comparatively mild shaking.
+
+The steersman would have escaped also, in all probability, had he
+been sober.
+
+In a very short time after the captain had joined me, our eyes were
+gladdened by the sight of a launch issuing from the fort to our
+assistance.
+
+The officer in charge had thoughtfully provided blankets and a flask
+of wine. Thus comforted, I was not long in fully recovering my
+strength, and by the time the launch had set us on shore my comrade
+in misfortune was also able to walk without difficulty.
+
+The lieutenant who had picked us up showed the greatest consideration
+on learning that we had been blown up in an attempt to run a cargo of
+coal for the benefit of the Russian fleet. On landing we were taken
+before Admiral Makharoff, the brave man whom fate had marked out to
+perish two months later by a closely similar catastrophe.
+
+The story which I told to the Admiral was very nearly true, though of
+course I suppressed the incidents which had taken place in Tokio.
+
+I said that I had been charged to deliver a private communication
+from the Czar to the Mikado, sent in the hope of averting war, that I
+had arrived too late, and that, having to make my way back to
+Petersburg, I had meant to do a stroke of business on the way on
+behalf of his excellency.
+
+My inspector's uniform, which I had resumed on leaving Yokohama,
+confirmed my words, and Admiral Makharoff, after thanking me on
+behalf of the navy for my zeal, dismissed me with a present of a
+thousand rubles, and a permit to travel inland from Port Arthur.
+
+Needless to say I did not forget to say good-by to my brave
+Englishman, to whom I handed over the Russian Admiral's reward, thus
+doubling the amount I had promised him for his plucky stand against
+the mutineers.
+
+I have hurried over these transactions, interesting as they were, in
+order to come to the great struggle which lay before me in the
+capital of Russia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE ADVISER OF NICHOLAS II
+
+
+By the second week in March I was back in Petersburg.
+
+On the long journey across Asia, I had had time to mature my plans,
+with the advantage of knowing that the real enemy I had to fight was
+neither M. Petrovitch nor the witching Princess Y----, but the Power
+which was using them both as its tools.
+
+It was a frightful thing to know that two mighty peoples, the
+Japanese and Russians, neither of which really wished to fight each
+other, had been locked in strife in order to promote the sinister and
+tortuous policy of Germany.
+
+So far, the German Kaiser had accomplished one-half of his program.
+The second, and more important, step would be to bring about a
+collision between the Russians and the English.
+
+Thus the situation resolved itself into an underground duel between
+Wilhelm II. and myself, a duel in which the whole future history of
+the world, and possibly the very existence of the British Empire,
+hung in the balance.
+
+And the arbiter was the melancholy young man who wandered through the
+vast apartments of his palace at Tsarskoe-Selo like some distracted
+ghost, wishing that any lot in life had been bestowed on him rather
+than that of autocrat of half Europe and Asia.
+
+It was to Nicholas that I first repaired, on my return, to report the
+result of my mission.
+
+I obtained a private audience without difficulty, and found his
+majesty busily engaged in going through some papers relating to the
+affairs of the Navy.
+
+"So they have not killed you, like poor Menken," he said with a
+mixture of sympathy and sadness.
+
+"Colonel Menken killed!" I could not forbear exclaiming.
+
+"Yes. Did you not hear of it? A Japanese spy succeeded in
+assassinating him, and stealing the despatch, just before Mukden. A
+lady-in-waiting attached to the Dowager Czaritza happened to be on
+the train, and brought me the whole story."
+
+I shook my head gravely.
+
+"I fear your majesty has been misinformed. Colonel Menken committed
+suicide. I saw him put the pistol to his head and shoot himself. His
+last words were a message to your majesty."
+
+The Czar raised his hand to his head with a despairing gesture.
+
+"Will these contradictions never end!" he exclaimed. "Really, sir, I
+hope you have made a mistake. Whom _can_ I trust!"
+
+I drew myself up.
+
+"I have no desire to press my version on you, sire," I said coldly.
+"It is sufficient that the Colonel was robbed, and that he is dead.
+Perhaps Princess Y---- has also given you an account of my own
+adventures?"
+
+Nicholas II. looked at me distrustfully.
+
+"Let us leave the name of the Princess on one side," he said in a
+tone of rebuke. "I have every reason to feel satisfied with her
+loyalty and zeal."
+
+I bowed, and remained silent.
+
+"You failed to get through, I suppose," the Czar continued, after
+waiting in vain for me to speak.
+
+"I beg pardon, sire, I safely delivered to the Emperor of Japan your
+majesty's autograph on the cigarette paper. I was robbed of the more
+formal letter in the house of M. Petrovitch, before starting."
+
+Nicholas frowned.
+
+"Petrovitch again! Another of the few men whom I know to be my real
+friends." He fidgeted impatiently.
+
+"Well, what did the Mikado say?"
+
+I had intended to soften the reply of the Japanese Emperor, but now,
+being irritated, I gave it bluntly:
+
+"His majesty professed to disbelieve in your power to control your
+people. He declared that he could not treat a letter from you
+seriously unless you were able to send it openly, without your
+messengers being robbed or murdered on the way across your own
+dominions."
+
+The young Emperor flushed darkly.
+
+"Insolent barbarian!" he cried hotly. "The next letter I send him
+shall be delivered by the commander of my army on the soil of Japan."
+
+I was secretly pleased by this flash of spirit, which raised my
+respect for the Russian monarch.
+
+A recollection seemed to strike him.
+
+"I hear that you were blown up in attempting to bring some coal into
+Port Arthur," he said in a more friendly tone. "I thank you, Monsieur
+V----."
+
+I bowed low.
+
+"Some of my admirals seem to have been caught napping," Nicholas II.
+added. "I have here a very serious report about Admiral Stark at
+Vladivostok."
+
+"You surprise me, sire," I observed incautiously. "Out in Manchuria I
+heard the Admiral praised on all hands for his carefulness and good
+conduct."
+
+"Carefulness! It is possible to be too careful," the Czar complained.
+"Admiral Stark is too much afraid of responsibility. We have
+information that the English are taking all kinds of contraband into
+the Japanese ports, and he does nothing to stop them, for fear of
+committing some breach of international law."
+
+I began to see what was coming. The Emperor, who seemed anxious to
+justify himself, proceeded:
+
+"The rights of neutrals have never been regarded by the British navy,
+when they were at war. However, I have not been satisfied with taking
+the opinion of our own jurists. I have here an opinion from Professor
+Heldenberg of Berlin, who of course represents a neutral Power, and
+he says distinctly that we are entitled to declare anything we
+please contraband, and to seize English ships--I mean, ships of
+neutrals--anywhere, even in the English Channel itself, and sink them
+if it is inconvenient to bring them into a Russian port."
+
+The insidious character of this advice was so glaring that I wondered
+how the unfortunate young monarch could be deceived by it.
+
+But I saw that comment would be useless just then. I must seek some
+other means of opening his eyes to the pitfalls which were being
+prepared for him.
+
+I came from the Palace with a heavy heart. The next day, Petersburg
+was startled by the publication of a ukase recalling Vice-Admiral
+Stark and Rear-Admiral Molas, his second in command, from the
+Pacific.
+
+Immediately on hearing this news I sent a telegram in cipher to Lord
+Bedale. For obvious reasons I never take copies of my secret
+correspondence, but to the best of my recollection the wire ran as
+follows:
+
+      Germany instigating Russian Navy to raid your shipping on
+      the pretext of contraband. Object to provoke reprisals
+      leading to war.
+
+As the reader is aware, this warning succeeded in defeating the
+Kaiser's main design, the British Government steadily refusing to be
+provoked.
+
+Unfortunately this attitude of theirs played into German hands in
+another way, as English shippers were practically obliged to refuse
+goods for the Far East, and this important and lucrative trade passed
+to Hamburg, to the serious injury of the British ports.
+
+But before this development had been reached, I found myself on the
+track of a far more deadly and dangerous intrigue, one which is
+destined to live in history as the most audacious plot ever devised
+by one great Power against another with which it proposed to be on
+terms of perfect friendship.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+A STRANGE CONFESSION
+
+
+I had last seen the strange, beautiful, wicked woman known as the
+Princess Y---- bending in a passion of hysterical remorse over the
+body of the man she had driven to death, on the snow-clad train
+outside Mukden.
+
+I have had some experience of women, and especially of the class
+which mixes in the secret politics of the European Courts. But Sophia
+Y---- was an enigma to me. There was nothing about her which
+suggested the adventuress. And there was much which tended to support
+the story which had won the belief of her august mistress--that she
+was an involuntary agent, who had been victimized by an unscrupulous
+minister of police, by means of a false charge, and who genuinely
+loathed the tasks she was too feeble to refuse.
+
+I had not been back in Petersburg very long when one afternoon the
+hotel waiter came to tell me that a lady desired to see me privately.
+The lady, he added, declined to give her name, but declared that she
+was well known to me.
+
+I had come back to the hotel, I should mention, in the character of
+Mr. Sterling, the self-appointed agent of the fraternity of British
+peace-makers. It was necessary for me to have some excuse for
+residing in Petersburg during the war, and under this convenient
+shelter I could from time to time prepare more effectual disguises.
+
+I was not altogether surprised when my mysterious visitor raised her
+veil and disclosed the features of the Princess herself.
+
+But I was both surprised and shocked by the frightened,
+grief-stricken look on the face of this woman whom I had come to
+dread as my most formidable opponent in the Russian Court.
+
+"Mr. Sterling!--Monsieur V----?" she cried in an agitated voice that
+seemed ready to break down into a sob. "Can you forgive me for
+intruding on you? I dare not speak to you freely in my own house. I
+am beset by spies."
+
+"Sit down, Princess," I said soothingly, as I rolled forward a
+comfortable chair. "Of course I am both charmed and flattered by your
+visit, whatever be its cause."
+
+With feminine intuition she marked the reserve in my response to her
+appeal.
+
+"Ah! You distrust me, and you are quite right!" she exclaimed,
+casting herself into the chair.
+
+She fixed her luminous eyes on me in a deep look, half-imploring,
+half-reproachful.
+
+"It is true, then, what they have been telling me? You were the man,
+dressed as an inspector of the Third Section who traveled on the
+train with me? And you saw the death"--her words were interrupted by
+a shudder--"of that unhappy man?"
+
+It was not very easy to preserve my composure in the face of her
+emotion. Nevertheless, at the risk of appearing callous, I replied:
+
+"I cannot pretend to understand your question. However, even if I did
+it would make no difference.
+
+"Since you know my name is A. V----, you must know also that I never
+allow myself to talk about my work."
+
+The Princess winced under these cold words almost as though she had
+been physically rebuffed. She clasped her delicately-gloved hands
+together, and murmured as though to herself:
+
+"He will not believe in me! He will not be convinced!"
+
+I felt myself in a very difficult position. Either this woman was
+thoroughly repentant, and sincerely anxious to make some genuine
+communication to me, or else she was an actress whose powers might
+have excited envy in the Bernhardt herself.
+
+I concluded that I could lose nothing by encouraging her to speak.
+
+"You must pardon me if I seem distrustful," I said with a wholly
+sympathetic expression. "I have my principles, and cannot depart from
+them. But I have every wish to convince you of my personal
+friendship."
+
+She interrupted me with a terrible glance.
+
+"Personal friendship! Monsieur, do you know what I have come here to
+tell you?"
+
+And rising wildly to her feet, she spread out her hands in a gesture
+of utter despair:
+
+"They have ordered me to take your life!"
+
+I am not a man who is easily surprised.
+
+The adventures I have passed through, some of them far more
+extraordinary than anything I have recorded in my public revelations,
+have accustomed me to meet almost any situation with diplomatic
+presence of mind.
+
+But on this occasion I am obliged to admit that I was fairly taken
+aback.
+
+As the lovely but dangerous woman whom I had cause to regard as the
+most formidable instrument in the hands of the conspirators, avowed
+to my face that she had been charged with the mission to assassinate
+me, I sprang from my chair and confronted her.
+
+She stood, swaying slightly, as though the intensity of her emotion
+was about to overpower her.
+
+"Do you mean what you say? Do you know what you have said?" I
+demanded.
+
+The Princess Y---- made no answer, but she lifted her violet eyes to
+mine, and I saw the big tears welling up and beginning to overflow.
+
+I was dismayed. My strength of mind seemed to desert me. I have
+looked on without a tear when men have fallen dead at my feet, but I
+have never been able to remain calm before a woman in tears.
+
+"Madame! Princess!" I was on the point of addressing her by a yet
+more familiar name. "At least, sit down and recover yourself."
+
+Like one dazed, I led her to a chair. Like one dazed, she sank into
+it in obedience to my authoritative pressure.
+
+"Come," I said in a tone which I strove to render at once firm and
+soothing, "it is clear that we must understand each other. You have
+come here to tell me this, I suppose?"
+
+"At the risk of my life," she breathed. "What must you think of me!"
+
+I recalled the fate of poor Menken, whom the woman before me had led
+to his doom, though she had not struck the blow.
+
+In spite of myself, a momentary shudder went through me.
+
+The sensitive woman saw or felt it, and shook in her turn.
+
+"Believe me or not, as you will," she exclaimed desperately. "I
+swear to you that I have never knowingly been guilty of taking life.
+
+"Never for one moment did I anticipate that that poor man would do
+what he did," the Princess went on with passionate earnestness. "I
+tempted him to give me the Czar's letter, and I destroyed it--I
+confess that. Are not such things done every day in secret politics?
+Have you never intercepted a despatch?"
+
+It was a suggestive question. I thought of more than one incident in
+my own career which might be harshly received by a strict moralist.
+It is true that I have always been engaged on what I believed was a
+lawful task; but the due execution of that task had sometimes
+involved actions which I should have shrunk from in private life.
+
+"I will not excuse myself, Madame," I answered slowly. "Neither have
+I accused you."
+
+"Your tone is an accusation," she returned with a touch of
+bitterness. "Oh, I know well that men are ready to pardon many things
+in one another which they will not pardon in us."
+
+"I am sorry if I have wounded you," I said with real compunction.
+"Let us say no more about the tragedy that is past. Am I right in
+thinking that you have come to me for aid?"
+
+"I do not know. I do not know why I am here. Perhaps it is because I
+am mad."
+
+I gazed at her flushed face and trembling hands, unable to resist the
+feeling of compassion which was creeping over me.
+
+What was I to think? What was this woman's real purpose in coming to
+me?
+
+Had her employers, had the unscrupulous Petrovitch, or the ruthless
+Minister of Police, indeed charged her to remove me from their path;
+and had her courage broken down under the hideous burden?
+
+Or was this merely a ruse to win my confidence; or, perhaps, to
+frighten me into resigning my task and leaving the Russian capital?
+
+Did she wish to save my life, or her own?
+
+I sat regarding her, bewildered by these conjectures.
+
+I saw that I must get her to say more.
+
+"At least you have come to aid me," I protested. "You have given me a
+warning for which I cannot be sufficiently grateful."
+
+"If you believe it is a genuine one," she retorted. Already she had
+divined my difficulties and doubts.
+
+"I do not doubt that you mean it genuinely," I hastened to respond.
+"There is, of course, the possibility that you yourself have been
+deceived."
+
+"Ah!"
+
+She looked up at me in what I could not think was other than real
+surprise.
+
+"You think so?" she cried eagerly. The next moment her head drooped
+again. "No, no. I have known them too long. They have never trifled
+with me before. Believe me, Monsieur, when they told me that you were
+to be murdered they were not joking with me."
+
+"But they might have meant to use you for the purpose of terrifying
+me."
+
+She stared at me in unaffected astonishment.
+
+"Terrify--_you_!" She pronounced the words with an emphasis not
+altogether unflattering. "You are better known in Russia than you
+imagine, M. V----."
+
+I passed over the remark.
+
+"Still they must have foreseen the possibility that you would shrink
+from such a task; that your womanly instincts would prove too much
+for you. At least they have never required such work of you before?"
+
+Against my will the last words became a question. I was anxious to be
+assured that the hands of the Princess were free from the stain of
+blood.
+
+"Never! They dared not! They _could_ not!" she cried indignantly.
+"You do not know my history. Perhaps you do not care to know it?"
+
+Whatever I knew or suspected, I could make only one answer to such an
+appeal. Indeed, I was desirous to understand the meaning of one word
+which the Princess Y---- had just used.
+
+"Listen," she said, speaking with an energy and dignity which I could
+not but respect, "while I tell you what I am. I am a condemned
+murderess!"
+
+"Impossible!"
+
+"Impossible in any other country, I grant you, but very possible in
+Russia. You have heard, I suppose, everybody has heard, of the deaths
+of my husband and his children. The first two deaths were natural, I
+swear it. I, at all events, had no more to do with them than if they
+had occurred in the planet Saturn. Prince Y---- committed suicide.
+And he did so because of me; I do not deny it. But it was not because
+he suspected me of any hand in the deaths of his children. It was
+because he knew I hated him!
+
+"The story is almost too terrible to be told. That old man had bought
+me. He bought me from my father, who was head over ears in debt, and
+on the brink of ruin. I was sold--the only portion of his property
+that remained to be sold. And from the first hour of the purchase I
+hated, oh, how I loathed and hated that old man!"
+
+There was a wild note in her voice that hinted at unutterable things.
+
+"And he," she continued with a shiver, "he loved me, loved me with a
+passion that was like madness. He could hardly bear me out of his
+sight.
+
+"I killed him, yes, morally, I have no doubt I killed him. He
+lavished everything on me, jewels, wealth, all the forms of luxury.
+He made a will leaving me the whole of his great fortune. But I could
+not endure him, and that killed him. I think," she hesitated and
+lowered her voice to a whisper, "I think he killed himself to please
+me."
+
+Hardened as I am, I felt a thrill of horror. The Princess was right;
+the story was too terrible to be told.
+
+"Then the police came on the scene. From the first they knew well
+enough that I was innocent. But they were determined to make me
+guilty. The head of the secret service at that time was Baron Kratz.
+He had had his eye on me for some time. The Czar, believing in my
+guilt, had ordered him not to spare me, and that fatal order gave him
+a free hand.
+
+"How he managed it all, I hardly know. The servants were bullied or
+bribed into giving false evidence against me. But one part of their
+evidence was true enough; even I could not deny that I had hated
+Prince Y----, and that his death came as a welcome relief.
+
+"There was a secret trial, and I was condemned. They read out my
+sentence. And then, when it was all over, Kratz came to me, and
+offered me life and liberty in return for my services as an agent of
+the Third Section."
+
+"And to save your life you consented. Well, I do not judge you," I
+said.
+
+The Princess glanced at me with a strange smile.
+
+"To save my life! I see you do not yet know our Holy Russia. Shall I
+tell you what my sentence was?"
+
+"Was it not death, then?"
+
+"Yes, death--by the knout!"
+
+"My God!"
+
+I gazed at her stupified. Her whole beauty seemed to be focussed in
+one passionate protest. Knouted to death! I saw the form before me
+stripped, and lashed to the triangles, while the knotted thong,
+wielded by the hangman's hands, buried itself in the soft flesh.
+
+I no longer disbelieved. I no longer even doubted. The very horror of
+the story had the strength of truth.
+
+For some time neither of us spoke.
+
+"But now, surely, you have made up your mind to break lose from this
+thraldom?" I demanded. "And, if so, and you will trust me, I will
+undertake to save you."
+
+"You forget, do you not, that you yourself are not free? You surely
+do not mean that you would lay aside your work for my sake?"
+
+It was a question which disconcerted me in more ways than one. In a
+secret service agent, suspicion becomes second nature. I caught
+myself asking whether all that had gone before was not merely
+intended to lead up to this one question, and I cursed myself for
+the doubt.
+
+"My duty to my present employer comes first, of course," I admitted.
+"But as soon as I am free again----"
+
+"If you are still alive," she put in significantly.
+
+"Ah! You mean?"
+
+"I mean that when they find out that I am not to be depended on, they
+will not have far to look for others."
+
+"It is strange that they should have chosen you in the first place,"
+I said thoughtfully. "You said they _could_ not ask you."
+
+"They did not offer me this mission. I volunteered."
+
+"You volunteered!"
+
+She shook herself impatiently.
+
+"Surely you understand? I heard them deciding on your death. And so I
+undertook the task."
+
+"Because?"
+
+"Because I wished to save you. I had great difficulty. At first they
+were inclined to refuse me--to suspect my motives. I had to convince
+them that I hated you for having outwitted me. And I persuaded them
+that none of their ordinary instruments were capable of dealing with
+you."
+
+"And you meant to give me this warning all along?"
+
+"I meant to save you from them. Do you not see, as long as we are
+together, as long as you are visiting me, and I am seen to be
+following you up, they will not interfere. If I manage the affair
+skilfully it may be weeks before they suspect that I am playing them
+false. I shall have my excuse ready. It is no disgrace to be foiled
+by A. V."
+
+Again there was an interval of silence. The Princess prepared to go.
+
+"Stay!" I protested. "I have not thanked you. Indeed, I do not seem
+to have heard all. You had some reason, surely, for wishing to
+preserve my life."
+
+"And what does my reason matter?"
+
+"It matters very much to me. Perhaps," I gave her a searching look,
+"perhaps the Dowager Czaritza has enlisted you on our side?"
+
+The beautiful woman rose to her feet, and turned her face from me.
+
+"Think so, if you will. I tell you it does not matter."
+
+"And I tell you it does matter. Princess!"
+
+"Don't! Don't speak to me, please! Let me go home. I am not well."
+
+Trembling violently in every limb, she was making her way toward the
+door, when it was suddenly flung open, and the voice of the hotel
+servant announced:
+
+"M. Petrovitch!"
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate walked in with a smile on his
+face, saw the Princess Y---- coming toward him, and stopped short,
+the smile changing to a dark frown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT
+
+
+Whether because he saw that I was watching him, or because he placed
+his own interpretation on the circumstances, the war plotter changed
+his frown into a smile.
+
+"I am glad to see, Princess," he said to the trembling woman, "that
+you have so soon found our good friend Mr. Sterling again."
+
+The Princess Y---- gave him a glance which seemed to enjoin silence,
+bowed with grace, and left the room in charge of the servant who had
+announced M. Petrovitch.
+
+The latter now advanced to greet me with every appearance of
+cordiality.
+
+The last time I had met this well-dressed, delicate scamp, he had
+drugged and robbed me. Now I had just been told that he was setting
+assassins on my track.
+
+But it is my rule always to cultivate friendly intercourse with my
+opponents. Few men can talk for long without exposing something of
+their inner thoughts. I wanted M. Petrovitch to talk.
+
+Therefore I returned his greeting with equal cordiality, and made him
+sit down in the chair from which the Princess Y---- had just risen.
+
+"You will be surprised to hear, no doubt, Mr. Sterling, that I have
+brought you an invitation from the Emperor."
+
+"From what Emperor?" was the retort on the tip of my tongue.
+Fortunately I suppressed it; there is no accomplishment so fatal to
+success in life as wit, except kindness.
+
+I simply answered,
+
+"I am not readily surprised, M. Petrovitch. Neither, I imagine, are
+you."
+
+The financier smiled.
+
+"May I call you M. V----?" he asked. "His majesty has told me who you
+are."
+
+"Were you surprised by that?" I returned with sarcasm.
+
+Petrovitch fairly laughed.
+
+"I hear you have been denouncing me to Nicholas," he said lightly.
+"Can't I persuade you to let our poor little Czar alone. I assure you
+it is a waste of breath on your part, and you will only worry a
+well-meaning young man who has no head for business."
+
+This was plain speaking. It argued no ordinary confidence on the part
+of the intriguer to speak in such a fashion of the Autocrat of All
+the Russias.
+
+Already the interview was telling me something. Petrovitch must have
+some strong, secret hold on Nicholas II.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I answered in my friendliest manner,
+
+"I have no personal feeling against you, my dear Petrovitch. But to
+use drugs--come, you must admit that that was a strong measure!"
+
+"I apologize!" laughed the Russian. "All the more as I find you were
+too many for us after all. I would give something to know how you
+managed to hide the letter you got through."
+
+It was my turn to laugh. I had reason to feel satisfied. Weak as the
+Russian Emperor might be, it was evident that he had not betrayed my
+secret.
+
+"Well, now," the promoter resumed, "all that being over, is there any
+reason why we should not be friends? Be frank with me. What end have
+you in view that is likely to bring us into collision?"
+
+"There is no reason why I should not be frank with you," I answered,
+racking my brain for some story which the man before me might be
+likely to believe, "especially as I do not suppose that either of us
+is likely to report this conversation quite faithfully to his
+imperial majesty. I am a Japanese spy."
+
+Petrovitch gave me a glance in which I thought I detected a mingling
+of incredulity and admiration.
+
+"Really, you are a cool hand, my dear V----!"
+
+"Why, is there anything in that to make us enemies? You are not going
+to pose as the zealous patriot, I hope. I thought we had agreed to be
+frank."
+
+The financier bit his lip.
+
+"Well, I do not deny that I am before all things a man of business,"
+he returned. "If your friends the Japanese can make me any better
+offer than the one I have had from another quarter, I do not say."
+
+"I will see what I can arrange for you," I answered, not wholly
+insincerely. "In the meantime, I think you said something about an
+invitation?"
+
+"Oh, yes, from Nicholas. He wants to see you. He has some scheme or
+other in which he thinks that you and I can work together, and he
+wants us to be friends, accordingly."
+
+"But we are friends, after to-day, I understand?"
+
+"It is as you please, my dear V----," replied the conspirator with a
+slightly baffled air. "You have made a good beginning, apparently,
+with the Princess Y----."
+
+I put on the self-satisfied air of the man who is a favorite with
+women.
+
+"The Princess has been extremely kind," I said. "She has pressed me
+to visit her frequently. Oh, yes, I think I may say we are good
+friends."
+
+Petrovitch nodded. I had purposely prepared his mind for the story
+which I anticipated he would hear from my beautiful protector.
+Evidently it would be necessary for her to tell the Syndicate that
+she was feigning affection for me in order to draw me into a trap.
+
+"Then, as my carriage is outside, may I take you to the Winter
+Palace?"
+
+"That seems the best plan," I acquiesced. "It will convince the Czar
+that we are on good terms."
+
+We drove off together, sitting side by side like two sworn friends. I
+do not know what thoughts passed through his mind; but I know that
+all the way I kept my right hand on the stock of my revolver, and
+once, when one of the horses stumbled, M. Petrovitch was within an
+instant of death.
+
+At the Palace he put me down and drove off. I was admitted to the
+Czar's presence without difficulty, and found him, as usual,
+surrounded by piles of state papers.
+
+Nicholas II. looked up at my entrance with evident pleasure.
+
+"Ah, that is right, M. V----. I hope that, since you have come so
+promptly in response to the message I gave that worthy M. Petrovitch,
+you and he are now good friends."
+
+I could only bow silently. I was a Japanese, related to the sovereign
+with whom he was at war, and I was acting in the service of Great
+Britain. Petrovitch had just forced on the war which Nicholas had
+wished to avert, and he was still acting secretly in the interests
+of Germany. And the Czar was congratulating himself that we were
+friends. It was useless to try to undeceive him.
+
+"Sit down, if you please, M. V----. I have something of the greatest
+importance to tell you. Stay--Perhaps you will be good enough to see
+first that the doors are all secured. I dislike interruptions."
+
+I went to the various entrances of the room, of which there were
+three, and turned the keys in the doors.
+
+"Even M. Petrovitch does not know what I am going to tell you,"
+Nicholas said impressively as I returned to my seat.
+
+"Your majesty does not trust him entirely, then?" I exclaimed, much
+pleased.
+
+"You mistake me. I do not distrust M. Petrovitch; but this is a
+matter of foreign politics, with which he is not familiar. He admits
+frankly that he knows nothing about diplomacy."
+
+I gazed at the benevolent young monarch in consternation. It was the
+spy of Wilhelm II., the agent of the most active diplomatist in the
+world, of whom he had just spoken!
+
+There was no more to be said.
+
+The Emperor proceeded to put a most unexpected question.
+
+"Are you a believer in spirits, M. V----?"
+
+"I am a Roman Catholic, sire. Whatever my Church teaches on this
+subject, I believe. I am rather neglectful of my religious duties,
+however, and do not know its attitude on this subject."
+
+"I honor your loyalty to your communion, M. V----. But as long as you
+do not know what is the attitude of your Church on this subject, you
+cannot feel it wrong to listen to me."
+
+I perceived that if his majesty was no politician, he was at least
+something of a theologian.
+
+The Czar proceeded:
+
+"There is in Petersburg one of the most marvelous mediums and
+clairvoyants who has ever lived. He is a Frenchman named Auguste. He
+came here nearly a year ago--just when the difficulty with Japan was
+beginning, in fact; and he has given me the most valuable information
+about the progress of events. Everything he has foretold has come
+true, so far. He warned me from the first that the Japanese would
+force me into war, just as they have done. In short, I feel I can
+rely on him absolutely."
+
+This was not the first time I had heard of the spiritualist who had
+established such an extraordinary hold on the Russian ruler's mind.
+The common impression was that he was a mystic, a sort of Madame
+Krüdener. At the worst he was regarded as a charlatan of the ordinary
+spirit-rapping type, cultivating the occult as a means of making
+money.
+
+But now, as I listened to the credulous monarch, it suddenly struck
+me what an invaluable tool such a man might prove in the hands of a
+political faction, or even of a foreign Power astute enough to
+corrupt him and inspire the oracles delivered by the spirits.
+
+I listened anxiously for more.
+
+The Emperor, evidently pleased with the serious expression on my
+face, went on to enlighten me.
+
+"Last night M. Auguste was here, in this room, and we held a private
+_séance_. He succeeded in getting his favorite spirit to respond."
+
+"Is it permissible to ask the spirit's name?" I ventured
+respectfully.
+
+"It is Madame Blavatsky," he answered. "You must have heard of her,
+of course. She was practically the founder of rational psychical
+knowledge, though she died a victim to persecution."
+
+I nodded. I had heard of this celebrated woman, who still numbers
+many followers in different parts of the world.
+
+"Last night, as soon as we found that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky
+was present, I asked Auguste to question it about the Baltic fleet.
+
+"I had been holding a preliminary review of the fleet in the morning,
+as you may have seen from the papers. The officers and men seemed
+thoroughly nervous, and very doubtful whether it would ever be in a
+condition to sail. Even the Admiral, Rojestvensky, did not seem
+quite happy, and he found great fault with the stores and equipments.
+
+"I had to authorize a delay of another month, and the Marine
+Department would not promise to have the fleet ready even then.
+
+"Naturally, I wished to know what would become of the fleet when it
+did sail. Auguste questioned the spirit."
+
+His majesty broke off to feel in his pocket for a small slip of
+paper.
+
+"I took down the answer myself, as the spirit rapped it out." And he
+read aloud:
+
+      Baltic Fleet threatened. Japanese and English plotting to
+      destroy it on the way to Port Arthur.
+
+I started indignantly.
+
+"And you believe that, sire! You believe that the British Government,
+which has been straining every nerve to maintain peace, is capable of
+planning some secret outrage against your Navy?"
+
+"It does not say the Government," he announced with satisfaction.
+"The spirit only warns me against the English. Private Englishmen are
+capable of anything. At this very moment, two Englishmen are
+arranging to run a torpedo boat secretly out of the Thames, disguised
+as a yacht, and to bring her to Libau for us."
+
+This piece of information silenced me. It was no doubt possible that
+there might be Englishmen daring enough to assist the Japanese in
+some secret enterprise against a Russian fleet. But I felt I should
+like to have some better authority for the fact than the word of
+Madame Blavatsky's spirit.
+
+"The warning is a very vague one, sire," I hinted.
+
+"True. But I hope to receive a more definite message to-morrow night.
+I was going to ask you if you would have any objection to be present.
+You might then be able to put pressure on the British Government to
+prevent this crime."
+
+Needless to say I accepted the imperial invitation with eagerness.
+
+And I retired to send the following despatch to Lord Bedale:
+
+      When Baltic Fleet starts prepare for trouble. Have all
+      ports watched. It is believed here that attack on it is
+      preparing in England.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN
+
+
+Who was M. Auguste?
+
+This was the question that kept my mind busy after my singular
+interview with the Russian Emperor.
+
+In accordance with my rule to avoid as much as possible mentioning
+the names of the humbler actors in the international drama, I have
+given the notorious medium a name which conceals his true one.
+
+He appeared to be a foreigner, and the Czar's weakness in this
+direction was too well known for his patronage of the quack to excite
+much attention; apparently it had occurred to no one but myself that
+such a man might be capable of meddling in politics.
+
+In his more public performances, so far as I could learn, the
+revelations of the spirits were confined to more harmless topics,
+such as the nature of the future state, or the prospect of an heir
+being born to the Russian crown.
+
+In my quest for further light on this remarkable personage, my
+thoughts naturally turned to the Princess Y----.
+
+I have not concealed that at our first meeting the charming
+collaborator of M. Petrovitch had made a very strong impression on
+me. Her subsequent conduct had made me set a guard on myself, and the
+memory of the Japanese maiden whose portrait had become my cherished
+"mascot," of course insured that my regard for the Princess could
+never pass the bounds of platonic friendship.
+
+But the strange scene of the day before had moved me profoundly.
+Vanity is not a failing of which I am ever likely to be accused by my
+worst detractor, yet it was impossible for me to shut my eyes or ears
+to the confession which had been made with equal eloquence by the
+looks, the blushes and even the words of the beautiful Russian.
+
+Was ever situation more stupid in all the elements of tragedy! This
+unhappy woman, spurred to all kinds of desperate deeds by the awful
+fear of the knout, had been overcome by that fatal power which has
+wrecked so many careers.
+
+In the full tide of success, in the very midst of a life and death
+combat with the man it was her business to outwit and defeat, she had
+succumbed to love for him.
+
+And now, to render her painful situation tenfold more painful, she
+was holding the dagger at his breast as the only means of keeping it
+out of the clutch of some more murderous hand.
+
+Had I the pen of a romancer I might enlarge on this sensational
+theme. But I am a man of action, whose business it is to record
+facts, not to comment on them.
+
+I sought the mansion on the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to see its
+mistress.
+
+Evidently the visit was expected. The groom of the chambers--if that
+was his proper description--led me up-stairs, and into a charming
+boudoir.
+
+A fire replenished by logs of sandalwood was burning in a malachite
+stove, and diffusing a dream-like fragrance through the chamber. The
+walls of the room were panelled in ivory, and the curtains that hung
+across the window frames were of embroidered silk and gold. Each
+separate chair and toy-like table was a work of art--ebony, cinnamon,
+and other rare and curious woods having been employed.
+
+But the rarest treasure there was the mistress of all this luxury.
+The inmate of the sumptuous prison, for such it truly was, lay back
+on a leopard-skin couch, set in the frame of a great silver
+sea-shell.
+
+She had dressed for my coming in the quaint but gorgeous costume of
+ancient Russia, the costume worn by imperial usage at high State
+functions like coronations, weddings and christenings.
+
+The high coif above her forehead flamed with jewels, and big, sleepy
+pearls slid and fell over her neck and bosom.
+
+At my entrance she gave a soft cry, and raised herself on one white
+arm. I stepped forward as though I were a courtier saluting a queen,
+and pressed my lips to her extended hand.
+
+"I expected you, Andreas."
+
+Only two women in my life have I ever allowed to call me by my
+Christian name. One was the ill-starred lady who perished in the
+Konak in Belgrade. The other--but of her I may not speak.
+
+But it was not for me to stand on ceremony with the woman who had
+interposed herself as a shield between me and the enemies who sought
+my death.
+
+"You knew that I should come to thank you," I said.
+
+"I do not wish for thanks," she answered, with a look that was more
+expressive than words. "I wish only that you should regard me as a
+friend."
+
+"And in what other light is it possible for me to regard you, dear
+Princess?" I returned. "Only this friendship must not be all on one
+side. You, too, must consent to think of me as something more than a
+stranger whose life you have saved."
+
+"Can you doubt that I have done so for a long time?"
+
+It needed the pressure of the locket against my neck to keep me from
+replying to this tenderly-spoken sentiment in a way which might have
+led to consequences, for the Russian Empire as well as for the
+Princess and myself, very different to those which have actually
+flowed from our conjunction.
+
+Conquering my impulses as I best could, I sought for a reply which
+would not wear the appearance of a repulse.
+
+"You misunderstand me," I said, putting on an expression of pride.
+"You little know the character of Andreas V---- if you think he can
+accept the humiliating position of the man who is under obligation to
+a woman--an obligation which he has done nothing to discharge. Not
+until I can tell myself that I have done something to place me on a
+higher level in your eyes, can my thoughts concerning you be happy
+ones."
+
+A shade of disappointment passed over Sophia's face. She made a
+pettish gesture.
+
+"Does not--friendship do away with all sense of obligation?" she
+complained.
+
+"Not with me," I answered firmly. "No, Sophia, if you really care for
+me--for my friendship­-you must let me do what I have sworn to do
+ever since I first saw you and heard some rumors of your tragic
+story."
+
+"You mean?"
+
+"You must let me break your odious bondage. I can deliver you, if you
+will only trust me, from the power of the Russian police, or any
+other power, and set you free to live the life of fascination and
+happiness which ought to be yours."
+
+The Princess seemed plunged in meditation. At length she looked
+up----
+
+"You would undertake a hopeless task, my dear Andreas. Not even you
+can fathom all the ramifications of the intrigues in which I find
+myself an indispensable puppet. Those who control my movements will
+never let go the strings by which they hold me, and least of all,
+just now."
+
+I was distressed to see that the Princess was disposed to evade my
+appeal for confidence. I answered with a slightly wounded air:
+
+"I may know more than you think, more even than you know yourself on
+certain points. But of course you are not willing to confide in me
+fully----"
+
+"There can be no perfect trust without perfect"--The Princess, who
+spoke this sentence in Russian, concluded it with a word which may
+mean either friendship or love according to circumstances. As she
+pronounced it, it seemed like love.
+
+"There can be no perfect love without perfect trust," I responded
+quickly, striving to assume the manner of an exacting lover.
+
+And then, a happy thought striking me, I added in an aggrieved voice,
+
+"Do you think it is nothing to me that you should be associated with
+other men in the most secret enterprises, holding private conferences
+with them, receiving them in your house, perhaps visiting them in
+theirs; that you should appear to be on intimate terms with the
+Grand Duke Staniolanus, with M. Petrovitch, with a man like this M.
+Auguste----"
+
+At the sound of this last name, to which I had artfully led up,
+Sophia sprang into a sitting posture and gave me a look of anger and
+fear.
+
+"Who told you anything about M. Auguste?" she demanded in hoarse
+tones. "What has he to do with me?"
+
+"Nay, it is not you who ought to ask me that," I returned. "You may
+be a believer in his conjuring tricks, for aught I know. He may be
+more to you than a comrade, or even a prophet--more to you than I."
+
+"Who told you that he was my comrade, as you call it?" the Princess
+insisted, refusing to be diverted from her point.
+
+"No one," I said quite truthfully. "I should be glad to know that he
+was only that. But it is natural for me to feel some jealousy of all
+your friends."
+
+The Princess appeared relieved by this admission. But this relief
+confirmed all my suspicions. I now felt certain that the medium was
+an important figure in the plot which I was trying to defeat. I saw,
+moreover, that however genuine my beautiful friend might be in her
+love for me and her desire to save my life, she had no intention of
+betraying the secrets of her fellow conspirators.
+
+Her character presented an enigma almost impossible to solve. Perhaps
+it is not the part of a wise man ever to try to understand a woman.
+Her motives must always be mysterious, even to herself. It is
+sufficient if one can learn to forecast her actions, and even that is
+seldom possible.
+
+"Then you refuse my help?" I asked reproachfully.
+
+"You cannot help me," was the answer. "At least, that is, unless you
+possess some power I have no idea of at present."
+
+It was an ingenious turning of the tables. Instead of my questioning
+the Princess, she was questioning me, in effect.
+
+I made what was perhaps a rash admission.
+
+"I am not wholly powerless, at all events. There are few sovereigns
+in Europe whom I have not obliged at some time or other. Even the
+German Emperor, though I have more than once crossed his path in
+public matters, is my personal friend. In spite of his occasional
+political errors, he is a stainless gentleman in private life, and I
+am sure he would hear with horror of your position and the means by
+which you had been forced into it."
+
+Sophia looked at me with an expression of innocent bewilderment which
+I could scarcely believe to be real.
+
+"The German Emperor! But what has he to do with me?"
+
+"He is said to have some influence with the Czar," I said drily.
+
+My companion bit her lip.
+
+"Oh, the Czar!" Her tone was scathing in its mixture of pity and
+indifference. "Every one has some influence with the Czar. But is
+there any one with whom Nicholas has influence?"
+
+It was the severest thing I had ever heard said of the man whom an
+ironical fate has made master of the Old World.
+
+Suddenly the manner of the Princess underwent a sudden change.
+
+She rose to her feet and gave me a penetrating glance, a glance which
+revealed for the first time something of that commanding personality
+which had made this slight, exquisite creature for years one of the
+most able and successful of secret negotiators, and a person to be
+reckoned with by every foreign minister.
+
+"You do not trust me, Andreas V----. It is natural. You do not love
+me. It is possible that it is my fault. But I have sworn to save your
+life, and I will do it in your own despite. In order that I may
+succeed, I will forget that I am a woman, and I will forget that you
+regard me as a criminal. Come here! I will show you into my oratory,
+into which not even my confidential maid is ever allowed to
+penetrate. Perhaps what you will see there may convince you that I
+am neither a traitor nor a Delilah."
+
+With the proud step of an empress, she led the way into the adjoining
+room, which was a bedroom sumptuously enriched with everything that
+could allure the senses. The very curtains of the bed seemed to
+breathe out languorous odors, the walls were hung with ravishing
+groups of figures that might have come from a Pompeiian temple, the
+dressing-table was rich with gold and gems.
+
+Without pausing for an instant the mistress of the chamber walked
+straight across it to a narrow door let into the farther wall, and
+secured by a tiny lock like that of a safe.
+
+Drawing a small key from her bosom, the Princess inserted it in the
+lock, leaving me to follow in a state of the most intense
+expectation.
+
+The apartment in which I found myself was a narrow, white-washed cell
+like a prison, lit only by the flames of two tall wax candles which
+stood on a table, or rather an altar, at the far end.
+
+Besides the altar, the sole object in the room was a wooden step in
+front of it. Over the altar, in accordance with the rule of the Greek
+Church, there hung a sacred picture. And below, between the two
+candlesticks, there rested two objects, the sight of which fairly
+took away my breath.
+
+One was a photograph frame containing a portrait of myself--how
+obtained I shall never know. The portrait was framed with
+immortelles, the emblems of death, and the artist had given my face
+the ghastly pallor and rigidity of the face of a corpse.
+
+The other object on the altar was a small whip of knotted leather
+thongs.
+
+Without uttering a word, without even turning her head to see if I
+had followed, the Princess Y---- knelt down on the step, stripped
+her shoulders with a singular determined gesture, and then, taking
+the knout in one hand, began to scourge the bare flesh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY
+
+
+At the hour appointed by the Czar I presented myself at the Winter
+Palace to assist at the spiritualist experiments of M. Auguste.
+
+I shall not attempt to describe the impression left by the weird
+scene in the Princess Y----'s oratory.
+
+To those who do not know the Slav temperament, with its strange
+mixture of sensuality and devotion, of barbarous cruelty and
+over-civilized cunning, seldom far removed from the brink of
+insanity, the incident I have recorded will appear incredible. I have
+narrated it, simply because I have undertaken to narrate everything
+bearing on the business in which I was engaged. I am well aware that
+truth is stranger than fiction, and I should have little difficulty,
+if I were so disposed, in framing a story, full of plausible,
+commonplace incidents, which no one could doubt or dispute.
+
+I have preferred to take a bolder course, knowing that although I may
+be discredited for a time, yet when historians in the future come to
+sift the secret records of the age, I shall be amply vindicated.
+
+I shall only add that I did not linger a moment after the unhappy
+woman had begun her penance, if such it was, but withdrew from her
+presence and from the house without speaking a word.
+
+The feelings with which I anticipated my encounter with the medium
+were very different. Whatever might be my doubts with regard to the
+unfortunate Sophia--and I honestly began to think that the suicide of
+Menken had affected her brain--I had no doubt whatever that M.
+Auguste was a thoroughly unscrupulous man.
+
+The imperial servant to whom I was handed over at the entrance to the
+Czar's private apartments conducted me to what I imagine to have been
+the boudoir of the Czaritza, or at all events the family sitting
+room.
+
+It was comfortably but plainly furnished in the English style, and
+was just such a room as one might find in the house of a London
+citizen, or a small country squire. I noticed that the wall-paper was
+faded, and the hearth-rug really worn out.
+
+The Emperor of All the Russias was not alone. Seated beside him in
+front of the English grate was the beautiful young Empress, in whose
+society he finds a refuge from his greedy courtiers and often
+unscrupulous ministers, and who, I may add, has skilfully and
+successfully kept out of any entanglement in politics.
+
+Rising at my entrance, Nicholas II. advanced and shook me by the
+hand.
+
+"In this room," he told me, "there are no emperors and no empresses,
+only Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas."
+
+He presented me to the Czaritza, who received me in the same style of
+simple friendliness, and then, pointing to a money-box which formed a
+conspicuous object on the mantel-shelf, he added:
+
+"For every time the word 'majesty' is used in this room there is a
+fine of one ruble, which goes to our sick and wounded. So be careful,
+M. V----."
+
+In spite of this warning I did not fail to make a good many
+contributions to the money-box in the course of the evening. In my
+intercourse with royalty I model myself on the British Premier
+Beaconsfield, and I regard my rubles as well spent.
+
+We all three spoke in English till the arrival of M. Auguste, who
+knew only French and a few words of Russian. I remarked afterward
+that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky, a Russian by birth, who had
+spent half her life in England, appeared to have lost the use of both
+languages in the other world, and communicated with us exclusively in
+French.
+
+The appearance of M. Auguste did not help to overcome my prejudice
+against him. He had too evidently made up for the part of the mystic.
+
+The hair of M. Auguste was black and long, his eyes rolled much in
+their sockets, and his costume was a compromise between the frock
+coat and the cassock.
+
+But it was above all his manner that impressed me disagreeably. He
+affected to be continually falling into fits of abstraction, as if
+his communings with the spirits were diverting his attention from the
+affairs of earth. Even on his entrance he went through the forms of
+greeting his host and hostess as though scarcely conscious of their
+presence. I caught a sly look turned on myself, however, and when I
+was presented to him as "Mr. Sterling" his reception of the name made
+me think that he had expected something else.
+
+The Czar having explained that I was a friend interested in
+spiritualism, in whose presence he wished to hear again from Madame
+Blavatsky, M. Auguste rolled his eyes formidably, and agreed to
+summon the departed theosophist.
+
+A small round table was cleared of the Czaritza's work-basket--she
+had been knitting a soldier's comforter--and we took our seats around
+it. The electric light was switched off, so that we were in perfect
+darkness, except for the red glow of the coal fire.
+
+A quarter of an hour or so passed in a solemn silence, broken only
+by occasional whispers from "Mr. Nicholas" or the medium.
+
+"It is a long time answering," the Czar whispered at last.
+
+"I fear there is a hostile influence," M. Auguste responded in the
+jargon of his craft.
+
+Hardly had the words left his lips when a perfect shower of raps
+seemed to descend on all parts of the table at once.
+
+Let me say here, once for all, that I am not prepared to offer any
+explanation of what happened on this occasion. I have read of some of
+the devices by which such illusions are produced, and I have no doubt
+a practised conjurer could have very easily fathomed the secrets of
+M. Auguste. But I had not come there with any intention of detecting
+or exposing him.
+
+The medium pretended to address the author of the raps.
+
+"If there is any hostile influence which prevents your communicating
+with us, rap twice."
+
+Two tremendous raps nearly drowned the last word. The spirit seemed
+to be quick-tempered.
+
+"If it is a woman, rap once----"
+
+No response. This was decidedly clever.
+
+"If it is myself, rap."
+
+This time, instead of silence, there was a faint scratching under the
+surface of the table.
+
+"The negative sign," M. Auguste explained blandly, for our benefit.
+
+Then, addressing himself once more to the invisible member of the
+party, he inquired:
+
+"If it is Mr. Nicholas, rap."
+
+Silence.
+
+"You must excuse me," the medium said, turning his face in my
+direction. "If it is Mr. Sterling----"
+
+A shower of raps. I really thought the table would have given way.
+
+This was discouraging. The Czar came to my rescue, however.
+
+"I particularly wish Mr. Sterling to be present," he observed with a
+touch of displeasure--whether intended for M. Auguste or the
+spiritual visitant I could not tell.
+
+The hierophant no doubt saw that he must submit. His retreat was
+executed with great skill.
+
+"If the obstacle is one that can be removed, rap once."
+
+A rap.
+
+"Can you spell it for us?"
+
+In the rather cumbrous alphabet in use among the shades, the visitor
+spelled out in French:
+
+"_Son nom._"
+
+"Is there something you object to about his name?"
+
+A rap.
+
+"Is it an assumed name?"
+
+A very loud rap. Decidedly the spirit was indignant.
+
+"Can you tell us his real name? His initials will do?"
+
+"A. V." spelled the unseen visitor.
+
+"Is that right?" M. Auguste inquired with well-assumed curiosity.
+
+"It is marvelous!" ejaculated the Emperor. "You will understand, of
+course, Auguste, that this must be kept a secret among ourselves."
+
+"Ask if it is Madame Blavatsky," said the Czar.
+
+We learned that the apostle of theosophy was indeed present.
+
+"Would you like to hear from any other spirits?" M. Auguste asked the
+company.
+
+"I should be glad of a word with Bismarck," I suggested.
+
+In five minutes the Iron Chancellor announced himself. His rap was
+sharp, quick and decided, quite a characteristic rap.
+
+"Ask if he approves of the present policy of the German Emperor?"
+
+A hearty rap. Evidently the spirit had greatly changed its views in
+the other world.
+
+"Ask if he remembers telling me, the last time I saw him, that Russia
+was smothering Germany in bed?"
+
+"Do you refuse to answer that question?" M. Auguste put in adroitly.
+
+An expressive rap.
+
+"Will you answer any other questions from this gentleman?"
+
+Then the spirit of Bismarck spoke out. It denounced me as a worker of
+evil, a source of strife, and particularly as one who was acting
+injuriously to the Russian Empire. I confess M. Auguste scored.
+
+"In his lifetime he would have said all that, if he had thought I was
+working in the interest of Russia and against Germany," I remarked in
+my own defence.
+
+The spirit of the Iron Chancellor was dismissed, and that of Madame
+Blavatsky recalled.
+
+It was evident that the Czar placed particular confidence in his late
+subject. Indeed, if the issues at stake had been less serious, I
+think I should have made an attempt to shake the Emperor's blind
+faith in the performances of M. Auguste.
+
+But my sole object was to read, if I could, the secret plans and
+intentions of a very different imperial character, whose agent I
+believed the spirit to be.
+
+M. Auguste, I quickly discovered, was distracted between fear of
+offending Nicholas by too much reserve, and dread of enabling me to
+see his game. In the end the Czar's persistence triumphed, and we
+obtained something like a revelation.
+
+"Tell us what you can see, that it concerns the Emperor to know," M.
+Auguste had adjured his familiar.
+
+"I see"--the reply was rapped out with irritating slowness--I quite
+longed for a slate--"an English dockyard. The workmen are secretly at
+work by night, with muffled hammers. They are building a torpedo
+boat. It is to the order of the Japanese Government. The English
+police have received secret instructions from the Minister of the
+Interior not to interfere."
+
+"Minister of the Interior" was a blunder. With my knowledge of
+English politics I am able to say that the correct title of this
+personage should be "Secretary of State for the Domestic Department."
+But few foreigners except myself have been able to master the
+intricacies of the British Constitution.
+
+"For what is this torpedo boat designed?" M. Auguste inquired.
+
+"It is for service against the Baltic Fleet. The Russian sailors are
+the bravest in the world, but they are too honest to be a match for
+the heathen Japanese," the spirit pursued, with some inconsistency.
+
+I could not help reflecting that Madame Blavatsky in her lifetime had
+professed the Buddhist faith, which is that of the majority in Japan.
+
+"Do you see anything else?"
+
+"I see other dockyards where the same work is being carried on. A
+whole fleet of warships is being prepared by the perfidious British
+for use against the fleet of Russia."
+
+"Ask her to cast her eye over the German dockyards," I put in.
+
+"Spirits have no sex," M. Auguste corrected severely. "I will ask
+it."
+
+A succession of raps conveyed the information that Germany was
+preserving a perfectly correct course, as usual. Her sole departure
+from the attitude of strict neutrality was to permit certain pilots,
+familiar with the North Sea navigation, to offer their services to
+the Russian fleet.
+
+"Glance into the future," said the Czar. "Tell us what you see about
+to happen."
+
+"I see the Baltic Fleet setting out. The Admiral has issued the
+strictest orders to neutral shipping to retire to their harbors and
+leave the sea clear for the warships of Russia. He has threatened to
+sink any neutral ship that comes within range of his guns.
+
+"As long as he is in the Baltic these orders are obeyed. The German,
+Swedish and Danish flags are lowered at his approach, as is right.
+
+"Now he passes out into the North Sea. The haughty and hostile
+English defy his commands. Their merchant ships go forth as usual.
+Presuming on their knowledge of international law, they annoy and
+vex the Russian warships by sailing past them. The blood of the brave
+Russian officers begins to boil. Ask me no more."
+
+M. Auguste, prompted by the deeply interested Czar, did ask more.
+
+"I see," the obedient seeress resumed, "torpedo boats secretly
+creeping out from the British ports. They do not openly fly the
+Japanese flag, but lurk among the English ships, with the connivance
+of the treacherous islanders.
+
+"The Baltic Fleet approaches. The torpedo boats, skulking behind the
+shelter of their friends, steal closer to the Russian ships. Then the
+brave Russian Admiral remembers his promise. Just in time to save his
+fleet from destruction, he signals to the British to retire.
+
+"They obstinately refuse. The Russian fleet opens fire.
+
+"I can see no more."
+
+The spirit of the seeress, it will be observed, broke off its
+revelations at the most interesting point, with the skill of a
+practised writer of serials.
+
+But the Czar, fairly carried away by excitement, insisted on knowing
+more.
+
+"Ask the spirit if there will be any foreign complications," he said.
+
+I had already remarked that our invisible companion showed a good
+deal of deference to the wishes of Nicholas II., perhaps in his
+character of Head of the Orthodox Church.
+
+After a little hesitation it rapped out:
+
+"The English are angry, but they are restrained by the fear of
+Germany. The German Michael casts his shield in front of Russia, and
+the islanders are cowed. I cannot see all that follows. But in the
+end I see that the Yellow Peril is averted by the joint action of
+Russia and Germany."
+
+This answer confirmed to the full my suspicions regarding the source
+of M. Auguste's inspiration. I believed firmly that there was a
+spirit present, but it was not the spirit of the deceased
+theosophist, rather of a monarch who is very much alive.
+
+The medium now professed to feel exhausted, and Madame Blavatsky was
+permitted to retire.
+
+I rose to accompany M. Auguste as soon as he made a move to retire.
+
+"If you will let me drive you as far as my hotel," I said to him, "I
+think I can show you something which will repay you for coming with
+me."
+
+The wizard looked me in the face for the first time, as he said
+deliberately:
+
+"I shall be very pleased to come."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE DEVIL'S AUCTION
+
+
+I said as little as possible during the drive homeward.
+
+My companion was equally silent. No doubt he, like myself, was
+bracing himself for a duel of wits.
+
+As soon as we were safe in my private room at the hotel, with a
+bottle of vodka and a box of cigars in front of us, I opened the
+discussion with my habitual directness.
+
+"I need not tell you, M. Auguste, that I have not invited you here to
+discuss questions of psychology. I am a politician, and it matters
+nothing to me whether I am dealing with a ghost or a man, provided I
+can make myself understood."
+
+M. Auguste bowed.
+
+"For instance, it is quite clear that the interesting revelations we
+have had to-night would not have been made without your good will. It
+is to be presumed, therefore, that if I can convince you that it is
+better to turn the Emperor's mind in another direction, you will
+refuse to make yourself the medium of further communications of that
+precise character."
+
+M. Auguste gave me an intelligent glance.
+
+"I am as you have just said, a _medium_," he replied with significant
+emphasis. "As such, I need not tell you, I have no personal interest
+in the communications which are made through me."
+
+I nodded, and took out my pocket-book, from which I extracted a
+hundred ruble-note (about $75).
+
+"I promised to show you something interesting," I remarked, as I laid
+it on the table.
+
+M. Auguste turned his head, and his lip curled slightly.
+
+"I am afraid my sight is not very good," he said negligently. "Is not
+that object rather small?"
+
+"It is merely a specimen," I responded, counting out nine others, and
+laying them beside the first.
+
+"Ah, now I fancy I can see what you are showing me," he admitted.
+
+"There is a history attached to these notes," I explained. "They
+represent the amount of a bet which I have just won."
+
+"Really! That is most interesting."
+
+"I now have another bet of similar nature pending, which I hope also
+to be able to win."
+
+"I am tempted to wish you success," put in the medium encouragingly.
+
+"The chances of success are so great that if you were a betting man I
+should be inclined to ask you to make a joint affair of it," I said.
+
+"My dear M. V----, I am not a bigot. I have no objection to a wager
+provided the stakes are made worth my while."
+
+"I think they should be. Well, I will tell you plainly, I stand to
+win this amount if the Baltic Fleet does not sail for another month."
+
+M. Auguste smiled pleasantly.
+
+"I congratulate you," he said. "From what I have heard the repairs
+will take at least that time."
+
+"But that is not all. This bet of mine is continuous. I win a similar
+stake for every month which passes without the fleet having left
+harbor."
+
+M. Auguste gazed at me steadily before speaking.
+
+"If your bet were renewable weekly instead of monthly, you might
+become quite a rich man."
+
+I saw that I was dealing with a cormorant. I made a hasty mental
+calculation. Half of one thousand rubles was about $375 a week, and
+the information I had led me to believe that Port Arthur was capable
+of holding out for another six months at least. To delay the sailing
+of the Baltic Fleet till then would cost roughly $10,000--say 15,000
+rubles.
+
+I decided that neither England nor Japan would grudge the price.
+
+"I think your suggestion is a good one," I answered M. Auguste. "In
+that case, should you be willing to share the bet?"
+
+"I should be willing to undertake it entirely," was the response.
+
+The scoundrel wanted $20,000!
+
+Had I been dealing with an honest man I should have let him have the
+money. But he had raised his terms so artfully that I felt sure that
+if I yielded this he would at once make some fresh demand.
+
+I therefore shook my head, and began picking up the notes on the
+table.
+
+"That would not suit me at all," I said decidedly. "I do not wish to
+be left out altogether."
+
+M. Auguste watched me with growing uneasiness as I restored the notes
+one by one to my pocket-book.
+
+"Look here!" he said abruptly, as the last note disappeared. "Tell me
+plainly what you expect me to do."
+
+"I expect you to have a communication from your friend Madame
+Blavatsky, or any other spirit you may prefer--Peter the Great would
+be most effective, I should think--every time the Baltic Fleet is
+ready to start, warning 'Mr. Nicholas' not to let it sail."
+
+M. Auguste appeared to turn this proposal over in his mind.
+
+"And is that all?" he asked.
+
+"I shall expect you to keep perfect secrecy about the arrangement. I
+have a friend at Potsdam, and I shall be pretty sure to hear if you
+try to give me away."
+
+"Potsdam!" M. Auguste seemed genuinely surprised, and even
+disconcerted.
+
+"Do you mean to say that you didn't know you were carrying out the
+instructions of Wilhelm II.?" I demanded, scarcely less surprised.
+
+It was difficult to believe that the vexation showed by the medium
+was feigned.
+
+"Of course! I see it now!" burst from him. "I wondered what she meant
+by all that stuff about Germany. And I--a Frenchman!"
+
+It is extraordinary what unexpected scruples will display themselves
+in the most unprincipled knaves. Low as they may descend, there seems
+always to be some one point on which they are as sensitive as a
+Bayard.
+
+M. Auguste, of all men in the world, was a French patriot! It turned
+out that he was a fanatical Nationalist and anti-Semite. He had
+howled in anti-Dreyfusite mobs, and flung stones at the windows of
+Masonic temples in Paris.
+
+I was delighted with this discovery, which gave me a stronger hold on
+him than any bribe could.
+
+But I had noted the feminine pronoun in his exclamation recorded
+above. I did not think it referred to the revealing spirit.
+
+"You have been deceived by the woman who has given you your
+instructions," I remarked to him, when his excitement had subsided a
+little. "I fancy I can guess her name."
+
+"Yes. It is the Princess Y----," he confessed.
+
+Bewildering personality! Again, as I heard her name connected with an
+intrigue of the basest kind, a criminal conspiracy to influence the
+ruler of Russia by feigned revelations from the spirits of the dead,
+I recalled the sight I had last had of her, kneeling in her oratory,
+scourging herself before--my portrait!
+
+There was no longer any fear that M. Auguste would prove obdurate on
+the question of terms. He pocketed his first five hundred rubles, and
+departed, vowing that the Baltic fleet should never get farther than
+Libau, if it was in the power of spirits to prevent it.
+
+Desirous to relieve Lord Bedale's mind as far as possible I
+despatched the following wire to him the next morning:
+
+      Sailing of Baltic Fleet postponed indefinitely. No danger
+      for the present. Watch Germany.
+
+I sent a fuller account of the situation to a son of Mr. Katahashi,
+who was in England, nominally attached to the staff of the Imperial
+Bank, but really on business of a confidential character which it
+would be indiscreet on my part to indicate.
+
+I may say that I particularly cautioned the young Japanese to avoid
+any action calculated to give the least color to the German legends
+about warships being secretly manufactured in British yards to the
+order of the Mikado's Government.
+
+Every reader who has followed the course of the war with any
+attention will recollect the history of the fleet thus detained by my
+contrivance.
+
+Week after week, and month after month, the Baltic Fleet was declared
+to be on the point of departure. Time after time the Czar went on
+board to review it in person, and speak words of encouragement to the
+officers and crew. And every time, after everything had been
+pronounced ready, some mysterious obstacle arose at the last moment
+to detain the fleet in Russian waters.
+
+Journalists, naval experts, politicians and other ill-informed
+persons invented or repeated all sorts of explanations to account for
+the series of delays.
+
+Only in the very innermost circles of the Russian Court it was
+whispered that the guardian spirit of the great Peter, the founder of
+Russia's naval power, had repeatedly come to warn his descendant of
+disasters in store for the fleet, should it be permitted to sail.
+
+M. Auguste was earning his reward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+MY FUNERAL
+
+
+The extreme privacy with which I had managed my negotiation with M.
+Auguste completely baffled the plotters who were relying on the
+voyage of the Baltic Fleet to furnish a _casus belli_ between Russia
+and Great Britain.
+
+They realized, of course, that some powerful hand was interfering
+with their designs, and they were sufficiently intelligent to guess
+that that hand must be mine.
+
+But they were far from suspecting the method of my operations. They
+firmly believed that M. Auguste was still carrying out their
+instructions, and sowing distrust of England in the mind of Nicholas
+II. Indeed, on one occasion he informed me that the Princess Y----
+had sent for him and ordered him not to frighten the Czar to such an
+extent as to make him afraid to let the fleet proceed to sea.
+
+Unable to detect and countermine me, it was natural that they should
+become impatient for my removal.
+
+Accordingly, I was not surprised to receive an urgent message from
+Sophia, late one evening, requesting me to come to her without delay.
+
+By this time our friendship, if such it could be called, had become
+so intimate that I visited her nearly every day on one pretext or
+another.
+
+Her greeting, as soon as I had obeyed the summons, showed me that a
+fresh development had taken place in the situation.
+
+"Andreas, the hour has come!"
+
+"The hour?"
+
+"For your removal. Petrovitch has been here. He suspects something.
+He has rebuked me severely for the delay."
+
+"Did you tell him I was not an easy man to kill?"
+
+"I told him anything and everything. He would not listen. He says
+they have lost confidence in me. He was brutal. He said----"
+
+"Well, what did he say?"
+
+"He said--" she spoke slowly and shamefacedly--"that he perceived it
+took a man to kill a man."
+
+I smiled grimly.
+
+"History tells us differently. But what then?"
+
+"To-morrow I shall no longer be able to answer for your life."
+
+"You think some one else will be appointed to dispose of me?"
+
+"I am sure that some one else has been appointed already. Most likely
+it is Petrovitch himself."
+
+"Well, I shall look out for him." I did not think it necessary to
+tell Sophia that I had been expecting something of this kind, and had
+made certain preparations.
+
+"It will be useless, Andreas. You do not know the man with whom you
+have to deal."
+
+"The ignorance may be mutual," I observed drily.
+
+The Princess became violently agitated.
+
+"You must let me save you," she exclaimed clasping her hands.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"You must let me kill you _here_, to-night.
+
+"Don't you understand?" she pursued breathlessly. "It is absolutely
+necessary for your safety, perhaps for the safety of both of us, that
+they should think I have carried out my instructions. You must appear
+to die. Then they will no longer concern themselves about you, and
+you will be able to assume some other personality without being
+suspected."
+
+The scheme appealed to me strongly, all the more that it seemed as
+though it could be made to fit in very well with my own plans.
+
+"You are a clever woman, Sophia," I said cautiously. "How do you
+purpose to carry out your scheme? They will want to see my corpse, I
+suppose."
+
+She drew out the little key I have already described.
+
+"Come this way."
+
+I followed her through the bedroom as before to the door of the
+locked oratory.
+
+She opened the door and admitted me.
+
+By the light of the wax candles I saw what was surely one of the
+strangest sights ever presented to mortal eyes.
+
+It was myself, lying in state!
+
+On a high bier draped in white and black cloth, I lay, or, rather, my
+counterpart presentment in wax lay, wrapped and shrouded like a dead
+body, a branch of palm in the closed hands, and a small Russian coin
+resting on the lips, in accordance with a quaint custom which
+formerly prevailed in many lands.
+
+In spite of my habitual self-command I was unable to repress a cold
+shiver at this truly appalling spectacle.
+
+"Your stage management is perfect," I observed after a pause. "But
+will they be satisfied with a look only?"
+
+"I do not think so. It will be necessary for you to put on the
+appearance of death for a short time, till I have satisfied them.
+Afterward I can conceal you in here, while this--" she pointed to the
+ghastly figure--"is buried under your name."
+
+"Let us get back to the other room, before we talk about it," I
+urged. "This is not altogether a pleasant sight."
+
+As we passed out of the oratory I stealthily took note of the
+fastening of the door. The lock was on the outside only; in other
+words, if I permitted myself to be immured in the cell-like chamber,
+I should be a prisoner at the mercy of my charming friend.
+
+"And now, by what means do you purpose that I shall assume the
+appearance of death?" I inquired as soon as we had returned to the
+boudoir.
+
+The Princess opened a small cabinet, and produced a tiny stoppered
+bottle.
+
+"By swallowing this medicine," she answered. "I have had it specially
+prepared from a recipe given me ten years ago at a time when I
+thought of resorting to the same contrivance to escape from my
+taskmaster."
+
+I took the bottle in my hand, and examined it carefully. It bore no
+label, and the contents appeared perfectly colorless.
+
+"In five minutes after you have swallowed the contents of the
+bottle," Sophia explained, "you will begin to turn cold, at first in
+the feet and hands. As the cold mounts to the brain you will
+gradually lose consciousness, and become rigid. You will look as pale
+as if you were actually dead, and your heart will cease to beat."
+
+"And how long will this stupor last?"
+
+"About twenty-four hours, more or less, according to your
+constitution."
+
+I looked carefully and steadily into her eyes. She flushed and
+trembled violently, but did not quail.
+
+"What does it taste like?" I asked.
+
+"It is a little bitter."
+
+"I will take it in water, then."
+
+"You can take it in wine, if you like. I have some here."
+
+She moved to a small cupboard in the wall.
+
+"I shall tell them that I gave it to you in wine, in any case," she
+added.
+
+"I prefer water, thank you. May I fetch some from the next room?"
+
+"I will fetch it," she said hastily, going to the bedroom.
+
+On an ebony stand beside me there was a large china bowl containing a
+flowering plant in its pot. In a second I had removed the stopper,
+emptied the bottle into the space between the flower-pot and the
+outer bowl, and put the stopper back again.
+
+"Tell me," I said to the Princess as she hurried back with a carafe
+and tumbler, "have you thought how I am to get away from this house
+without exciting attention?"
+
+"It will be easy for me to procure you a dozen disguises. I am always
+going to masked balls. But are you in such a hurry to leave me?"
+
+"I shall find the air of your oratory rather confined, I am afraid."
+
+She hung her head in evident chagrin.
+
+"But where will you go?" she demanded.
+
+"Oh, that is all arranged. I have taken a small house and furnished
+it, in another name."
+
+"Where?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"Perhaps I had better not tell you till this excitement is over. I
+must not burden you with too many of my secrets."
+
+Sophia's eyes filled with tears.
+
+"You distrust me still!" she cried. "But, after all, what does it
+matter? I have only to ask Petrovitch."
+
+"That will be quite unnecessary as well as useless. I pledge myself
+to tell you before I leave this place, and I have not favored M.
+Petrovitch with my new address."
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"And do you believe that you have succeeded in taking a house in
+Petersburg without his knowledge? You do not know him, I tell you
+again. He has had you watched every hour of the day while you have
+been here."
+
+"Please credit me with a little resource, as well as your friend," I
+answered with some slight irritation. "I have no doubt the spies of
+M. Petrovitch have watched me pretty closely, but they have not been
+able to watch every person who has come in and out of the hotel. Two
+of my most capable assistants have been in Petersburg for the last
+month--since the day you hinted that my life was not quite safe, in
+fact."
+
+The woman before me looked completely overwhelmed.
+
+"One of them," I proceeded with cutting severity, "has taken the
+house I speak of. The other is watching over my personal safety at
+this moment."
+
+The Princess fairly gave way. Sinking on the couch behind her, she
+exclaimed in a faint voice:
+
+"You are a demon, not a man!"
+
+It was the finest compliment she could have paid me.
+
+"And now," I said carelessly, "to carry out your admirable little
+idea."
+
+The unhappy woman put up her hands, and turned away her head in sheer
+terror.
+
+I splashed some water into the tumbler, and then trickled in a small
+quantity afterward, to imitate the sound of adding the poison. This
+done I respectfully handed the bottle to my companion.
+
+"To our next meeting!" I called out lightly, as I lifted the tumbler
+to my lips and drained it.
+
+It was the Princess who swooned.
+
+Although I had not foreseen this weakness on her part I took
+advantage of it to draw the tiny key of the oratory from her bosom,
+and hide it in my mouth.
+
+I then touched the bell twice, the signal for the Princess's maid to
+appear.
+
+"Fauchette," I said, when she entered--for this was the assistant I
+had alluded to as watching over my personal safety--"Madame has just
+given me the contents of that stoppered bottle. Do you know anything
+about them?"
+
+Fauchette had made good use of her time since obtaining her
+situation. These things are so easily managed that I am almost
+ashamed to explain that a bribe to the former maid had brought about
+a convenient illness, and the recommendation of Fauchette as a
+temporary substitute.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur," she said quietly. "I filled the bottle with water
+this afternoon, in case of accident. I have preserved the previous
+contents, in case you should care to have them analyzed."
+
+"You have done well, very well, my girl."
+
+Fauchette blushed with pleasure. I do not often say so much to my
+staff.
+
+"Madame does not know that I had just emptied the bottle into that
+china bowl," I added carelessly.
+
+"It is useless to try to serve Monsieur; he does everything himself,"
+murmured the poor girl, mortified.
+
+"Nonsense, Fauchette, I have just praised you. It is always possible
+that I may overlook something."
+
+Fauchette shook her head with an incredulous air.
+
+I have found it good policy to maintain this character for
+infallibility with my staff. It is true, perhaps, that I do not very
+often blunder.
+
+"And now," I went on, "it is time for the poison to take effect! As
+soon as I am dead, you will awake Madame."
+
+I lay down on another couch, and composed myself in a rigid attitude
+with my eyes closed. I did not believe, of course, that it would be
+possible to deceive a close observer, but I trusted to the wild
+emotions of the Princess to blind her to any signs of life.
+
+I heard Fauchette dart on her mistress with a well-acted scream, and
+sprinkle her face and neck with cold water.
+
+Sophia seemed to revive quickly.
+
+"Andreas!" I heard her gasp. "Where? What has become of him?"
+
+"M. Sterling has also fainted," the maid replied with assumed
+innocence.
+
+"Ha!"
+
+It was more like a shriek than a sob. I heard a hasty rustling of
+skirts, and then Sophia seemed to be kneeling beside me, and feeling
+for the beat of my heart.
+
+"Go, Fauchette! Send Gregory instantly to M. Petrovitch to inform him
+that M. Sterling has been taken ill in my house, and that I fear he
+is dead."
+
+The Princess began loosening my necktie.
+
+Had Fauchette been present I should have been able to point to this
+as a proof that I was not incapable of an occasional oversight.
+
+As a matter of fact, I had not anticipated this very natural action
+on Sophia's part. Yet it should have been evident that, were it only
+to keep up appearances before any one who might come to view my
+supposed corpse, she would be bound to free my neck.
+
+And I was wearing the locket which contained the portrait of my
+promised bride!
+
+I lay, really rigid with apprehension, while Sophia's caressing
+fingers tenderly removed the necktie, and began unfastening my collar
+and shirt.
+
+Suddenly I heard an ejaculation--at first striking the note of
+surprise and curiosity merely, but deepening to fear.
+
+In a moment the locket was lifted from my chest, and forced open with
+a metallic click.
+
+"Ah!--Ah!"
+
+She let the open locket drop from her fingers on my bare throat.
+
+Instantly it was clutched up again. I could picture the frenzied gaze
+of jealousy and hate in those burning eyes of deepest violet; I could
+actually feel the passionate breathing from between the clenched
+teeth of whitest ivory.
+
+"Miserable child!" she hissed, the hand that held the locket
+trembling so that I could feel it against my neck. "So _you_ have
+robbed me of him!"
+
+She paused, and then added, forcing out each word with a passion of
+distilled hate----
+
+"But you shall never have him! He shall be mine! Mine! Mine, in the
+grave!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A PERILOUS MOMENT
+
+
+I lay with every nerve strained to its utmost tension, listening for
+the least movement on the part of the maddened woman which might
+indicate she was about to stab me then and there.
+
+In the silence that followed, if she did not hear the beating of my
+heart it was only because her own stormy emotions had rendered her
+deaf and blind to everything else.
+
+For a time her rapid breathing continued to warm my uncovered neck.
+Then she snapped-to the locket and let it fall, and rose from my side
+to pace the floor of the room with swift, irregular steps.
+
+Fauchette, who must have been anxious to know how I was faring, now
+came back without waiting to be summoned.
+
+"Well?" the Princess demanded, halting in her promenade.
+
+"Gregory has gone for M. Petrovitch, Madame. Is there anything I can
+do?"
+
+"I have tried every restorative," came the answer. "See if you can
+detect any signs of life."
+
+The last command seemed to come as an afterthought. No doubt, Sophia
+wished to test her work before Petrovitch arrived.
+
+I was encouraged to think that she had no immediate intention of
+killing me; and as the maid bent over me I contrived to give her hand
+a reassuring squeeze.
+
+"He is quite dead, Madame," the girl said, turning away. "Would you
+like to have the body carried into another room?"
+
+"No. Wait till M. Petrovitch comes," her mistress replied. "You can
+go."
+
+As my assistant withdrew I again became on the alert for any
+dangerous move on the part of the Princess.
+
+It was not long before I was conscious that the room had grown
+darker.
+
+I gathered that Sophia had switched off some of the lights in order
+to make it more difficult for Petrovitch to detect her fraud, and
+again I took courage.
+
+Some muttered words helped me to understand the plan of the desperate
+woman.
+
+"I will give him one chance. He shall choose. Men do not die for love
+in these days."
+
+There was little doubt that she intended to lock me up in her oratory
+and hold me a prisoner till I consented to sacrifice my faith to her
+Japanese rival.
+
+Satisfied that there was little risk of any immediate violence, I
+waited calmly for the arrival of Sophia's colleague, or master.
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate lost no time on the way. Very
+soon I heard the door open and the familiar voice, with its slightly
+affected accent, saying,
+
+"Permit me to offer you the expression of my sincere regrets, dear
+Princess!--And my sincere congratulations," he added in a more
+business-like tone, as the door closed again.
+
+A sigh was the only audible response.
+
+"It has cost you something, I can see," the man's voice resumed
+soothingly. "That fact gives you a still stronger claim on our
+gratitude. I confess I began to fear seriously that you were
+deceiving us, and that would have been very dangerous."
+
+Another obscure sound, between a sigh and a sob, from the woman.
+
+"Now we can proceed with light hearts. Within three months from now
+Russia and Great Britain will be at war. I do not mind answering for
+it. There was only one man in Europe who could have prevented it, and
+he lies there!"
+
+"You would have it so! I still say it would have been enough to
+imprison him somewhere."
+
+"You talk foolishly, believe me, Princess. A man like that is not to
+be imprisoned. There is no jailer in the world who would venture to
+undertake to keep the famous A. V. under lock and key."
+
+"I would have undertaken it," came the answer. "I would have locked
+him in my oratory, the key of which never leaves my bosom."
+
+"Nevertheless if it was important to that man to steal it from you,
+it would not remain in your bosom very long."
+
+A startled cry interrupted the speaker, and told me that Sophia had
+made the fatal discovery of the loss of her key.
+
+I held my breath in the most dreadful suspense. Everything now
+depended on this woman. If she allowed the least hint, I knew that
+Petrovitch would never leave the room without at least an attempt to
+change my supposed trance into death.
+
+Fortunately the Princess was equal to the emergency. I heard her give
+a slight laugh.
+
+"I am punished for my assurance," she confessed. "I am not quite
+hardened, as you know; and when I realized that M. V---- was actually
+dead, I was obliged to pray for him. I have left the key in the
+door."
+
+"Go and fetch it, then."
+
+The tone in which these words were spoken was harsh. I heard Sophia
+going out of the room, and in an instant, with a single bound, as it
+seemed, the man was leaning over me, feeling my pulse, listening for
+my heart, and testing whether I breathed.
+
+"If I had brought so much as a knife with me, I would have made
+sure," I heard him mutter to himself.
+
+Fortunately Sophia's absence did not last ten seconds. She must have
+snatched up the first key that came to hand, that of a jewel-box most
+likely, and hurried back with it.
+
+Petrovitch seemed to turn away from me with reluctance.
+
+"You doubt me, it appears," came in angry tones from the Princess.
+
+"I doubt everybody," was the cool rejoinder. "You were in love with
+this fellow."
+
+"You think so? Then look at this."
+
+I felt the locket being picked up, and heard the click of the tiny
+spring.
+
+A coarse laugh burst from the financier.
+
+"So that is it! Woman's jealousy is safer than her sworn word, after
+all. Now I believe he _is_ dead."
+
+The Princess made no reply.
+
+Presently the man spoke again.
+
+"This must be kept a secret among ourselves, you understand. The
+truth is, I have exceeded my instructions a little. A certain
+personage only authorized detention. It appears he is like you in
+having a certain tenderness for this fellow--why, I can't think. At
+any rate his manner was rather alarming when we hinted that a coffin
+made the safest straight-jacket."
+
+It was impossible for me to doubt that it was the Kaiser whom this
+villain had insulted by offering to have me assassinated. I thanked
+Wilhelm II. silently for his chivalrous behavior. M. Petrovitch could
+have known little of the proud Hohenzollern whom he tempted.
+
+At the same time, it was a source of serious concern for me to know
+that, just as I had learned that my real opponent was my friend the
+Kaiser, so he in turn had acquired the knowledge that he had me
+against him.
+
+It had become a struggle, no longer in the dark, between the most
+resourceful of Continental sovereigns and myself, and that being so,
+I realized that I could not afford to rest long on my oars.
+
+From the deep breathing of the Princess, I surmised that she was
+choking down the rage she must have felt at the other's cynical
+depravity. For Sophia, though capable of committing a murder out of
+jealousy perhaps, was yet incapable of killing for reward.
+
+"Well," I heard Petrovitch say in the tone of one who is taking his
+leave, "I must send some one 'round to remove our friend."
+
+"Do not trouble, if you please. I will see to the funeral," came in
+icy tones from the Princess.
+
+"What, still sentimental! Be careful, my good Sophia Y----, you will
+lose your value to us if you give way to such weaknesses."
+
+I heard his steps move across the carpeted floor, and then with
+startling suddenness, the words came out:
+
+"Curse me if I can believe he _is_ dead!"
+
+My blood ran cold. But it turned out to be only a passing
+exclamation. At the end of what seemed to me minutes--they can only
+have been seconds--the footsteps moved on, and the door opened and
+closed.
+
+"Thank God!" burst from Sophia.
+
+Her next words were plainly an apostrophe to myself.
+
+"So you did not trust me after all!"
+
+I was within an ace of opening my eyes on the supposition that she
+had found me out, when I was reassured by her adding, this time to
+herself,
+
+"He must have done it when I fainted!"
+
+I saw that she was referring to my theft of the key.
+
+There was a soft rustle of silk on the floor, and I felt her hands
+searching in my pockets for the stolen key.
+
+"Fool! To think that I could outwit him!" she murmured to herself at
+last.
+
+She had taken some time to learn the lesson, however.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST
+
+
+It was soon evident that the Princess Y---- had taken her new maid
+into her confidence to a certain extent.
+
+She must have rung for Fauchette without my hearing anything, for
+presently the door opened again, and I heard my assistant's voice.
+
+As the result of a hurried consultation between the two women, in
+which Fauchette played to perfection the part of a devoted maid who
+is only desirous to anticipate the wishes of her mistress, it was
+decided to wheel the sofa on which I lay into the oratory, and to
+bring the wax dummy into the Princess's bedroom, to lie in state till
+the next day.
+
+The arrangement did not take long to carry out.
+
+Partly from what I was able to overhear, and partly from the report
+afterward furnished to me by Fauchette, I am able to relate
+succinctly what took place.
+
+To begin with, I was left in the oratory, while the counterfeit
+corpse was duly arranged in the adjoining room.
+
+Unable to lock me in the smaller apartment, Sophia declared her
+intention of locking both the outer doors of the bedroom, one of
+which gave on a corridor, while the other, as the reader is aware,
+opened into the boudoir where the previous scene had taken place.
+
+The Princess retained one of these keys herself, entrusting the other
+to the maid, of course with the strictest injunctions as to its use.
+
+To keep up appearances before the household, the Princess arranged to
+pass the next few nights in another room on the same floor, which
+usually served as a guest chamber.
+
+It was explained to the servants that the death which had occurred
+had upset the nerves of their mistress, and rendered her own suite of
+rooms distasteful to her for the present.
+
+Fauchette, who thus became my jailer, brought me a supply of cold
+food and wine during the night. I had part of this provision under
+the altar of the oratory, to serve me during the following day.
+
+My cataleptic condition was supposed to endure for nearly twenty-four
+hours. The enforced seclusion was intensely irritating to a man of my
+temperament; but I could not evade it without revealing to Sophia
+that I had heard her confession, and thereby inflicting a deadly
+wound on a woman who loved me.
+
+Meanwhile the arrangements for my funeral had been pressed on.
+
+Already a telegram had appeared in the London papers announcing the
+sudden and unexpected death from heart-failure of the well-known
+English philanthropist, Mr. Melchisedak Sterling. One or two of the
+journals commented on the fact of Mr. Sterling's death having taken
+place while he was on a mission of peace to the Russian capital, and
+expressed a hope that his death would have a chastening effect on the
+War Party in Petersburg.
+
+My friend, the editor of the Peace Review, very generously sent a
+wreath, which arrived too late for the funeral but was laid on my
+grave.
+
+Unfortunately these newspaper announcements were taken seriously by
+my exalted employers, as well as by the enemies whom I wished to
+deceive, but this could not be helped.
+
+By noon the undertaker's men had arrived with my coffin. The Princess
+played upon their ignorance of English customs and burial rites to
+pretend that the work of coffining must be done by women's hands. In
+this way she and Fauchette were able to enclose the dummy in its
+wooden shell, leaving to the men only the task of screwing down the
+lid.
+
+The burial took place in the English cemetery. I am glad to say that
+the Princess contrived to avoid the mockery of a religious service by
+alleging that Mr. Sterling had belonged to a peculiar sect--the
+Quakers, I fancy--which holds such ceremonies to be worldly and
+unnecessary.
+
+I may add that I have since visited my grave, which is still to be
+seen in a corner of the cemetery. It is marked by a stone slab with
+an inscription in English.
+
+In the afternoon the faithful Fauchette persuaded her mistress to go
+out for a drive, to soothe her over-strained nerves.
+
+Before quitting the house, the Princess came in to take a last look
+at me.
+
+She lingered minute after minute, as though with some premonition
+that our next meeting would be under widely different circumstances.
+
+To herself, I heard her whisper, sighing softly:
+
+"Andreas! O Andreas! If I could sleep, or thou couldst never wake!"
+
+She crept away, and the better to secure me locked both the bedroom
+doors herself, and carried off the keys.
+
+On her return, two hours later, Sophia, with a look that told the
+watchful Fauchette of her uneasiness, hurried straight up-stairs,
+toward the door of the little oratory.
+
+She found it locked from the outside, with the key in the door.
+
+It had cost me something to break my pledge to the Princess Y----
+that I would give her my new address before leaving her.
+
+But her unfortunate discovery of the portrait I wore around my neck
+and her plainly-declared intention to hold me a prisoner till she
+could shake my fidelity, had rendered it necessary for me to meet
+treachery with treachery.
+
+The secret service, it must always be borne in mind, has its own code
+of honor, differing on many points from that obtaining in other
+careers, but perhaps stricter on the whole.
+
+For instance, I can lay my hand on my heart and declare that I have
+never done either of two things which are done every day by men
+holding high offices and high places in the world's esteem. I have
+never taken a secret commission. And I have never taken advantage of
+my political information to gamble in stocks.
+
+The manner of my escape was simplicity itself.
+
+My assistant had not come to live with the Princess without making
+some preparations for the part she was to play, and these included
+the bringing with her of a bunch of skeleton keys, fully equal to the
+work of opening any ordinary lock.
+
+As soon as her mistress was safely out of the way, Fauchette came to
+receive my instructions.
+
+I told her that I did not intend to wait for my jailer's return. We
+discussed the best way for me to slip out, without obstruction from
+the servants, and I decided to take advantage of the superstition of
+the Russian illiterate class, by enacting the part of my own ghost.
+
+The report that I had been buried without any funeral service had
+already reached the household, and had prepared them for any
+supernatural manifestation.
+
+Fauchette first brought me a little powdered chalk, with which I
+smeared my face. I then put on a long flowing cloak and a sombrero
+hat, part of the wardrobe accumulated by the Princess in the course
+of her gaieties.
+
+I slipped a damp sponge into my pocket and directed the girl to lead
+the way.
+
+She went down-stairs a few yards in front of me, turned into the
+servants' part of the house and threw open the back door, which led
+out into a courtyard giving on a street used only by tradesmen's
+carts. At this hour of the day it was deserted.
+
+I followed cautiously in Fauchette's wake, and got as far as the back
+door without meeting any interruption.
+
+But at that point, the porter, who must have been roused by an
+unfamiliar step--though I understand he swore afterward that the
+passage of the ghost had been absolutely noiseless--came out and
+stood in the doorway.
+
+Without hesitating for an instant I assumed an erect posture and
+advanced swiftly toward him with my whitened face well displayed.
+
+The fellow gave vent to a half-articulate call which died down in his
+throat, and bolted back into his room uttering yell after yell.
+
+Fifteen seconds later I was out in the street, sponging the chalk
+from my face.
+
+And five minutes after that I was comfortably seated in a hired
+droshky, on my way to a certain little house in the seafaring quarter
+of the city, which possessed, among other advantages, that of
+commanding an exceedingly fine view of the Admiralty Pier.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A SECRET EXECUTION
+
+
+I now come to a part of my chronicle which I plainly foresee must
+expose me to grave criticism.
+
+To that criticism it is no part of my purpose to attempt any reply.
+
+In the long run, I have found, men's minds are not much affected by
+argument and advocacy. Facts tell their own story, and men's
+judgments are usually the result of their personal prejudices.
+
+For that reason I shall confine myself to relating facts. I have
+already told the story of my murder--for such it was in the
+intent--by Petrovitch. I shall now tell the story of the justice
+meted out by me on the assassin.
+
+As soon as I was safely lodged in my house on the Alexander Quay, I
+despatched my assistant, a clever young Frenchman named Breuil, with
+a message to the promoter of the Manchurian Syndicate--the real
+moving spirit of that War clique in which even the bellicose grand
+dukes had only secondary parts.
+
+The wording of the message had been carefully calculated to arouse
+curiosity, but not apprehension.
+
+"The agent of a foreign Power," Breuil was instructed to say to this
+self-styled patriot, "with very large funds at his disposal, desires
+to see you in strict secrecy."
+
+The bait took. Petrovitch, naturally concluding that he was to be
+offered a heavy bribe for some act of treachery to Russia, greedily
+accepted the invitation.
+
+The infatuated man did not take even the ordinary precaution of
+asking for guarantees. He consented to accompany Breuil at once,
+merely asking how far he had to go. This recklessness was the result
+of his supposed triumphant crime. Believing that I was safely
+interred in the English cemetery, he thought there was no one left
+for him to fear.
+
+On the way he did his best to extract some information out of my
+assistant. But Breuil returned the same answer to all his questions
+and hints:
+
+"I am under orders not to converse with you, monsieur."
+
+The doomed man was in good spirits as the droshky put him down at the
+door of my house.
+
+"Decidedly an out-of-the-way retreat!" he commented gaily. "I should
+hardly be able to find my way here again without your assistance!"
+
+The silent Breuil merely bowed, as he proceeded to open the street
+door with a latch key.
+
+Perhaps Petrovitch had been a little more nervous than he allowed to
+appear. When he noticed that his escort simply closed the door on the
+latch, without locking or bolting it further, he said in a tone of
+relief:
+
+"You are not much afraid of being visited by the police, I see."
+
+Breuil, as silent as ever, led the way into a back parlor,
+overlooking the Neva, where I was waiting to receive my visitor.
+
+The room was plainly furnished as a study, and I had placed myself in
+an arm-chair facing the window, so that my back was turned to the
+door as Petrovitch entered.
+
+I pretended to be writing furiously, as a pretext for not turning my
+head till the visitor had seated himself.
+
+Breuil said quietly, "M. Petrovitch is here," and went out of the
+room.
+
+As the door closed I tossed away my pen and turned around, facing my
+assassin.
+
+"I am pleased to see you, M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Monsieur V----!"
+
+I thought he would have lost his senses. His whole countenance
+changed. He clung to his chair, and his eyes were fixed on me with an
+expression of panic.
+
+So complete was his collapse that he did not attempt to speak or
+excuse himself. I saw that he was hardly in a condition to listen to
+anything I had to say.
+
+"I fear you are unwell, M. Petrovitch. Allow me to offer you a little
+brandy."
+
+The wretched man watched me with bewildered looks, as I took a bottle
+and glasses from a cupboard and helped first him and then myself.
+
+"It is quite wholesome, I assure you."
+
+As I said the words I raised my own glass to my lips and sipped.
+
+A choking cry escaped from the author of the war. He seized the glass
+I had set before him and feverishly drained it.
+
+I saw that he was burning to know by what means I had escaped the
+fate prepared for me. But I had no object in gratifying his
+curiosity, and mere boasting is not a weakness of mine.
+
+Steadfastly preserving the tone of a business interview between men
+who understand each other, I went on to say:
+
+"I am here, as you know, in the joint interests of England and
+Japan."
+
+My murderer nodded faintly. I could see him making a tremendous
+effort to control his nerves, and enter into conversation with me on
+my own terms.
+
+"I think I should be glad of a little more brandy. Thank you!--I am
+not at all myself."
+
+I shook my head compassionately.
+
+"You should be careful to avoid too much excitement," I said. "Any
+sudden shock is bad for a man with your nerves."
+
+The promoter gasped. The situation was clearly beyond him.
+
+"You," I went on in my most matter-of-fact tone, "on the contrary,
+are acting on behalf of Germany."
+
+"Who says so!" He was beginning to speak fiercely; but his eye met
+mine, and the words died on his lips.
+
+"We will say I dreamed it, if you like," I responded drily. "I have
+very remarkable dreams sometimes, and learn a great deal from them.
+
+"To confine ourselves to business. I have caused the sailing of this
+Baltic Fleet to be put off, because----"
+
+"You--have caused it!"
+
+The interruption burst from him in spite of himself.
+
+I affected to shrug my shoulders with a certain annoyance.
+
+"Your opinion of my powers does not seem to be a very high one,
+unfortunately," I remarked with irony. "It would be better if you
+accepted me as a serious antagonist, believe me."
+
+Petrovitch lowered his eyes in confusion, as he muttered,
+
+"I apologize, Monsieur V----. I have blundered, as I now perceive."
+
+"Let us resume. I was about to say that I had prevented the sailing
+of this fleet, because I feared that its voyage might be marked by
+some incident likely to bring Great Britain and Russia into
+collision."
+
+The financier raised his head and watched me keenly.
+
+"You, yourself, M. Petrovitch, have been active, I believe, in
+preparing the mind of the Czar and the Russian public for something
+of the sort. Doubtless you have not done so without very good
+grounds."
+
+"My information leads me to think that a flotilla of torpedo boats is
+being kept ready in the English ports for a night attack on our fleet
+during its progress through the North Sea."
+
+I smiled disdainfully.
+
+"That is a false report. I have asked you to call here in the hope
+that I might find you ready to assist me in discrediting it."
+
+The Russian continued to watch me out of his narrow eyes.
+
+"And, also," I added, "to assist me in preventing any attempt to give
+color to it."
+
+"I am not sure that I understand you, Monsieur V----."
+
+"That is quite possible. I will speak more plainly. There are some
+prophets who take a little trouble to make their prophesies come
+true. I wish to know whether you and your friends have determined
+that this particular prophesy shall come true--perhaps to fulfill it
+yourselves?"
+
+Petrovitch frowned and compressed his lips.
+
+"So that is why you got me here?"
+
+"I wished to see," I said blandly, "if it was possible for me to
+offer you terms which might induce you to alter your views
+altogether--in short, to stop the war."
+
+The financier looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Monsieur V----, you don't know what you ask! But you--would a
+million rubles tempt you to come over, to be neutral, even?"
+
+"I am a member, by adoption, of the imperial family of Japan," I
+replied laconically.
+
+Petrovitch was past surprise. If I had informed him that I was the
+Mikado in disguise, I think he would have taken it as a matter of
+course.
+
+"This war is worth ten millions to me," he confessed hoarsely.
+
+I shook my head with resignation.
+
+"The price is too high. We must be enemies, not friends, I perceive."
+
+The author of the war, who had regained his self-possession, did not
+blanch at these words.
+
+"I regret it," he said with a courteous inclination.
+
+"You have reason to."
+
+He gave me a questioning glance.
+
+"Up to the present I have been on the defensive," I explained. "I
+dislike violent measures. But from this moment I shall hold myself at
+liberty to use them."
+
+"I am afraid I have gone rather too far," the promoter hesitated.
+
+"You have drugged me. You have robbed me. You have murdered me."
+
+"You are alive, however," he ventured to retort with an impudent
+smile.
+
+"Unfortunately," I went on sternly, "in murdering me you exceeded
+your instructions."
+
+"How----"
+
+"I dreamed that I heard you tell your accomplice so," I put in,
+without giving him a chance to speak.
+
+He ceased to meet my gaze.
+
+"You are therefore not even a political criminal. You are a common
+felon. As such I warn you that I shall execute you without notice,
+and without reprieve."
+
+The Russian scowled fiercely.
+
+"We will see about that," he blustered. "I have a loaded revolver in
+my pocket."
+
+I waved my hand scornfully.
+
+"Undeceive yourself, George Petrovitch. I am not proposing a duel. I
+cannot be expected to fight with a condemned murderer. I sentence you
+to death--and may the Lord have mercy on your soul."
+
+"By what right?" he demanded furiously.
+
+"I am accredited by the Emperor of Japan to the Emperor of Russia.
+This house is Japanese soil. Farewell!"
+
+Petrovitch rose from his chair, wavering between indignation and
+alarm.
+
+"I shall defend myself!" he exclaimed, edging slowly toward the door.
+
+"You will do better to confess yourself. Is there no prayer that you
+wish to say?"
+
+The Russian smiled incredulously.
+
+"You seem very confident," he sneered.
+
+I saw that it was useless to try to rouse him to a sense of his
+peril. I pointed to the door, and pressed a knob on the wall.
+
+The murderer made two steps from me, laid his fingers on the
+door-handle--and dropped dead instantly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+A CHANGE OF IDENTITY
+
+
+I now approach the crucial portion of my narrative.
+
+The incidents already dealt with, though not without a certain
+interest, perhaps, for those who value exact information about
+political events, are comparatively unimportant, and have been given
+here chiefly in order to inspire confidence in what follows.
+
+At all events, their truth is not likely to be disputed, and I have
+not thought it necessary, therefore, to insist on every corroborative
+detail.
+
+But I am now about to enter on what must be considered debatable
+ground.
+
+I had taken the little house on the Alexander Quay, as the reader
+will have guessed, as a post of observation from which to watch the
+proceedings of the Russian Ministry of Marine, more particularly with
+regard to the fleet under the command of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+It is my subsequent observations and discoveries which compel me,
+greatly to my regret, to give a direct contradiction to the gallant
+Admiral's version of what took place in the North Sea on the night
+of Trafalgar Day, 1904.
+
+It is for that reason that I desire to exercise particular care in
+this part of my statement.
+
+Such care is the more incumbent on me, inasmuch as I was requested by
+the British Government to furnish a confidential copy of my evidence
+in advance, for the use of the members of the international court
+which sat in Paris to inquire into this most mysterious affair.
+
+The following chapters should be read, therefore, as the sworn
+depositions of a witness, and not as the carelessly worded account of
+a journalist or popular historian.
+
+The electrocution of the murderer, Petrovitch, already described,
+furnished me with a valuable opportunity which I was quick to seize.
+
+I have not extenuated this act, and I will not defend it. I content
+myself with recording that this man had been the principal instrument
+in promoting the Russo-Japanese war, and the principal obstacle to
+peace. In this he was acting as the paid agent of a foreign Power,
+and was therefore guilty of high treason to his own country. On these
+grounds my execution of him, although irregular at the time, has
+since been formally ratified by the highest tribunal of the Russian
+Empire, the Imperial Council of State.
+
+A justification which I value still more, consists in the fact that
+the removal of this man proved the turning point in the history of
+the war.
+
+Within a month of his death I had the satisfaction to be made the
+medium of an informal overture for peace. The negotiations thus
+opened have proceeded with great secrecy, but before these lines meet
+the public eye, I have every hope that the calamitous struggle in
+Manchuria will have been suspended indefinitely.
+
+To return:
+
+Owing to the secret life led by the deceased man, it was some time
+before his absence from his usual haunts excited remark.
+
+When it became evident that something must have happened to him,
+people were still slow to suspect that he had come to a violent end.
+Many persons believed that he had been ruined by the ill-success of
+the war, and had gone into hiding from his creditors. Others supposed
+that he had been secretly arrested.
+
+Some of his fellow-plotters in the Russian capital imagined that he
+had fled to Germany to escape the penalty of his treason. In Germany,
+on the other hand, I afterward learned, he was supposed to have been
+sent to Siberia by order of the Czar.
+
+For weeks the "Disappearance of M. Petrovitch" was the general topic
+of discussion in the newspapers and in private circles; but no one
+came near guessing the truth.
+
+There was one person who must have divined from the first what had
+happened. But she held her tongue.
+
+So far as I could gather from the reports which continued to reach me
+from Fauchette, the Princess Y---- had sunk into a lethargy after my
+evasion. She seemed to wish only to be left alone to brood, perhaps
+to mourn.
+
+The only sign she gave was by depositing a wreath on the empty grave
+in the English cemetery, a wreath which bore the solitary word,
+"Remembrance."
+
+In the meanwhile I had gratifying evidence that the loss of the chief
+conspirator had completely disorganized the schemes of the plotters
+in the Ministry of Marine.
+
+My first proceeding, after disconnecting the powerful battery which I
+had installed in my house for the purpose of the execution, was to
+summon my assistant Breuil.
+
+With his aid, the corpse was stripped and sewn up in a sheet,
+together with some heavy weights. In the middle of the night it was
+committed to the waters of the Neva, almost within sight and sound of
+the fleet.
+
+The papers which we found in his clothes were not numerous or
+important. But there was one which I thought worth preserving.
+
+It was a passport, made out in the name of the deceased, issued by
+the Russian Foreign Office, and viséd by the German Ambassador. This
+passport I still have in my possession.
+
+I now disclosed to my assistant a plan which had been in my own mind
+for some time, though, true to my principle of never making an
+unnecessary confidence, I had not previously mentioned it to him.
+
+"I have decided," I told him, "to assume the personality of
+Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil stared at me in consternation. It is only fair to say that he
+had not been with me very long.
+
+I could see that some objection was trembling on the tip of his
+tongue. He had learned, however, that I expect my staff not to
+criticize, but to obey.
+
+"You may speak," I said indulgently, "if you have anything to say."
+
+"I was about to remark, sir, that you are not in the least like
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Think again," I said mildly.
+
+He gave me an intelligent look.
+
+"You are much about the same height!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"But his friends, who see him every day--surely they cannot be
+deceived? And then his business--his correspondence--but perhaps you
+are able to feign handwriting?"
+
+I smiled. The good Breuil had passed from one extreme to the other.
+Instead of doubting me, he was crediting me too much.
+
+I proceeded to explain.
+
+"No, as you very properly suggest, I could not hope to deceive
+Petrovitch's friends, nor can I imitate his hand. But remember, that
+in a few days Petrovitch will have disappeared. What will have become
+of him, do you suppose?"
+
+Breuil was still puzzled. I had to make my meaning still plainer.
+
+"He will be in concealment--that is to say, in disguise."
+
+Breuil threw up his hands in a gesture of admiration.
+
+"As the disguised Petrovitch I may manage to pass very well, more
+particularly as I shall be meeting people who have never seen the
+real Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil did not quite understand this last observation.
+
+"I am going," I exclaimed, "on board the Baltic Fleet."
+
+"Sir, you are magnificent!"
+
+I frowned down his enthusiasm. Compliments are compliments only when
+they come from those who pay us, not from those whom we pay.
+
+"Go and procure me the uniform of a superintendent of naval stores.
+And ascertain for me where Captain Vassileffsky usually passes his
+evenings."
+
+Captain Vassileffsky was the naval officer who had been present on
+the occasion when I was drugged at Petrovitch's table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+TRAPPED
+
+
+The clock was striking eight as I entered the restaurant of the
+Two-Headed Eagle, in the seaport of Revel on the Gulf of Finland,
+about a week after the mysterious disappearance of Petrovitch had
+become the talk of Petersburg.
+
+Picking out a table at which an officer in the uniform of a Russian
+naval captain was already seated, I went up to it, and sat down in
+front of him with the formal bow prescribed by etiquette in the
+circumstances.
+
+The ships intended to sail to the relief of Port Arthur were lying at
+this time some at Revel and others at Libau on the Baltic. From time
+to time their departure was officially announced for a certain date,
+reviews were held, and one or two preliminary trips had been
+undertaken.
+
+But each time some unseen obstacle was interposed, and M. Auguste
+continued to draw his weekly stipend.
+
+Nevertheless it was beginning to be evident that the game of see-saw
+could not go on forever. Autumn was approaching, the nation was
+becoming impatient, and the scoffs of the foreign press were severely
+galling the naval pride of Russia.
+
+I had picked up a certain amount of information in the capital
+itself, where a great number of the officers were on leave. But I
+wished to get in direct touch with the one man who, I believed, was
+most likely to be in the confidence of Petrovitch, and, finding there
+was no chance of his coming to Petersburg, I had been obliged to make
+the journey to Revel.
+
+Vassileffsky acknowledged my bow with cordiality, at the same time
+fixing his dark, wicked eyes on me with a look which I well
+understood.
+
+I was wearing the uniform which I had ordered my assistant to provide
+me with, and the Captain had been quick to take note of it.
+
+It may be said that the most valuable part of a naval officer's
+income in Russia is derived from the peculation of government stores.
+To carry on this lucrative system of plunder there is always a good
+understanding between officials of the Stores Department and the
+combatant officers.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky now studied my face like a man expecting to
+receive some proposal of the kind. I, on my side, made it my business
+to say as little as possible to him till dinner was over.
+
+Then I called for a magnum of champagne, and invited my companion to
+fill a tumbler.
+
+He did so readily enough, and I gave him the toast,
+
+"To the Emperor who wishes us well!"
+
+Vassileffsky started, and gave me a penetrating look.
+
+He did not venture to put a question to me, however, and contented
+himself with drinking the toast in silence.
+
+Determined not to say anything as long as the Captain remained sober,
+I plied him with champagne in increasing quantities, while taking as
+little as possible myself.
+
+On his side Vassileffsky was equally reserved. He saw, of course,
+that I had a special object in courting his friendship, and was
+cunning enough to let me make the first advance.
+
+As soon as I thought the wine had had time to confuse his faculties,
+I leaned forward and whispered,
+
+"I've got something to say to you about Petrovitch."
+
+The Captain looked at me eagerly.
+
+"Do you know where he is?"
+
+"Not so loud. Yes. He has had to disguise himself."
+
+I spoke in a muffled tone, which Vassileffsky imitated in his
+response.
+
+"Where is he? I want to see him very badly."
+
+"I know. He wants to see you. He is here in Revel."
+
+"In Revel! Isn't that dangerous?"
+
+"It would be if he weren't so well disguised. You, yourself, wouldn't
+know him."
+
+Vassileffsky looked incredulous.
+
+"I bet I should."
+
+"Done with you! What in?"
+
+"A dozen magnums."
+
+"Pay for them, then. _I'm Petrovitch._"
+
+The Captain started, shook himself, and peered drunkenly into my
+face.
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"Read that then."
+
+I drew out the passport, and spread it before him. The Russian
+spelled his way through it, and nodded solemnly at the end.
+
+"Yes, that's all right. You must be Petrovitch, I suppose. But you
+don't look like him."
+
+"Didn't I tell you I was disguised. I had to clear out in a hurry.
+Some one's been denouncing me to Nicholas."
+
+Vassileffsky looked frightened. His eye sought the door, as though he
+no longer felt at ease in my company.
+
+"You needn't be afraid," I assured him. "No one suspects you."
+
+"Well, what do you want?" he asked sullenly.
+
+"I want you to take me on board your ship."
+
+An angry frown crossed his face.
+
+"You want me to hide you from the police!"
+
+"Nonsense. The police are all right. They want me to get away. They
+could have put their hands on me long ago if they had wanted to."
+
+"Then why have you come here?"
+
+"I told you. I want to have a talk with you about our plans."
+
+"The plan is all right. But I want to know when we're to sail."
+
+"I'm doing all I can. It's only a question of weeks now."
+
+Vassileffsky looked hard at me again, bent across the table, and
+whispered a word which I failed to understand.
+
+Something in his face warned me that it was a password. I recovered
+myself from my momentary confusion and smiled.
+
+"The word's changed," I said with an air of authority. "It's _North
+Sea_ and _Canal_."
+
+The Russian seemed satisfied.
+
+"Well," he said, stumbling to his feet, "if we're going on board we'd
+better go."
+
+"Don't forget the magnums," I put in, as I rose in my turn.
+
+The reckoning was settled, and the champagne ordered to follow us
+down to the boat.
+
+Vassileffsky nearly lost his footing as we got out into the fresh
+air, and caught hold of my arm.
+
+"You'll have to lead me," he said, speaking thickly. "Straight along
+the street, and down the first turning on the quay."
+
+We walked along, arm-in-arm, my companion appearing to become more
+helpless every minute.
+
+As we emerged from the narrow lane which conducted us to the
+waterside, the lights of the harbor burst into view. There on the
+tide lay a long line of stately battleships, cruisers and dark,
+low-lying torpedo boats, their riding lights flashing and twinkling
+in a thousand reflections on the waves.
+
+A drunken hail from the Captain was responded to by a respectful hail
+from a Russian petty officer, who was lounging at the head of some
+stone steps.
+
+He came forward and assisted his commanding officer down and into the
+launch which waited below. I followed, and the bottles of champagne
+were handed in afterward.
+
+Vassileffsky seized the tiller with more energy than he had seemed
+capable of, and headed the launch for a great battleship, the
+_Beresina_.
+
+In a few minutes we were alongside. A smart landing stage and ladder
+brought us up on to the deck, and as soon as our feet touched it,
+Captain Vassileffsky, suddenly drawing himself up, said in distinct
+and sober tones,
+
+"Consider yourself under arrest, if you please----"
+
+I was a prisoner on board a Russian man-of-war!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE BALTIC FLEET
+
+
+Fortunately I am accustomed to face emergencies without losing my
+presence of mind.
+
+The manner of Vassileffsky had prepared me for some display of
+suspicion on his part, though I hardly anticipated his procedure
+would be so theatrical.
+
+Fixing him with my sternest look, I responded,
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky, I do not think you quite understand what you
+are doing. I will talk to you in the morning, when you are more
+yourself."
+
+He drew back, considerably disconcerted.
+
+"Very well, I will listen to what you have to say in the morning. In
+the meantime you will be under a guard."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders with a disdainful smile.
+
+"Be good enough to let me see my quarters," I said.
+
+More and more abashed, the Captain summoned one of his officers, and
+gave him some instructions.
+
+"Follow me, sir," said the lieutenant. I walked after him with
+perfect self-possession.
+
+"I do not wish to make a fuss to-night, as Captain Vassileffsky is
+not himself," I said haughtily, as we drew out of hearing. "But you
+will understand that unless I receive an apology in the morning, I
+shall complain to his majesty the Czar, by whose orders I am here."
+
+The lieutenant looked badly frightened.
+
+"It is not my fault, as you can see, sir. I am only obeying orders.
+Will you accept my own berth for the night, sir?"
+
+I thanked him and entered a small, comfortably-fitted state-room.
+With profuse apologies, he turned the key and left me to my own
+reflections.
+
+I slept soundly, rocked by the tide of the Finland Gulf.
+
+In the morning my jailer came to wake me.
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky presents his compliments, and asks you to
+breakfast with him in his cabin, in half an hour."
+
+This message was a welcome proof to me that my bluff had produced the
+desired effect. I accepted the invitation as if it was a matter of
+course.
+
+I dressed, and went to the cabin where Vassileffsky awaited me.
+
+"Are we friends or foes this morning?" I called out with a
+good-humored laugh, as I greeted him.
+
+The Russian looked dull and nervous.
+
+"I hope all will be well," he muttered. "Let us have something to eat
+before we talk."
+
+He might have said, something to drink, for his own breakfast was
+mainly of champagne. I, myself, made a point of eating heartily, and
+drank only coffee.
+
+"Now, Vassileffsky," I said in authoritative tones, "to business.
+First of all, you want some money."
+
+It was a guess, but a fairly safe one. Without waiting for the
+astonished man to reply, I took out my pocket-book.
+
+"How much can you do with till the fleet sails?" I asked, still in
+the same matter-of-fact tone.
+
+Fairly nonplussed, the Captain blurted out,
+
+"I should like two thousand."
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"I can let you have only a thousand now, but you shall have the
+balance this day week." I counted the thousand rubles, and handed
+them to him. "They are grumbling, rather, in Berlin over the
+expense."
+
+It was, of course, my object to give Vassileffsky no opening for a
+cross-examination, but to take it for granted that we were on
+confidential terms.
+
+At the word "Berlin" he opened his eyes pretty wide.
+
+"Does this money come from Germany?" he exclaimed, half-withdrawing
+his hand.
+
+I affected surprise in my turn.
+
+"You have not received any information at all, apparently! My message
+must have miscarried. Didn't the Princess see you?"
+
+Vassileffsky looked still more surprised. His demeanor taught me a
+good deal. I saw that Petrovitch had not trusted him very far. The
+financier had evidently kept all the threads of the intrigue in his
+own hands, as far as possible.
+
+So much the better, I reflected. His removal would disorganize
+matters even more thoroughly than I had ventured to hope.
+
+"What Princess?" the Captain asked.
+
+"The Princess Y----, of course."
+
+He brightened up a little, as though this name, at all events, was
+familiar.
+
+"No, she has not been here."
+
+"One can never trust these women," I muttered aloud. "She has not
+been at all the same since the death of her Englishman."
+
+"Of Sterling, do you mean?"
+
+"Yes. You heard of it, I suppose?"
+
+Vassileffsky grinned.
+
+"Rather sudden, wasn't it?"
+
+I smiled meaningly, as I retorted,
+
+"You remember he fainted rather unexpectedly that night he dined with
+me."
+
+A look of relief broke out on Vassileffsky's face, as I thus
+referred to an incident which he naturally supposed could be known
+only to Petrovitch.
+
+"My dear fellow, I beg a thousand pardons for my stupid conduct last
+night," he burst out. "But you must admit that your disguise is
+extraordinary."
+
+"Not a word!" I returned. "It is always better to err on the side of
+distrust. Besides, I wished to spend a night on your ship in any
+case. Your crew can be thoroughly depended on, if I am any judge."
+
+"They would bombard the Tower of London, if I gave the word," boasted
+Vassileffsky.
+
+It is extraordinary how widely the belief prevails on the Continent
+of Europe that the London Tower is still a fortress, charged with the
+protection of the British capital.
+
+"At all events, they will not be frightened by the sight of the Union
+Jack?" I returned.
+
+The Russian officer gave me an alarmed glance.
+
+"You do not mean--you are not asking us to fire on the British
+fleet?"
+
+"No, no," I reassured him.
+
+"Ah, that is all right. For the moment I confess you frightened me.
+They say we shall have to pass Admiral Beresford!"
+
+"What are you prepared to do?" I asked, concealing my deep interest
+in the reply.
+
+Vassileffsky's manner became slightly reproachful.
+
+"You did not bargain with me to attack an armed ship," he said in
+the tone of one who reminds another of his agreement. "It was
+understood that we were to attack merchantmen, like the
+Vladivostockers."
+
+At last I had a direct confirmation of my suspicions.
+
+"And what is the tone of the fleet generally?" I inquired.
+
+"I have done my best to make them all of the same mind. They will do
+their best, depend on it. I think there will be a few English vessels
+mysteriously lost at sea during the next two or three months! The
+prize courts cannot always be depended on."
+
+By an effort I restrained my indignation at these atrocious hints.
+The Baltic Fleet was about to seek the open sea, secretly intending
+to miss no chance of sinking a British merchantman that should be
+unlucky enough to cross its path.
+
+It was with a feeling of chagrin that I perceived it would be useless
+to send any message to Lord Bedale of what was in preparation. On
+certain subjects the British people are deaf and blind. They believe
+that all foreign statesmen are as high-minded as a Gladstone, and all
+foreign officials as scrupulous and truthful as the Chevalier Bayard
+himself.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky continued,
+
+"Our men are badly scared by reports of the Japanese plans. It is
+supposed that they have torpedo boats lurking in the English ports.
+Hull is said to be full of them."
+
+"Why, Hull?"
+
+Vassileffsky gave me a wink.
+
+"Hull is the great fishing center. Whole fleets of traders come out
+from there to the fishing banks in the North Sea. We are going to
+stir them up a bit."
+
+The outlines of the plot became every moment more clear.
+
+"On what pretext?" I asked.
+
+The Russian answered me without noticing that I was not so well
+informed as himself.
+
+"Oh, we shall find pretexts enough, you bet. For one thing, we shall
+signal them to clear out of the way, and when they have their trawl
+nets down and can't move! That will be lively. There will be a
+collision or two, I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"But isn't that against the rule of the road?"
+
+Though not a seaman, I had always heard that a vessel in motion is
+bound to avoid one that is at rest. I knew, moreover, that a
+steamship was bound to make way for a sailing vessel.
+
+Vassileffsky cursed the rule of the road.
+
+"It will be a question of evidence," he exclaimed. "My word against a
+dirty fisherman's. What do you say?"
+
+I pretended to be thoroughly satisfied. Still, knowing what I did of
+the Russian character, I had some hope that the Captain was boasting
+in order to impress me, and that he would not really dare to run down
+a British vessel within reach of the shores of England.
+
+Our conversation was interrupted by a gun.
+
+As the report died away, a junior officer ran down the companionway,
+helter-skelter, and burst into the cabin.
+
+"Something's up, sir," he cried to his commander. "They are signaling
+from the Admiral's ship."
+
+Vassileffsky darted up the steps and on to the bridge, and I
+followed.
+
+The Baltic fleet presented a striking spectacle. Every vessel was
+busily reporting the signals from the flag ship, the launches were
+dashing to and fro, and there was every sign of bustle and activity.
+
+The signal officer read out Admiral Rojestvensky's order:
+
+"The fleet will proceed to Libau to-day _en route_ to the East.
+Anchors will be weighed at noon. By order of the Czar."
+
+M. Auguste had failed me at last!
+
+With the frightful boasts of Vassileffsky still ringing in my ears, I
+felt that I must make one effort to stay its departure.
+
+"This news compels me to return to Petersburg immediately," I told
+the Captain. "Have the goodness to put me ashore at once."
+
+For a moment or two the Russian made no answer. I glanced at him
+curiously.
+
+His face had gone suddenly livid. His limbs were trembling. He gave
+me the dull look of a man stupefied by fear.
+
+"The Japanese!" he ejaculated in a thick voice.
+
+I seized him by the arm.
+
+"Are you pretending?" I whispered.
+
+He gave me a savage glance.
+
+"It's true!" he said. "Those devils will be up to something. It's all
+over with the fleet. No one believes we shall ever see Port Arthur."
+
+Grave and pre-occupied, I went ashore and caught a fast train to
+Petersburg.
+
+It was late when I got to the little house on the Alexander Quay. The
+faithful Breuil received me with a serious face.
+
+"Fauchette is here," he announced.
+
+"Fauchette?"
+
+"Yes. She has some news for you."
+
+"Let me see her."
+
+I strode in front to my study, where I was immediately joined by the
+maid, who appeared not a little alarmed.
+
+I never like to see my assistants agitated.
+
+"Sit down, my good girl," I said soothingly. "Do not be afraid; I
+know what pains you take to serve me. Now, what is it?"
+
+"Madame has dismissed me."
+
+I had feared as much.
+
+"On what grounds?"
+
+"She gave none, except that she was leaving home."
+
+I pricked up my ears.
+
+"Did she tell you where she was going?"
+
+"Yes, to her estates in the country."
+
+"It was a lie, I suppose. She had come to suspect you, had she not?"
+
+"Since Monsieur's escape, I fear yes."
+
+"And have you ascertained----?"
+
+"The Princess has left Petersburg by the midday train for----"
+
+"For?" I broke in impatiently.
+
+"For Berlin."
+
+I rang the bell. Breuil appeared.
+
+"Have you got the tickets?" I asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And my dress as a pilot of the Kiel Canal?"
+
+"It is packed."
+
+"And what time does the next train leave?"
+
+"In two hours from now."
+
+"Good. And now, my children, we will have supper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+ON THE TRACK
+
+
+As the really exciting moment of the protracted struggle drew near, I
+summoned all my energies to meet it.
+
+I alighted in Berlin armed only with two weapons, the passport made
+out in the name of Petrovitch, and a fairly accurate knowledge of the
+schemes, or at all events the hopes, of the German Government.
+
+From the first beginning of my long investigation, all the clues I
+had picked up had led steadily in one direction.
+
+The great disorganized Empire of the Czar's, with its feeble-willed
+autocrat, its insubordinate grand dukes, its rival ministers pulling
+different ways, and its greedy officials whose country was their
+pocket, had been silently and steadily enfolded in the invisible web
+of German statecraft.
+
+The brilliant personality of Wilhelm II had magnetized the
+vacillating, timorous Nicholas. Count Bülow had courted the Russian
+Foreign Office with the assiduous arts of a lover, and his wooing had
+been crowned by complete success. Through Petrovitch the grand dukes
+had been indirectly bribed, and the smaller fry like M. Auguste had
+been bought outright. Even the Army and Navy had been cajoled, or
+bought, or terrorized by pretended revelations of Japanese designs.
+
+Russia had become a supple implement in the hands of the German
+Kaiser, the sovereign who for nearly twenty years had been striving
+toward one goal by a hundred different crooked paths.
+
+It was evident that the unexplained disappearance of Petrovitch must
+have struck consternation into his employers. I suspected that the
+Princess Y---- had been summoned to Berlin to throw light on the
+event, and possibly to be furnished with instructions which would
+enable her to take over the dead man's work.
+
+My position was now peculiarly difficult. I wished to get in touch
+with the principals for whom Petrovitch had acted, but to avoid, if
+possible, meeting any one who had known him personally.
+
+Above all, I was determined not to risk an encounter with Sophia. She
+knew that I was still alive, and I feared that her feminine
+intuition, quickened by love, would penetrate through whatever
+disguise I might adopt.
+
+Under these circumstances I decided to begin by approaching Herr
+Finkelstein, the head of the imperial Secret Service in Berlin.
+
+This man was an old crony of mine. While a magnificent organizer of
+espionage, he was a poor observer himself, and I had already
+succeeded on one occasion in imposing myself on him under a false
+identity.
+
+I had brought with me the papers which I had obtained by bribery from
+the police agent Rostoy, representing me as an inspector in the
+secret police of the Russian Empire.
+
+Wearing my pilot's dress, but carrying these and other papers in my
+pocket, I presented myself at Finkelstein's office, and asked to see
+him.
+
+I was shown in first, as I had expected, to Finkelstein's secretary,
+who asked me my business.
+
+"I can tell that only to the Herr Superintendent himself," I said.
+
+"If you will let him know that I have just come from Petersburg, I am
+sure he will receive me."
+
+The secretary seemed to think so too. He went straight into his
+chief's room and came out immediately to fetch me in.
+
+As soon as I found myself alone with the head of the German service,
+I said quietly,
+
+"I have brought you a message from M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Petrovitch!" exclaimed the Superintendent, surprised out of his
+usual caution. "But he is dead!"
+
+"You have been misinformed," I replied in an assured tone.
+
+Finkelstein looked at me searchingly.
+
+"My informant does not often make mistakes," he observed.
+
+"The Princess is deceived this time, however," was my retort.
+
+It was a fresh surprise for the Superintendent.
+
+"The Princess! Then you know?" He broke off short, conscious that he
+was making an admission.
+
+"The Princess Y---- having left Petersburg, it was natural to suppose
+that she had come here to consult you," I answered modestly, not
+wishing to appear too well informed.
+
+Finkelstein frowned.
+
+"You have not yet told me who you are," he reminded me.
+
+I produced the forged papers.
+
+"I am an inspector attached to the Third Section, as you will see. I
+must inform you, however, that I am not here with the knowledge of my
+superiors."
+
+The German gave a glance at the papers, which were similar to others
+which he must have had presented to him from time to time.
+
+"That is all satisfactory," he said, as he returned them to me. "But
+you say that you have a message from M. Petrovitch?"
+
+"He had no opportunity of giving me any but this," I responded,
+producing the passport.
+
+This time Finkelstein seemed really satisfied.
+
+"It is clear that you know something about him, at least," he
+remarked. "I will listen to what you have to say."
+
+"M. Petrovitch is confined in Schlüsselburg."
+
+The name of the dreaded fortress, the last home of so many political
+prisoners, caused Finkelstein a shock.
+
+"_Gott im Himmel!_ You don't say so! How did he get there? Tell me
+everything."
+
+"He does not know from what quarter the blow came. The only person he
+can think of who might have denounced him is the Princess herself."
+
+"The Princess Y----?"
+
+"Exactly."
+
+The German looked incredulous.
+
+"But they were hand in glove. The Princess was his best agent."
+
+"True. Unfortunately there is always one source of danger where a
+woman is concerned--she cannot control her affections. It appears
+that M. Petrovitch ordered her to remove a certain Englishman, a spy
+of some kind, who was giving trouble, and Madame Y---- was attached
+to the fellow. She carried out her orders, but M. Petrovitch fears
+that she has taken revenge on him."
+
+Finkelstein gave a superior smile.
+
+"I can dispose of that suspicion," he said confidently. "The
+Princess did _not_ carry out her orders. The man you speak of--who is
+the most dangerous and unprincipled scoundrel in the world--has
+escaped, and we have lost all trace of him."
+
+It was my turn to show surprise and alarm.
+
+"What you tell me is appalling! I ought to see the Princess as soon
+as possible. If what she says is true, it must be the Englishman who
+has brought about Petrovitch's arrest."
+
+"He is no Englishman," the Superintendent returned. "He is an
+American, a Pole, a Frenchman, whatever you please. That man has been
+at the bottom of all the troubles in Europe for the last twenty
+years. I have employed him myself, sometimes, so I ought to know
+something about him."
+
+I listened with an interest that was not feigned to this character of
+myself. It was, all the same, a lie that Finkelstein had ever
+employed me; on the contrary, I had been called in by his imperial
+master to check his work.
+
+"Then what is to be done?" I asked, as the German finished speaking.
+"M. Petrovitch sent me here to warn you against the Princess, and to
+demand your influence to secure his release."
+
+"That will be a difficult matter. I shall have to consult the
+Minister. In the meantime, where can I find you?"
+
+I mentioned the name of a hotel.
+
+"And the Princess Y----? Where can I see her?"
+
+"I expect that she has left for Kiel," said the Superintendent. "She
+has volunteered to carry out the plan originally proposed by
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Then in that case you will not require my services?" I said, with an
+air of being disappointed. "M. Petrovitch thought you might find me
+useful in his place."
+
+"I must consult others before I can say anything as to that," was the
+cautious reply.
+
+He added rather grudgingly,
+
+"I did not know M. Petrovitch myself, you see. It was thought better
+that he should not come to Berlin."
+
+This statement relieved me of a great anxiety. I now saw my way to
+take a bolder line.
+
+"So I understood, sir. But I did not venture to approach his majesty
+except through you."
+
+Finkelstein started again, and gave me a new look of curiosity.
+
+"Who authorized you to mention the Emperor?"
+
+I tried to play the part of a man who has made an unintentional slip.
+
+"I spoke too quickly. Petrovitch informed me--that is to say, I
+supposed--" I broke down in feigned confusion.
+
+I knew inquisitiveness to be the Superintendent's besetting sin,
+and, up to a certain point, I had an interest in tempting him on.
+
+"You appear to be more in the confidence of M. Petrovitch than you
+are willing to admit," he said sagely. "Up to the present you have
+not explained how he came to make you his messenger."
+
+I leaned back with a faint smile.
+
+"I imagine you are quite astute enough to guess my secret, if you
+choose, Herr Finkelstein. But you must excuse me if I am a little
+careful whom I trust, especially after the behavior of Princess
+Y----."
+
+"You are M. Petrovitch himself! Of course! I thought as much all
+along," Finkelstein said with a smile of triumph. "Well, you are
+certainly right to be cautious; but, as you see, it is not easy to
+deceive an old hand like myself."
+
+"At all events you will be at least equally cautious, I hope. What
+you tell me about this international spy being still at large has
+disturbed me a good deal, I confess."
+
+"Make your mind easy," the German returned with a patronizing air.
+"We are in Berlin here, not in Petersburg. This gentleman will not
+venture within my reach, I assure you."
+
+I professed every satisfaction with this guarantee, and took my
+leave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+AN IMPERIAL FANATIC
+
+
+I was now to face Wilhelm II.
+
+It was solely for this purpose that I had come to Berlin. But I knew
+the great advantage of getting myself vouched for in advance by a
+third party, and therefore I had been anxious to convince Finkelstein
+of my identity in the first place, so that his master might accept me
+without inquiry as to whether I was the man I claimed to be.
+
+I dined quietly in my hotel, a small tavern in a back street. It was
+getting late, and I was on the point of going to bed, when I heard
+the noise of a motor rushing up and stopping suddenly outside the
+little inn.
+
+An aide-de-camp burst in upon me.
+
+"Your name, sir?" he demanded in a whisper.
+
+"Petrovitch," I replied in the same tone.
+
+"Come this way, if you please."
+
+In less than a minute I was seated in the car, which was dashing at a
+really dangerous pace through the nearly deserted streets.
+
+"I am taking you to Potsdam," was all the explanation my companion
+thought necessary.
+
+It did not take us long to reach the famous palace of Frederick the
+Great, which the growth of Berlin has almost turned into a suburban
+residence.
+
+My conductor brought me past all the sentries and servants, and led
+me down some steps into what seemed to be a subterranean hall. It was
+decorated with statues and paintings of the ancestors of Wilhelm II.,
+together with weapons, suits of armor, and banners of the successive
+periods in which they lived.
+
+But the most striking object in the hall or crypt--for it might have
+been either--was a trophy erected on a species of altar at one end,
+exhibiting a variety of crowns.
+
+At the foot were a number of small coronets, representing those worn
+by the former Margraves of Brandenburg, in whom the Hohenzollern
+family took its rise. Above were ranged the crowns of the Kings of
+Prussia, that of Frederick the Great being in the center. Still
+higher rose the three imperial crowns of Germany, those of William
+I., Frederick III., and the present Emperor. And then, right on the
+summit, came a still more gorgeous object, whose like I had never
+seen before.
+
+It was a colossal miter, somewhat after the fashion of the Papal
+tiara, wrought out of pure gold, thickly studded with great pearls,
+and surmounted by a cross.
+
+But I had barely time to notice this singular display. As my guide
+left me on the threshold of the hall, I was aware that I stood in the
+presence of the German Emperor.
+
+This extraordinary monarch, whose great and far-reaching views are
+combined with a type of extravagance which has long made him looked
+upon as the _enfant terrible_ of Europe, was about to teach me a new
+side of his character.
+
+He received me seated in a small ivory chair like a throne, and
+attired in a garment of pontifical design.
+
+"Advance, M. Petrovitch," he commanded in a loud voice.
+
+As I stood in front of him, he said theatrically,
+
+"I receive you in the Hall of the Hohenzollerns. You see around you
+the sacred memorials of the family which Providence has raised up to
+be the saviors of Europe, and the future rulers of the world."
+
+In response to this invitation I took a longer and more comprehensive
+view of the various objects already described. The Kaiser
+condescended to point some of them out to me with a long two-handed
+sword which he held.
+
+I began to suspect seriously that the megalomania which has always
+formed one of Wilhelm's characteristic traits, was overpowering his
+good sense.
+
+"M. Petrovitch," my august cicerone proceeded, "you see there the
+crowns which have been won and worn by my illustrious and
+never-to-be-forgotten ancestors. Can you guess the meaning of the
+diadem above--which I have designed myself?
+
+"That," declared the last and most remarkable of the Hohenzollerns,
+"is intended to be worn by that member of my Family who shall be
+called by the united voice of the other sovereigns to the supreme
+world monarchy. It is destined to be our Planetary Crown."
+
+I bowed in stupefaction. The Kaiser seemed pleased with the
+impression he had made.
+
+"And now," he said, "since it is necessary that I should be sure of
+you before I trust you with my plans, kneel down."
+
+I knelt, feeling as if I were in a dream. Wilhelm II. solemnly held
+out the hilt of his two-handed sword:--
+
+"You swear to yield faith, loyalty and utter obedience now and
+henceforth to Almighty God, and the Head of the Hohenzollerns!"
+
+It being impossible to refuse the oath in the circumstances, I kissed
+the sword, with a mental reservation.
+
+Wilhelm II. surprised me by thereupon laying it across my shoulders.
+
+"I dub thee knight of the Sacred Order of the Hohenzollerns! Arise."
+
+I got up, thoroughly confused. The Emperor invited me to be seated,
+and proceeded to deliver a harangue--for it was nothing less.
+
+"Bismarck had not sufficient genius to see the destiny of the
+Hohenzollerns. With the vision of a mere German Junker, he looked on
+Russia as the enemy.
+
+"It is I who have changed all that. I have taught the Czar to look to
+me for guidance and protection. Should the present revolutionary
+movement become dangerous, I shall march at the head of my army to
+the rescue, and reinstate the Romanoffs as my vassals.
+
+"The only obstacle in the path of the Hohenzollerns is an island
+which two of my Army Corps could subdue in a fortnight. But in order
+to invade it with safety, I must have France on my side.
+
+"It is for this end that I have been working. France cherishes a
+grudge against me because of the glorious exploits of my immortal
+grandfather. Moreover, my uncle, Edward VII., has contrived to win
+the friendship of the Republicans.
+
+"But France is the ally of Russia, and if Russia is attacked, France
+must draw the sword on her behalf.
+
+"You understand?--with the first shot which is fired by a British
+warship on the Russian flag, I shall be able to invade England."
+
+I understood indeed. Briefly and plainly Wilhelm II. had summed up
+the result of my own inquiries and reasonings.
+
+"It is you," the Emperor proceeded, "who have undertaken to secure
+this result."
+
+I bowed, intensely desirous to know exactly what it was that
+Petrovitch had pledged himself to do.
+
+"I have just rewarded you for the services you have already rendered,
+by admitting you to my Family Order, an order which I intend shall
+take precedence of the Golden Fleece, and even the Garter. Should you
+carry out your present task to my satisfaction I shall consider no
+reward too great for you."
+
+I trembled as I listened to this wild vaporing. If such were the
+private thoughts of the Kaiser, no wonder some of his public
+utterances smacked of the visionary.
+
+I could not doubt that he was thoroughly in earnest. Long brooding on
+the greatness of his ancestors, and his own importance as the sole
+European ruler who has kings for his satellites, had filled him with
+the fanatical spirit of a Mohammed or a Hildebrand. He believed,
+firmly and sincerely believed, that Providence had called him to the
+sovereignty of the globe, and authorized him to sweep every rival out
+of his path.
+
+"Your majesty overwhelms me," I murmured. "Consider, sire, that to be
+your servant is in itself an honor so great that no other reward is
+necessary."
+
+The Kaiser smiled graciously.
+
+"Well, now, M. _de_ Petrovitch----" his majesty emphasized the
+particle by way of reminding me that I was now a knight of the
+important Order of Hohenzollern--"let us discuss your next step."
+
+I seized the opportunity to obtain the information I was so anxious
+to secure.
+
+"I should feel it presumptuous to enter into anything like a
+discussion with you, sire. If your majesty will be gracious enough to
+impart your criticism on my proposal?"
+
+Wilhelm II. looked at me as though he found me to be a person of much
+good sense.
+
+"Your idea, my dear de Petrovitch, as I understand it, is to provoke
+the British to reprisals by some outrage on the part of the Baltic
+Fleet during its passage to the Far East.
+
+"Unfortunately, as you must see, the British are determined not to be
+provoked. Remember what has been done already. You have captured and
+sunk their ships, in violation of international law; you have sent
+out volunteer cruisers from the Black Sea in defiance of treaties,
+and turned back their mail steamers with government stores on board.
+
+"What has been the result? The English Government has complained to
+yours; the Czar has ordered explanations to be given, and the thing
+has blown over.
+
+"This time there must be something more than that. There must be
+something which cannot be explained away. We must if possible place
+Nicholas II., as well as Great Britain, in a position from which
+neither can retreat without loss of honor.
+
+"To this end it is necessary that the Baltic Fleet should commit an
+act of war, and that the Czar should be convinced that the
+provocation has come from the English side. Do you understand?"
+
+I recalled the hints dropped by Captain Vassileffsky at Revel.
+
+"Your majesty has been informed perhaps that I have caused the
+officers and men of the Fleet to believe that they will find Japanese
+torpedo boats lying in wait for them among the English fishing
+vessels in the North Sea. In consequence, they will be ready to fire
+without waiting to see if the torpedo boats are really there,
+especially if the fishermen fail to retire as the Fleet approaches."
+
+The Kaiser shook his head.
+
+"All that is leaving too much to chance, my good de Petrovitch. What
+is required is something more positive. In short, the torpedo boats
+must really be there."
+
+I lifted my eyes to his.
+
+"There is not a Japanese torpedo boat within ten thousand miles of
+the North Sea, unfortunately."
+
+Wilhelm II. smiled a meaning smile.
+
+"If that is all, we must so far forget the duties of neutrality as to
+allow the friends of Japan to procure a craft suitable for the
+purpose from our dockyard at Kiel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+THE STOLEN SUBMARINE
+
+
+As the full extent of this audacious plot was laid bare before my
+eyes I had a difficulty in believing in its reality.
+
+I was obliged to remind myself of some of the maneuvres which have
+marked German statecraft in the recent past, of the forgeries and
+"reinsurance" treaties of Bismarck, of the patronage extended to
+Abdul Hamid, of the secret intrigue that brought about the disasters
+of Greece.
+
+If I had had any scepticism left, the Emperor would have dispelled it
+by the clear and business-like explanations which followed.
+
+His majesty produced a chart of the North Sea, showing the coasts of
+Great Britain and Germany, with the Kiel Canal and so forth. Half-way
+between the opposite shores a dotted outline marked the situation of
+the great shoals which attract the fish, and from which the harvests
+of the sea are gathered by the brave and industrious toilers of
+Grimsby, Hull, and many another port.
+
+From the northern point of Denmark, two lines in red ink were drawn
+right down the map to where the North Sea narrows into the Straits of
+Dover.
+
+The first of these lines was fairly direct, passing about thirty
+miles to the eastward of the great fishing grounds.
+
+The second line took a wide curve to the west, and crossed right over
+the center of a shoal marked "Dogger Bank."
+
+The Kaiser proceeded to explain.
+
+"This is a duplicate of the charts used by the pilots of the North
+Sea. I have offered my brother Nicholas as a special favor the
+services of German pilots, and they will board the vessels of the
+Baltic Fleet as soon as it leaves Danish waters.
+
+"As you see, the right course would take the fleet a long way off the
+English fishing-boats. But the pilots who go on board will receive
+secret orders at the last moment to take the Russian ships over the
+Dogger Bank, and, if possible, into the very midst of any fishing
+fleet that may be there.
+
+"Then all that is required is that you should be on the spot, and
+should fire the first shot from the midst of the fishing-boats."
+
+I endeavored to preserve a calm demeanor.
+
+"May I suggest to your majesty that the presence of a torpedo boat
+among them is likely to arouse suspicion beforehand. The English
+sailors have keen eyes."
+
+"I have thought of that. It will be necessary for you to have a
+submarine."
+
+"A submarine, sire!"
+
+"Certainly. I have had six submarine torpedo boats built by my own
+designs at Kiel since this war broke out, for use in defending the
+approaches to the Canal.
+
+"These boats are now lying in the inner harbor, all fitted out and
+ready for sea.
+
+"You will take one, with a crew of your own, whom you must enlist
+secretly, and slip out through the Canal into the North Sea.
+
+"You will proceed, keeping under the surface, till you reach the
+Dogger Bank, and find yourself among the trawl nets of the English
+fishermen.
+
+"There you will wait till such time as the Russian ships come up.
+
+"As soon as the right moment has arrived, you will rise to the
+surface and discharge a torpedo. As soon as you have drawn the fire
+of the Russians, and have seen an English fishing-boat struck, you
+can go beneath the surface again, and make the best of your way back
+to Kiel."
+
+"Your plan is perfection itself, sire!" I exclaimed with an
+admiration which was not wholly pretended, since the idea really was
+not lacking in cleverness.
+
+The Kaiser nodded good-humoredly.
+
+"The Russians will never be persuaded they were not attacked first,
+and the English will never pass over such an outrage in their own
+waters," his majesty remarked complacently. "Lord Charles Beresford
+will do the rest."
+
+"I am ready to carry out your orders, sire. All I require is an
+authority to take the submarine from Kiel."
+
+The Kaiser frowned.
+
+"Have you had any authority from me for anything you have done up to
+the present, sir?" he demanded harshly.
+
+As an answer in the negative was clearly expected, I gave it.
+
+"Understand me, M. de Petrovitch, I repose every confidence in you;
+but I should not have held this conversation with any man, even my
+Chancellor, if I thought it could ever be used against me. If I gave
+you the authority you ask for, I should not be able to deny that I
+had ever employed you, in case of trouble."
+
+"Then you propose, sire----?"
+
+"I intend you to take this vessel secretly, without authority from me
+or from any one else."
+
+"And if I am caught in the act of taking it? If any of the naval
+authorities question my movements?"
+
+"You will not be caught. Your movements will not be questioned. I can
+assure you of so much."
+
+"I thank you, sire. That is quite sufficient."
+
+I retired from the imperial presence, though not, as I have had some
+reason to suspect, from the imperial observation. In other words, I
+felt pretty well convinced that there would be a watch on my
+movements till my task was over.
+
+The same aide-de-camp awaited me outside the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, and carried me back to my obscure hotel with the same
+speed and silence as he had brought me.
+
+The next morning I arose to find the papers filled with the news of
+the departure of the Baltic Fleet from Libau.
+
+The Russian Admiral, as if in obedience to the secret promptings of
+Berlin, was reported as having issued a preposterous and illegal
+warning that he should fire on any ship of any nation that presumed
+to venture within reach of his guns. I could not help wondering what
+would be thought of this proclamation in the British Admiralty.
+
+There being no more for me to do in Berlin, I took the first train to
+Kiel, the Portsmouth of Germany. Kiel itself, it will be remembered,
+stands at the Baltic end of the famous canal which the present Kaiser
+has had constructed for his warships to pass out to the North Sea
+without going around Denmark.
+
+It was late when I arrived, but I determined to lose no time in
+seeing how far the secret orders of the Kaiser extended.
+
+Accordingly, as soon as I had dined, I went out and took my way
+toward the government dockyard.
+
+The entrance to the dockyard was guarded by a sentry with fixed
+bayonet. Behind him I saw a large iron gate which appeared to be
+heavily barred, with a small postern at one side, which was also
+closed.
+
+I advanced toward the sentry, expecting every moment to hear a
+challenge ring out. To my genuine astonishment, nothing of the kind
+occurred. The sentry did not pay the slightest attention to me, but
+went on pacing to and fro as though I had been wearing a cap of
+invisibility.
+
+I went up to the postern door, and tried the handle. It opened at a
+touch, and I found myself alone in the deserted dockyard.
+
+For some time I groped my way forward by the light of the few
+scattered electric lights, till I reached the edge of a large basin
+which appeared to communicate with the outer harbor of Kiel.
+
+Turning the opposite way, I went along the edge of the wharf, picking
+my way among timber balks, stacks of iron sheeting, chains, ropes,
+and all the other things that are found scattered about a naval
+dockyard.
+
+At the head of the great basin I found a lock giving access to a
+small inner dock, in which a number of vessels were moored.
+
+I made my way around, searching everywhere for the vessels I had been
+told I should find.
+
+At last, in the farthest and most secluded corner, I perceived a row
+of small craft, shaped much like a shark, with a long narrow tube or
+funnel rising up from the center of each.
+
+They lay low in the water, without being submerged. Alone among the
+shipping they carried no riding-lights. They appeared dark, silent,
+and deserted.
+
+Almost unconsciously I ran my eye along them, counting them as they
+lay. Suddenly I was aroused to keen attention.
+
+One--two--three--four--five. The Kaiser had assured me that I should
+find six submarines to choose from!
+
+I counted once more with straining eyes.
+
+_One_--_two_--_three_--_four_--_five_.
+
+One of the mysterious craft had been taken away!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+THE KIEL CANAL
+
+
+It was impossible to resist the conclusion suggested by the absence
+of the sixth submarine.
+
+I was not the only person who had been authorized, or rather
+instructed, to carry out the design against the Baltic Fleet. My
+august employer had thought it better to have two strings to his bow.
+
+Who, then, was the person by whom I had been anticipated?
+
+To this question an answer suggested itself which I was tempted to
+reject, but which haunted me, and would not be dismissed.
+
+The Princess Y---- had arrived in Berlin twelve hours before me. She
+had come, fully believing that Petrovitch was dead, and prepared to
+take his place.
+
+She had interviewed Finkelstein, as I knew. Was it not possible that
+she, also, had been received in the crypt at Potsdam, had been shown
+the chart of the North Sea, with its ominous red lines, and had
+accepted the task of launching one of the submarines on its fatal
+errand?
+
+In spite of all the stories which had been told me of Sophia's daring
+and resource, in spite of my own experiences of her adventures and
+reckless proceedings, I did not go so far as to credit her with
+having proceeded to sea in the missing craft.
+
+But it struck me as altogether in keeping with her character that she
+should have arranged for the withdrawal of the boat, provided it with
+a crew, and despatched it fully instructed as to the work to be done.
+
+But whether these suspicions were well founded or otherwise, of one
+thing there could be no doubt. A submarine had been taken by some
+one, and was now on its way to the North Sea, to lie in wait for the
+ships of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+This discovery entirely changed the position for me.
+
+I had come down to Kiel intending to take a submarine out to sea, to
+watch for the approach of the Russian fleet, and to take whatever
+steps proved practicable to avert any collision between it and the
+fishing-boats on the Dogger Bank.
+
+I now saw that the chance of my preventing a catastrophe depended
+entirely on the movements of the boat which had left already. This
+boat had become my objective, to use a strategical phrase.
+
+Somewhere in the North Sea was a submarine boat, charged with the
+mission of provoking a world-wide war. And that boat I had to find.
+
+There was no time to be lost. I hastened back by the most direct way
+I could find, to the dockyard gates. The little postern was still
+unlocked, and I passed out, the sentry again taking no notice of my
+passage.
+
+But at the first street corner I saw a man in seafaring dress who
+fixed a very keen gaze on me as I came up, and saluted me by touching
+his cap.
+
+"Good-night," I said in a friendly voice, slowing down in my walk.
+
+"Good-night, sir. Beg pardon, Captain,"--he came and moved along
+beside me--"but you don't happen to know of a job for a seafaring
+man, I suppose?"
+
+I stopped dead, and looked him straight in the eyes.
+
+"How many men do you estimate are required to navigate a submarine?"
+I asked.
+
+"Fifteen," was the prompt answer.
+
+"How soon can you have them here?" was my next question.
+
+The fellow glanced at his watch.
+
+"It's half-past eleven now, Captain. I could collect them and bring
+them here by half-past one."
+
+"Do it, then," I returned and walked swiftly away.
+
+The whole thing, it was evident, had been prearranged, and I did not
+choose to waste time in mock negotiations.
+
+I went back to my inn to wait, but there was nothing for me to do,
+except examine the cartridges in my revolver. I was not quite sure
+how much my crew had been told, and I thought it just possible that I
+might have some trouble with them when they found out the nature of
+my proceedings.
+
+Punctually at the hour fixed I returned to the street outside the
+dockyard, where I found fifteen men assembled.
+
+Glancing over them, I formed the opinion that they were picked men,
+on whom I could have relied thoroughly for the work I had been
+ordered to do, but who might be all the more likely to mutiny if they
+suspected that I was playing false.
+
+I stood in front of them in the silence of the street.
+
+"Now, my men, if there is any one of you who is not prepared to obey
+me, even if I order him to scuttle the ship, let him fall out before
+we start."
+
+Not a man stirred. Not an eyelash quivered. The German discipline had
+done its work.
+
+"I give you notice that the first man who hesitates to carry out my
+orders will be shot."
+
+The threat was received with perfect resignation.
+
+"Follow me."
+
+I turned on my heel, and led the way to the dockyard gates, the men
+marching after me with a regular tramp which could only have been
+acquired on the deck of a man-of-war.
+
+The sentry was, if possible, more indifferent to our approach than
+he had been when I had been alone. I threw open the wicket, and bade
+the last man close it.
+
+Then we marched in the same order to the place where the five
+submarines were moored.
+
+"I am going on board one of these boats," I announced. "Find
+something to take us off."
+
+The man whom I had engaged originally, taking on himself the part of
+mate, repeated my directions. A large whale-boat was found tied up in
+a convenient spot beside the wharf.
+
+We all got in, and I took the tiller. The mate, who answered to the
+Russian name of Orloff, though the only language I heard him speak
+was German, said nothing till I brought the whale-boat alongside of
+the nearest submarine.
+
+"I beg pardon, Captain, but I have a fancy that the boat at the far
+end is in better trim, if you have no choice."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me so at once?" I returned sharply, not too well
+pleased to find him so well informed.
+
+We boarded the submarine pointed out, and found it, of course,
+provided with everything necessary for an immediate departure,
+including provisions for a week.
+
+"You understand the navigation of the Canal, I suppose?" I inquired
+of Orloff.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Very good. Take the boat through. And ascertain all that you can
+about another submarine which must have passed through yesterday.
+Wake me if you hear or see anything."
+
+I lay down in the captain's berth and tried to sleep. But the
+excitement and, I may say, the romantic interest of the adventure
+proved too strong for me.
+
+I rose again, and came to where my deputy was seated, carefully
+conning the boat out of the dockyard basin into the Baltic end of the
+great Canal.
+
+We were already submerged, only the tip of our conning staff being
+out of the water. But by an ingenious system of tiny mirrors the
+steersman was able to see his way as plainly as if he had been on
+deck above the surface.
+
+On approaching the lock by which the basin opened into the Canal, no
+signal appeared to be given. Silently, as if of their own accord, the
+huge sluices opened and shut, and we glided out into the great
+waterway which has made the German Navy independent of Danish
+good-will.
+
+The voyage along the Kiel Canal in the silence of the night was
+deeply interesting, and were I not obliged to restrict myself
+severely to the naked outline of such facts as bear directly on the
+catastrophe, I should like to attempt a description of the weird and
+picturesque scene.
+
+Keeping steadily just under the surface, we proceeded swiftly past
+ports and villages and lonely wharves, till the stars paled and
+disappeared and a faint flush overspreading the sky in front warned
+us that day was breaking behind us.
+
+I searched the banks for anything resembling the craft of which I was
+in search, but in vain. We passed many other ships, chiefly
+merchantmen bound for Lubeck and Dantzig and other Baltic ports, but
+of course without being perceived ourselves.
+
+When we reached the mouth of the Canal, I ordered Orloff to stop.
+
+"I must go ashore here, and inquire about the other boat," I
+explained.
+
+I saw from the expression of his face that this step was not quite to
+his liking, but he did not venture on any remonstrance.
+
+He brought the boat alongside the bank, and raised her gently to the
+surface, to enable me to step on shore.
+
+But my quest proved useless, as perhaps I ought to have foreseen.
+
+The harbor-master, or port captain, to whom I addressed myself,
+affected the most entire ignorance of the exit of any submarine
+within the last week or more.
+
+"What you suggest is impossible," he assured me. "Every submarine is
+well known and carefully guarded, and if one had been permitted to
+leave Kiel by way of the Canal, I should have been notified in
+advance. No such notification has reached me, and therefore, as you
+will see, no such boat can possibly have left."
+
+I suspected that he was lying, but I thought it unsafe to persist.
+
+It occurred to me too late that I had been guilty of some imprudence
+in showing so much anxiety on the subject. It was only too probable
+that my inquiries would be reported to the Kaiser, who would draw his
+own inferences in the event of anything going wrong.
+
+I returned on board my own boat, saying nothing to Orloff, and gave
+the order to proceed.
+
+Orloff had handed over the wheel to one of his subordinates, who
+steered the submarine out into the blue waters of the North Sea.
+
+As soon as we were well out of reach of the Slesvig shore, I said to
+the steersman,
+
+"Now I will take the helm."
+
+Instead of promptly relinquishing it to me, the man turned his head
+in search of Orloff, saying at the same time,
+
+"Do you understand the course, sir?"
+
+I saw that if I meant to be master of the vessel, I must prove that
+my words of the night before were spoken in earnest. I drew my
+revolver, and put a bullet through the mutineer's head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+THE DOGGER BANK
+
+
+The sound of the explosion reverberated through the little craft like
+thunder. Orloff and half a dozen more men came rushing up.
+
+"This man disobeyed me," I said, quietly, slipping a fresh cartridge
+into the smoking chamber of my revolver. "Throw the body overboard,
+and return to your duties."
+
+What instructions Orloff and his men had received it was impossible
+for me to guess. But they clearly did not authorize any breach of
+discipline at this stage of the voyage.
+
+Without the slightest demur they lifted up the body, and carried it
+off. I had learned the way to manage the submarine by watching Orloff
+during the night, and I now pressed a lever which brought us swiftly
+to the surface. There was a sound of trampling feet overhead,
+followed by a splash, and I saw the mutineer's body drift past.
+
+It would be idle to seek for words in which to describe the
+overpowering anxiety which racked my nerves as we tore through the
+water. The peace of Europe, the safety of Japan and Great Britain,
+perhaps the future of the world, might be at stake.
+
+Everything depended on my finding the other submarine before it had
+launched its bolt against the great war fleet which was even now
+steaming through the Danish Belts, officered by men, some of whom I
+knew to be ready to take advantage of any pretext for outraging the
+peace of the seas.
+
+It did not take me long to decide that the neighborhood of the Dogger
+Bank was the most likely place, in fact the only place, for my
+search.
+
+I am not wholly unskilled in navigation, having given up a good deal
+of my spare time to yachting. With the aid of a chart which was on
+board, I had little difficulty in keeping a fairly straight course
+for the famous fishing ground.
+
+On the way I did not neglect the opportunity of acquiring a complete
+command over the movements of the submarine.
+
+It was driven by electricity, and so designed that by means of
+various knobs, one man could control it entirely, steering it,
+raising or lowering it in the water, increasing or slackening speed,
+stopping, backing, and even discharging the torpedo which was its
+only weapon of attack--with the exception of a small sharp ram at the
+bow.
+
+Having asserted my authority, and acquired the practical knowledge I
+needed, I at last called Orloff to me, and gave him the wheel.
+
+"Take me to the Dogger Bank. Warn me as soon as we get near any
+fishing-boats, and above all keep a careful lookout for our consort."
+
+It was by this name that I thought it most prudent to refer to the
+object of my search.
+
+Orloff took the wheel, and said immediately with an air of great
+respect,
+
+"You have laid a marvelously straight course, Captain. I was not
+aware that you were familiar with these waters. The Dogger Bank is
+right ahead, and we shall reach it in less than an hour."
+
+An hour later I was conscious of a light shock as the submarine
+stopped.
+
+We had grounded on the sandy shoal of the Dogger, in twenty fathoms
+of water, and overhead I could see great black shadows sweeping
+slowly past.
+
+They were cast by the trawlers of the Gamecock fleet.
+
+It being still daylight I did not venture to let the submarine show
+itself on the surface of the sea.
+
+Hugging the bottom, I steered in and out among the great trailing
+nets of the fisher fleet.
+
+At the same time I ordered my crew to keep a sharp watch for the
+first submarine, promising fifty marks[B] to the man who sighted her.
+
+[Footnote B: A silver mark is about twenty cents of our money.]
+
+The rest of that day passed without anything happening.
+
+As soon as darkness fell I brought my boat up to the surface, partly
+in order to renew the air supply, and partly to scan the horizon in
+search of the oncoming Russian fleet.
+
+But thanks to the promptness with which I had gone out to sea I had
+anticipated Rojestvensky by twenty-four hours. The Baltic Fleet was
+still in Danish waters, waiting to pick up the German pilots who were
+to lure it from its course.
+
+Finding there were no signs of the Russians, I submerged the
+submarine, all except the little conning tube, which was invisible in
+the darkness, and ran in among the English smacks.
+
+As I heard the brave, hardy fishermen talking to one another, the
+temptation was a strong one to disclose myself, and warn them of the
+coming peril.
+
+Only my experience of the uselessness of such warnings restrained me.
+I knew that these simple, law-abiding citizens would laugh me in the
+face if I told them that they were in danger from the warships of a
+foreign Power.
+
+As my unseen vessel glided softly past the side of one fishing-boat,
+whose name I could just make as the _Crane_, I overheard a few scraps
+of conversation, which threw a pathetic light on the situation.
+
+"We shall have the Rooshians coming along presently," said one voice.
+
+"No," answered another, "they won't come anywhere near us. 'Tis out
+of their course."
+
+"They do say the Rooshians don't know much about seamanship," a third
+voice spoke out. "Like as not we'll see their search-lights going
+by."
+
+"Well, if they come near enough, we'll give the beggars a cheer; what
+d'ye say?"
+
+"Aye, let's. Fair play's what I wishes 'em, and let the best man
+win."
+
+The words died away along the water, as I drew off and let my craft
+sink under once again.
+
+That night I slept soundly, making up for the vigil of the night
+before. The submarine rested on the sea floor, in a hollow of the
+undulating Bank, and one of the crew kept watch in case a "trawl"
+should come too close.
+
+But there was no sign of the mysterious companion which had come out
+of Kiel Harbor in front of me, and was even now prowling somewhere in
+the dark depths around.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+TRAFALGAR DAY
+
+
+In the morning I was conscious of a certain stir and display on board
+some of the fishing boats among which I continued to lurk.
+
+At first I supposed that the Baltic Fleet must have been sighted. But
+in the course of the day I gathered from various cries and shouts
+which were borne across the water, that the fishermen were keeping
+the anniversary of the most glorious day in the history of England,
+the day on which the immortal Nelson annihilated the united fleets of
+France and Spain, and shattered the dream of the great Napoleon that
+he could tame the haughty Island Power.
+
+As long as daylight lasted I scoured the sea for a distance of five
+miles all around the devoted fishing fleet, without coming on the
+slightest trace of the other submarine.
+
+A delusive hope assailed me that some accident might have overtaken
+it. But I did not relax my vigilance, and when night fell I took up a
+station about a mile in front of the English smacks, in the
+direction from which I had reason to expect the approach of
+Rojestvensky.
+
+A few hours elapsed, then my watchfulness was rewarded.
+
+Away down on the horizon toward the northeast, there glittered out a
+row of twinkling lights, one behind the other, as though a lamp-lit
+thoroughfare had got afloat and drifted out to sea.
+
+The sinuous streak of lights, shifting as they approached like the
+coils of some great water-snake, glided toward us at what seemed a
+fearful speed, and as they drew near the white lights were
+interspread with green and crimson points, like rubies and emeralds
+set between rows of diamonds. And ever and anon the swift electric
+tongues of the search-lights spat forth and licked the dark face of
+the waters like hungry things.
+
+Keeping my upper deck just awash, I lay still and beheld at last the
+great black sides of the battleships tower up, pierced with
+illuminated windows.
+
+My heart began to throb wildly. If only the other submarine failed to
+appear; if only the English fishermen would realize their danger and
+flee in time, disaster might be averted.
+
+The hope had scarcely formed itself in my mind when Orloff, who had
+come to repose confidence in me, respectfully touched my arm and
+pointed ahead.
+
+Not two hundred yards from me, stealing along about a mile in advance
+of the Russian fleet, I perceived a small dark object, showing hardly
+a foot above the surface of the waves.
+
+It was the rival submarine!
+
+Instead of proceeding direct to the Dogger Bank, as I had done, the
+other boat must have joined Admiral Rojestvensky's squadron, and come
+on before it like a jackal pointing out the lion's prey.
+
+"Go forward," I commanded the German mate. "Let no one disturb me
+till this business is over."
+
+Orloff gave me a wondering look, but obeyed without an instant's
+hesitation.
+
+As soon as his back was turned, I swung the wheel around, put on the
+full power of the engines, and went after the craft I had been
+searching for during the last forty-eight hours.
+
+Had the commander of the other submarine noticed mine, and did he
+suspect my intention to frustrate his design? It almost seemed so.
+His boat, scarcely visible in the gloom, fled in front of me to where
+the foremost fishing boats were riding lazily over the shoals,
+dragging their nets along the bottom.
+
+It was a weird chase. Neither of us showed a glint of light, or made
+the smallest sound. Like two great shadowing fish we darted through
+the depths of the sea, hunter and hunted.
+
+In between the sagging nets with their load of cod and flounders,
+shot the phantom boat I was pursuing, and I followed, obliged to
+slacken speed as we twisted in and out under the keels of the
+unconscious fishermen.
+
+And all this time the huge warships in two lines astern were plunging
+through the seas, heading straight for the unfortunate smacks.
+
+The chase seemed to be aware that it was a case of now or never. I
+was catching up with it fast; I was able to mark its course by the
+broken water churned up by its propeller; when, all at once, I saw it
+rise with the swift motion of a bird.
+
+I had no alternative but to do the same.
+
+As I emerged upon the surface I found my boat in the very center of
+the full glare of a search-light which lit up the whole scene with
+dazzling radiance.
+
+Fresh from the depths below, where all had been dark, my eyes fairly
+blinked in the sudden splendor of light.
+
+Then, for what might have been from three to five seconds, I saw
+everything that passed.
+
+The foremost vessels of the Russian fleet had already gone past the
+group of drifting trawlers. One large cruiser was passing within a
+stone's-throw of the nearest fishing-boat, and the English fishermen
+were playfully holding up some of their freshly-caught fish, as
+though offering it to the Russian sailors.
+
+Another line of warships was coming up behind, with its search-lights
+thrown out in front.
+
+And then, right across the range of lights, and in a straight line
+between the Russian battleships and the English smacks, I saw the
+phantom torpedo boat pass deliberately, as high out of the water as
+she could show.
+
+What happened next took place so swiftly, and with such confusion
+that I cannot pretend to describe it with accuracy.
+
+Shouts rang out on some of the Russian ships, the submarine headed
+around as though to seek refuge among the trawlers, and then a gun
+was fired, and a cannon-ball struck the water within a few feet of
+me.
+
+All at once, it seemed to me, and as though by some preconcerted
+plan, half the ships of the Baltic Fleet opened fire on the English
+fishermen, who seemed too surprised and horrified to do anything. I
+saw ball after ball crash into one luckless smack, which quickly
+began to fill and sink. But, generally speaking, the marksmanship of
+the Russians was too wild for the firing to have serious effect.
+
+As soon as I realized that I had become a mark for the Russian guns I
+sank beneath the surface. It is no doubt this voluntary move on my
+part which has given rise to the belief cherished by some of the
+officers of the Baltic Fleet, and indorsed by Admiral Rojestvensky,
+that a torpedo boat was sunk by their fire.
+
+But I knew that the massacre--for it was nothing less--would go on as
+long as the other submarine remained on the surface, mixing among the
+luckless fishing boats with the deliberate intention of drawing on
+them the Russian fire.
+
+I marked her course, put my engines to their fullest speed one more,
+and rushed after her.
+
+This time my coming was not watched by the hostile commander. Like
+Admiral Rojestvensky, he may have believed that my boat had been sunk
+by the ball which had come so close. Or else, perhaps, in his
+exultation at having brought about an event which seemed to make war
+inevitable, he had forgotten his former fears.
+
+But the truth will never be known.
+
+I brought my own boat right under the demon craft, and then, tilting
+her up at a sharp angle, rammed the other in the center of her keel.
+
+There was a concussion, a muffled sound of tearing iron, and as I
+backed away at full speed astern, I saw the waters of the North Sea
+pour through a long jagged rent in the bottom of the doomed
+submarine, and watched her go down staggering like a wounded vulture
+through the air.
+
+The shock of the collision had brought Orloff and the rest of my crew
+running aft.
+
+"An accident," I explained coolly. "I have sunk some boat or other in
+the dark."
+
+The men exchanged suspicious glances.
+
+"It was the other submarine, sir," said Orloff, still preserving his
+respectful tone. "Will you permit us to see whether it is possible to
+save any of the crew?"
+
+"Do as you please," I returned, leaving the helm. "My work here is
+done, and I am ready to go back."
+
+I intended them to think I referred to the attack on the
+fishing-boats. The cannonade died away as I spoke.
+
+We went down through the water to where the wrecked submarine was
+lying half over on her side. Some frightened faces peered at us out
+of the upper portholes, where a supply of air still lingered.
+
+It was impossible to do anything for them down there without being
+swamped ourselves. We could only invite them by signs to forsake
+their own craft and let us carry them up to the surface where it
+would be safe for us to take them inside.
+
+In order to receive them on our upper deck we circled slowly around
+to the opposite side of their vessel. And there I beheld a sight
+which will haunt me for years to come.
+
+The whole side of the submarine had been wrenched open, revealing the
+interior of the cabin. And on the floor, lying in the peaceful
+attitude of one who had just resigned herself to sleep, I beheld the
+drowned form of the beautiful, desperate, perhaps wicked, but
+unhappy, woman from whose mad love I had fled.
+
+So, in the midst of the wild North Sea, in their strange coffin, the
+bones of Sophia, Princess Yernoloff, lie and rock on the incessant
+tides that sweep across the Dogger Bank.
+
+_Requiescat in pace!_
+
+As our boat, laden with the rescued survivors, shot up again to the
+surface, I felt a noosed rope drawn tightly around my throat and
+heard the voice of Orloff hiss in my ear,
+
+"I arrest you in the name of the Kaiser!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+THE FAMILY STATUTE
+
+
+My task is done. At last the reader knows all that ever will be
+known--all there is to know, in short--concerning the tragedy of the
+North Sea.
+
+My personal adventures can possess little interest after the
+all-important transactions I have had to describe. But in case there
+should be a reader here and there who is good enough to feel any
+curiosity as to my fate, I will briefly tell what followed on my
+arrest.
+
+My revolver was taken from me and I was conducted under a strict
+guard back to Kiel.
+
+Off the mouth of the Canal we were boarded by a despatch-boat flying
+the German naval ensign, and a police officer with three men took me
+off the submarine.
+
+The first proceeding of my new captor was to handcuff me. He then
+warned me,
+
+"If you speak a single word to me or any one else till you are in the
+imperial presence, my orders are to shoot you through the head."
+
+I nodded. I had as little wish to speak as the Emperor could have to
+let me. My thoughts were busy with the memory of the woman of whose
+tragic death I had been the unwitting cause, and with the measures
+that remained to be taken to extenuate, so far as extenuation was
+possible, the fatal action of the Baltic fleet.
+
+As for myself, I can say truly that I had become almost indifferent
+to what was in store for me. My feeling toward the unfortunate
+Princess had not been such as that which makes a man desire a woman
+for his wife; it had not deserved the name of love, perhaps; and it
+was certainly free from any taint of a less noble passion.
+
+Nevertheless it had been a powerful sentiment, colored and
+strengthened by my knowledge of her love for me.
+
+Sophia had loved me. She had saved my life. And I had taken hers in
+return.
+
+Must I accuse myself of weakness for feeling as if happiness for me
+were over, and the best fate I could wish would be to lie there
+beside my victim on the lonely Dogger sands?
+
+When I came before Wilhelm II. he was not in the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, indulging his vein of extravagant romance, but in his
+private cabinet and in his most stern and business-like mood.
+
+"Give the prisoner a chair, and wait outside," his majesty commanded
+briefly.
+
+I sat down, still handcuffed, and the guards withdrew.
+
+"Now," said the Kaiser, fixing me with an eagle glance, "be good
+enough to explain your proceedings."
+
+I met his look with a steadfast one in return.
+
+"I have carried out your majesty's orders scrupulously. I have taken
+out the submarine torpedo boat, engaged a crew, proceeded to the
+Dogger Bank, and drawn the fire of the Baltic Fleet on the
+fishing-boats from Hull. I have not seen a newspaper since, but I
+assume that the British Navy has already arrested Admiral
+Rojestvensky and his squadron, and that the two Powers are at war."
+
+The Kaiser gnawed his moustache.
+
+"Things have not gone quite so well as you pretend, M. Petrovitch.
+
+"The Russian cannonade ceased after a few minutes," the Emperor
+resumed. "You did not remain on the surface after the first shot; you
+did not launch your torpedo, neither did you permit the other
+submarine to do so. In fact you sunk her."
+
+"I had no orders with respect to another submarine, sire. I was
+entitled to treat it as an enemy."
+
+"Nonsense, you know that it had left Kiel before you, on the same
+errand."
+
+"On the contrary, sire, I could not possibly know anything of the
+kind."
+
+"Why, you saw it had disappeared from the dock. You inquired after
+it along the Canal. When you got out to the Dogger you were searching
+for it the whole time."
+
+"And when I found it, sire, it was leading the Russian squadron, of
+which it appeared to form part. I had every right to assume that it
+was a Russian man-of-war."
+
+"A German boat!" thundered the Kaiser.
+
+"A boat not flying any flag must be presumed to belong to the country
+of those who are in control of it. I found this submarine under the
+control of a Russian subject."
+
+"The Princess was my agent."
+
+"Your majesty had not told me so. On the contrary, I understood that
+you wished my own boat to be considered a Russian vessel, in case of
+any question. I shipped a Russian crew therefore."
+
+Wilhelm II. frowned angrily.
+
+"Do not play with me, M. Petrovitch. I know all about your crew.
+Explain why you, a Russian subject, should have attacked what you are
+pleased to pretend was a Russian ship."
+
+"I regret to have to say that your majesty is laboring under a
+mistake. I am not a Russian subject."
+
+This time the Kaiser was fairly taken aback.
+
+"What subject are you?"
+
+"A Japanese."
+
+Wilhelm looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Japanese!" was all he could say.
+
+"If your majesty pleases. That being so, as soon as I took possession
+of the submarine, with your permission, of course it became a
+Japanese ship."
+
+"What you tell me is monstrous--ridiculous. Your name is Russian,
+your face is at least European."
+
+"My name, sire, is Matsukata. I received it in Tokio at the
+commencement of the war, on being adopted into a Japanese family.
+
+"If your majesty doubts my statement, I ask to be confronted with the
+Japanese Ambassador in Berlin."
+
+The Kaiser looked as if he would have liked to doubt it, but found
+himself unable to do so.
+
+"Then on your own showing you are a Japanese spy," he pronounced
+slowly. "As such I am entitled to have you shot."
+
+"Pardon me again, sire. In Petersburg I admit, that was my character.
+In Germany I have been your majesty's agent, and have literally
+fulfilled your commands."
+
+"You are a very acute quibbler, I see," was the retort, "but quibbles
+will not save you. You have stolen one of my ships to sink another
+with, and at the very least you deserve to be hanged as a pirate."
+
+"I demand to be tried," I said boldly, knowing that this was the one
+step to which the Emperor, for his own sake, could not consent.
+
+As I expected, he frowned uneasily.
+
+"In this case I must exercise my right of refusing a civil trial, in
+the interest of the State. I will give you a court-martial with
+closed doors."
+
+"That would be illegal, sire."
+
+"You dare to tell me so!"
+
+"Your majesty will find I am right. The case falls within the
+Hohenzollern Family Statute."
+
+The Kaiser appeared stupefied.
+
+"The Family Statute?" he repeated slowly, as if unable to believe his
+ears. "What has the Statute to do with you?"
+
+"It is provided in the Statute, if I recollect rightly, sire, that a
+member of the Imperial Family can be tried only by his peers, that is
+to say, by a court composed of members of your majesty's House."
+
+"Well, and what then?"
+
+"By another clause in the Statute--I regret that the number has
+escaped my memory--the privileges of a Hohenzollern in that respect
+are extended to members of other reigning Houses."
+
+"What are you going to tell me?" Wilhelm II. demanded in amazement.
+
+"Only that I have the honor to be the adopted son of his imperial
+highness Prince Yorimo, cousin to his majesty the Emperor of Japan."
+
+The German monarch sat still, unable to parry this unexpected blow.
+
+"The Japanese Ambassador--" he began to mutter.
+
+"Will confirm my statement, sire. I have already asked to be
+confronted with him. Before going to Kiel, I sent him information of
+my plans, so that he is already expecting to hear from me, I have no
+doubt."
+
+Wilhelm II. saw that he had come to the end of his tether. Lying back
+in his chair, he ejaculated----
+
+"I believed there was only one man in the two hemispheres who could
+do things like this!"
+
+"I am flattered to think you may be right, sire," I responded in my
+natural voice, with a smile.
+
+The Emperor bounded from his seat.
+
+"You--are--Monsieur V----!" he fairly gasped out.
+
+"I was, sire. Permit me to repeat that I am now called Prince
+Matsukata of Japan."
+
+Wilhelm II. made an effort, and came out of it with his best manner.
+
+"Then, in that case, you will stay and lunch with the Empress and
+myself, my dear Prince."
+
+As soon as the handcuffs had been removed, I told the whole story to
+the Kaiser, who was immensely interested, and decidedly touched by
+the part which related to the drowned Princess.
+
+Before leaving the Palace, I asked permission of my imperial host to
+make use of his private wire for a message to London, in the interest
+of peace.
+
+Wilhelm II., who began to see that he had been betrayed into going a
+little farther than was altogether desirable, consented in the
+friendliest spirit, merely stipulating that he should be allowed to
+see the message.
+
+He was rather surprised when he found it was addressed to Lord Bedale
+at Buckingham Palace, and comprised a single word, "Elsinore."
+
+And so, although some of the newspapers in the two capitals of
+England and Russia continued to breathe war for some days longer, I
+felt no more anxiety after reading the paragraph which stated that
+the British Prime Minister, at the close of the decisive Cabinet
+Council, had driven to the Palace to be received in private audience
+by her majesty Queen Alexandra.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE
+
+
+As I write these lines the war which has cost so many brave lives,
+and carried so much desolation through the fields and cities of
+Manchuria is still raging.
+
+The great fleet of Admiral Rojestvensky, from which the stains of the
+innocent fisherman's blood have not yet been washed, is plowing its
+way to meet a terrible retribution at the hands of the victorious
+Togo.[C] A curse is on that fleet, and it may be that the British
+Government foresaw that they could punish the crime of the Dogger
+Bank more terribly by letting it proceed, than by bringing it into
+Portsmouth to await the result of the international trial.
+
+[Footnote C: These words, which have been proven prophetic, were
+written last March, when Admiral Rojestvensky's fleet was still a
+very formidable fact to be reckoned with.--EDITOR.]
+
+In the great affairs of nations it is not always wise to exact strict
+justice, or to expose the actual truth.
+
+I, too, am a lover of peace. Not of that hysterical, sentimental
+horror of bloodshed which would place a great civilized nation at the
+mercy of more barbarous powers, which would stay the wheels of
+progress, and be indistinguishable from cowardice in the face of
+wrong.
+
+But I am a friend of the peace which is the natural result of a
+better understanding between peoples, of respect for one another's
+character and aims, of a wise recognition of facts, and an honorable
+determination not to play the part of the aggressor.
+
+It is in the hope of promoting such a peace on earth, and such
+good-will toward men, that I have allowed myself to publish the
+foregoing narrative.
+
+In order to soften the character of this revelation I have endeavored
+to impart to it a character of romance.
+
+So far as my abilities extend, I have sought to give the reader the
+impression that he has been reading an allegory rather than a dry,
+business record. I have tried to cover certain incidents with a
+discreet veil. I have as much as possible refrained from using real
+names.
+
+I trust that my narration will be accepted in the spirit in which it
+has been written and that no reader will allow his feelings of
+curiosity to lead him into going further, or raising questions which
+it might be indiscreet on my part to answer.
+
+But there is one part of the story to which the foregoing remarks do
+not apply.
+
+Whatever else be mythical, there is nothing mythical about the
+bright figure whose portrait has accompanied me through so many
+perils. There is a home for me in far-off Tokio, and when the
+blood-begrimed battalions of Asia sheathe their swords, I shall go
+thither to claim my reward.
+
+                         THE END
+
+
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+  {5 Cruel as the Grave                 30 Fortune Seeker
+  {6 Tried for Her Life                 31 Gypsy's Prophecy
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+ {10 Maiden Widow                       34 Lady of the Isle, The
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+ {14 Self Raised                        38 Mother-in-Law
+ {15 Lost Heir of Linlithgow            39 Prince of Darkness, and
+ {16 Noble Lord, A                          Artist's Love
+ {17 Unknown                            40 Retribution
+ {18 Mystery of Raven Rocks             41 Three Beauties, The
+  19 Bridal Eve, The                    42 Three Sisters, The
+  20 Bride's Dowry, The                 43 Two Sisters, The
+  21 Bride of Llewellyn, The            44 Vivian
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+  24 Curse of Clifton
+  25 Deserted Wife, The
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+applying the work in the successive stages. It shows how the
+knowledge has been developed, and the reasons for the various
+phenomena, without using technical words so as to bring it within the
+compass of every boy. It has a complete glossary of terms, and is
+illustrated with two hundred original drawings.
+
+
+Practical Mechanics for Boys
+
+This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series of
+practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the structure
+and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how they are utilized
+to perform the work, and the manner in which all dimensional work
+is carried out. Every subject is illustrated, and model building
+explained. It contains a glossary which comprises a new system of
+cross references, a feature that will prove a welcome departure in
+explaining subjects. Fully illustrated.
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price $1.00 each._
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00._
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET  ::  CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+GIRLS' LIBERTY SERIES
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls
+by standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+_12mo, clothene. Price 50c each._
+
+  1. Camp Fire Girls on a Long Hike, or,
+     Lost in the Great Northern Woods        Stella M. Francis
+  2. Daddy's Girl                            Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  3. Ethel Hollister's First Summer as
+     a Camp Fire Girl                        Irene Elliott Benson
+  4. Ethel Hollister's Second Summer         Irene Elliott Benson
+  5. Flat Iron for a Farthing                Mrs. Ewing
+  6. Four Little Mischiefs                   Rose Mulholland
+  7. Girls and I                             Mrs. Molesworth
+  8. Girl from America                       Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  9. Grandmother Dear                        Mrs. Molesworth
+ 10. Irvington Stories                       Mary Mapes Dodge
+ 11. Little Lame Prince                      Mrs. Muloch
+ 12. Little Susie Stories                    Mrs. H. Prentiss
+ 13. Mrs. Over the Way                       Julianna Horatio Ewing
+ 14. Naughty Miss Bunny                      Rose Mulholland
+ 15. Sweet Girl Graduate                     Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 16. School Queens                           Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 17. Sue, A Little Heroine                   Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 18. Wild Kitty                              Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ COMPLETE EDITIONS--THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY
+
+
+ Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ _SERIES_
+
+An excellent edition of the works of this very popular author of
+books for girls. Printed from large type on an extra quality of
+paper, cover design stamped in three colors, large side title
+letterings, each book in glazed paper printed wrapper. Each book with
+a beautiful colored frontispiece. Printed wrapper, 12 mo, cloth.
+
+  1 Bad Little Hannah                   18 Little Mother to
+  2 Bunch of Cherries, A                    Others
+  4 Children's Pilgrimage               20 Merry Girls of
+  5 Daddy's Girl                            England
+  6 Deb and the Duchess                 21 Miss Nonentity
+  7 Francis Kane's                      22 Modern Tomboy, A
+     Fortune                            23 Out of Fashion
+  8 Gay Charmer, A                      24 Palace Beautiful
+  9 Girl of the People, A               25 Polly, A New-Fashioned
+ 10 Girl in Ten                             Girl
+     Thousand, A                        26 Rebels of the School
+ 11 Girls of St. Wodes,                 27 School Favorite
+     The                                28 Sweet Girl Graduate,
+ 12 Girls of the True                       A
+     Blue                               29 Time of Roses, The
+ 13 Good Luck                           30 Very Naughty Girl, A
+ 14 Heart of Gold, The                  31 Wild Kitty
+ 15 Honorable Miss, The                 32 World of Girls
+ 17 Light of the Morning                33 Young Mutineer, The
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postage prepaid to any address at 75c by the
+publishers
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 South Dearborn St., CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS' ELITE SERIES
+
+ _12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+Contains an attractive assortment of books for boys by standard and
+favorite authors. Printed from large, clear type on a superior
+quality of paper, bound in a superior quality of binders' cloth,
+ornamented with illustrated original designs on covers stamped in
+colors from unique and appropriate dies. Each book wrapped in
+attractive jacket.
+
+ 1. Cudjo's Cave                             Trowbridge
+ 2. Green Mountain Boys
+ 3. Life of Kit Carson                       Edward L. Ellis
+ 4. Tom Westlake's Golden Luck               Perry Newberry
+ 5. Tony Keating's Surprises                 Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy)
+ 6. Tour of the World in 80 Days             Jules Verne
+
+
+THE GIRLS' ELITE SERIES
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls by
+standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+ 1. Bee and the Butterfly                    Lucy Foster Madison
+ 2. Dixie School Girl                        Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 3. Girls of Mount Morris                    Amanda Douglas
+ 4. Hope's Messenger                         Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 5. The Little Aunt                          Marion Ames Taggart
+ 6. A Modern Cinderella                      Amanda Douglas
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+
+ THERE IS MONEY
+ IN POULTRY
+
+ AMERICAN STANDARD PERFECTION
+ POULTRY BOOK, _By_ I. K. FELCH.
+
+Yet many old-fashion farmers are inclined to discredit the statement.
+Why? Because they are not up to the new and improved ideas in poultry
+management. A little trial of the rules laid down in these books will
+soon dispel all misgivings in this direction and tend to convince the
+most skeptical that there is money in poultry-keeping. It contains a
+complete description of all the varieties of fowls, including
+turkeys, ducks and geese.
+
+This book contains double the number of illustrations found in any
+similar work. It is the best and cheapest poultry book on the market
+Paper covers, 25c. Cloth, prepaid, =50c=
+
+
+ POULTRY CULTURE
+
+ _By_ I. K. FELCH
+
+How to raise, manage, mate and judge thoroughbred fowls, by I. K.
+Felch, the acknowledged authority on poultry matters. Thorough,
+comprehensive and complete treatise on all kinds of poultry. Cloth,
+438 pages, large 12mo, and over 70 full-page and other illustrations.
+Printed from clear type on good paper, stamped on side and back from
+ornate, appropriate designs.
+
+Price, prepaid, =$1.00=
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers, or will send to any address in
+the United States, Canada or Mexico, postage prepaid, on receipt of
+price, in currency, money order or stamps.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 S. DEARBORN STREET : CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+OUR YOUNG FOLKS'
+
+ILLUSTRATED BOOKS
+
+
+This series contains those books for young folks that are without
+question conceded to be the most popular of this class. Each title
+has a distinctive cover design. Each volume contains twenty to sixty
+illustrations.
+
+_The following books are ready for delivery_:
+
+ Andersen's Fairy Tales
+ Alice in Wonderland
+ Arabian Nights
+ Black Beauty
+ Mother Goose
+ Pilgrim's Progress
+ Rip Van Winkle
+ Robinson Crusoe
+ Story of the Bible
+ Wood's Natural History
+ Through the Looking Glass
+
+_Sent postpaid at twenty cents each or six for one dollar._
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+ _SELECTED WORKS OF_
+ EUGENE FIELD
+
+A very attractive selection of popular books by this favorite and
+gifted author. Each book contains a carefully selected and classified
+list of poems that have endeared the author to millions and given him
+a place among the immortals. These books should be in every library,
+both public and private.
+
+ In Four Volumes. Boxed.
+ Cloth Binding.
+
+ Price, =$3.00= per set.
+
+ Single Volumes =75c= each,
+ postpaid.
+
+
+IN WINK-A-WAY LAND
+
+The contents of this volume is especially selected and arranged for
+the little folks. All are suitable for use in school exercises and on
+"Eugene Field Day."
+
+
+HOOSIER LYRICS
+
+This is a series of pathetic, amusing and entertaining poems rendered
+in Indiana dialect on notable Hoosier scenes with parodies on poems
+by James Whitcomb Riley.
+
+
+JOHN SMITH, U. S. A.
+
+The romantic story of John Smith, also includes many other poems, all
+of which afford suitable material for "Field Readings" and general
+school and church entertainments.
+
+
+THE CLINK OF THE ICE and other poems
+
+Edition containing portraits and autographs. Stories of inimitable
+wit and humor with lullabies and sketches of every day scenes that
+made Eugene Field famous. All worth while.
+
+Printed from new plates on good paper, uniformly and neatly bound in
+cloth; gold titles on front and back.
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address
+upon receipt of price in stamps, currency, postal or express money
+order, by the publishers.
+
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 S. Dearborn St. Chicago
+
+
+
+
+BOYS' COPYRIGHTED BOOKS
+
+
+Printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of paper,
+embellished with original illustrations by eminent artists, and bound
+in a superior quality of book binders' cloth, ornamented with
+illustrated covers, stamped in colors from unique and appropriate
+dies, each book wrapped in a glazed paper wrapper printed in colors.
+
+
+MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES
+
+By Louis Arundel
+
+ 1.--The Motor Club's Cruise Down the Mississippi; or, The Dash
+      for Dixie.
+ 2.--The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or, Adventures
+      Among the Thousand Islands.
+ 3.--The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or, Exploring the Mystic
+      Isle of Mackinac.
+ 4.--Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or, The Struggle for
+      the Leadership.
+ 5.--Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or, Through Storm and
+      Stress.
+ 6.--Motor Boat Boys' River Chase.
+
+
+THE BIRD BOYS SERIES
+
+By John Luther Langworthy
+
+ 1.--The Bird Boys; or, The Young Sky Pilots' First Air Voyage.
+ 2.--The Bird Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics.
+ 3.--The Bird Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a
+      Wreck.
+ 4.--Bird Boys' Flight; or, A Hydroplane Round-up.
+ 5.--Bird Boys' Aeroplane Wonder; or, Young Aviators on a Cattle
+      Ranch.
+
+
+CANOE AND CAMPFIRE SERIES
+
+By St. George Rathborne
+
+
+ 1.--Canoe Mates in Canada; or, Three Boys Afloat on the Saskatchewan.
+ 2.--Young Fur Takers; or, Traps and Trails in the Wilderness.
+ 3.--The House Boat Boys; or, Drifting Down to the Sunny South.
+ 4.--Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise in the Motor Boat.
+ 5.--Camp Mates in Michigan; or, With Pack and Paddle in the Pine
+      Woods.
+ 6.--Rocky Mountain Boys; or, Camping in the Big Game Country.
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+By
+
+Mrs. George Sheldon Downs
+
+
+=Katherine's Sheaves=
+
+A Great Novel With a Great Purpose
+
+Katherine's Sheaves is altogether delightful, a charming piece of
+fiction, a beautiful romance. One must admire the book for its
+characterization, its brilliant pictures of life, and its dramatic
+situations, but still more for its philosophy and wisdom.
+
+The story is a dramatic one, abounding in strong situations.
+
+The plot is well conceived and carried out, the style easy and the
+characters likable.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Step by Step=
+
+Judged as a story pure and simple, "STEP BY STEP" is altogether
+delightful. But it is not merely a charming piece of fiction. Ethical
+in its nature, the underlying thought shows throughout the lofty
+purpose and high ideals of the author, and exhales a wholesome
+atmosphere, while the element of romance pervading it is both
+elevated and enriched by its purity and simplicity.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Gertrude Elliot's Crucible=
+
+It is a readable story, clean, wholesome, and high in moral
+tone--optimistic and constructive.
+
+It has an alluring plot, and is well and skillfully worked out. The
+incidents are dramatic, and therefore always striking, and the entire
+romance will hold the attention of the reader.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Redeemed=
+
+Dealing with divorce--the most vital problem in the world
+to-day--this book tells how a pure-minded woman is divorced from her
+husband, upon a flimsy pretext, because he wishes to marry again. How
+he suffers when he learns that he has thrown away the true
+disinterested love of a noble woman, and how he craves that love
+again, makes a vivid, forceful story of an intensely modern
+significance.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+The American Boy's Sports Series
+
+BY MARK OVERTON
+
+12 Mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Price 60c Each.
+
+
+These stories touch upon nearly every sport in which the active boy
+is interested. Baseball, rowing, football, hockey, skating,
+ice-boating, sailing, camping and fishing all serve to lend interest
+to an unusual series of books. There are the following four titles:
+
+ =1. Jack Winters' Baseball Team; or, The
+      Mystery of the Diamond.=
+ =2. Jack Winters' Campmates; or, Vacation
+      Days in the Woods.=
+ =3. Jack Winters' Gridiron Chums; or, When
+      the Half-back Saved the Day.=
+ =4. Jack Winters' Iceboat Wonder; or, Leading
+      the Hockey Team to Victory.=
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+1. Minor changes have been made to correct typesetter errors;
+otherwise, every effort has been made to remain true to the author's
+words and intent.
+
+2. In the advertising pages at the end of this book, the = symbol has
+been used to note that the words enclosed were typeset in bold.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INTERNATIONAL SPY ***
+
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of  The International Spy, by Allen Upward.
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The International Spy
+       Being the Secret History of the Russo-Japanese War
+
+Author: Allen Upward
+
+Release Date: November 16, 2009 [EBook #30482]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INTERNATIONAL SPY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox">
+<h1> The<br />
+International Spy</h1>
+
+<h4> BEING THE SECRET HISTORY<br />
+OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR</h4>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<h2>ALLEN UPWARD</h2>
+
+<p class="center">(&#8220;<i>Monsieur A. V.</i>&#8221;)</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Author of &#8220;Underground History,&#8221; etc.</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 80px;">
+<img src="images/ititle.jpg" width="80" height="80" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h2> M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</h2>
+
+<h3> CHICAGO  NEW YORK</h3></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1904, 1905, by</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">THE PEARSON PUBLISHING CO.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1905, by</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY.</p>
+
+<hr class="tiny" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Entered at Stationers&#8217; Hall.</i></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7em;">The International Spy.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">Made in U. S. A.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="75%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="CONTENTS">
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">CHAPTER</td>
+<td align="left">&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Prologue&mdash;the Two Empresses</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#The_International_Spy">9</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">I.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Instructions of Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">17</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">II.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;&#8217;s Hint</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">24</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">III.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Head of the Manchurian Syndicate</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">36</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">IV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Czar&#8217;s Autograph</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">45</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">V.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Dinner With the Enemy</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">54</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Drugged and Kidnapped</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">63</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Race for Siberia</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">71</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Czar&#8217;s Message</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">76</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">IX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Betrothal of Delilah</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">87</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">X.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Answer of the Mikado</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">96</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Who Smoked the Gregorides Brand</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">107</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Secret Service of Japan</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">113</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">His Imperial Highness</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">123</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Submarine Mine</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">130</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Advisor of Nicholas II</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">139</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Strange Confession</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">145</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Supernatural Incident</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">159</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Mystery of a Woman</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">169</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Spirit of Madame Blavatsky</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">180</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Devil&#8217;s Auction</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">192</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Funeral</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">199</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Perilous Moment</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">210</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Resurrection and a Ghost</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">217</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Secret Execution</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">224</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Change of Identity</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">233</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Trapped</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">240</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Baltic Fleet</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">246</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">On the Track</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">256</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">An Imperial Fanatic</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">264</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Stolen Submarine</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">272</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Kiel Canal</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">279</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Dogger Bank</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">287</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Trafalgar Day</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">292</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Family Statute</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">300</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>&#160;</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Epilogue</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#EPILOGUE">308</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="The_International_Spy" id="The_International_Spy"></a>The International Spy</h2>
+
+<h2>PROLOGUE<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></h2>
+
+<h3>THE TWO EMPRESSES</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcl.jpg" title="L" height="70" width="70" alt="L" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">&#8220;L</span>ook!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A fair, delicately-molded hand, on which glittered gems worth a
+raja&#8217;s loyalty, was extended in the direction of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Half a mile out, where the light ripples melted away into a blue and
+white haze upon the water, a small black smudge, like the back of a
+porpoise, seemed to be sliding along the surface.</p>
+
+<p>But it was not a porpoise, for out of it there rose a thin, black
+shaft, scarcely higher than a flag-staff, and from the top of this
+thin shaft there trickled a faint wreathing line of smoke, just
+visible against the background of sky and sea.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a submarine! What is it doing there?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The exclamation, followed by the question, came from the second,
+perhaps the fairer, of two women of gracious and beautiful presence,
+who were pacing, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>arm linked in arm, along a marble terrace
+overlooking a famous northern strait.</p>
+
+<p>The terrace on which they stood formed part of a stately palace,
+built by a king of the North who loved to retire in the summer time
+from his bustling capital, and gather his family around him in this
+romantic home.</p>
+
+<p>From here, as from a watch-tower, could be seen the fleets of
+empires, the crowded shipping of many a rich port and the humbler
+craft of the fisherman, passing and repassing all day long between
+the great inland sea of the North and the broad western ocean.</p>
+
+<p>Along this narrow channel had once swept the long ships of the
+Vikings, setting forth on those terrible raids which devastated half
+Europe and planted colonies in England and France and far-off Italy.
+But to-day the scene was a scene of peace. The martial glory of the
+Dane had departed. The royal castle that stood there as if to guard
+the strait had become a rendezvous of emperors and queens and
+princes, who took advantage of its quiet precincts to lay aside the
+pomp of rule, and perhaps to bind closer those alliances of
+sovereigns which serve to temper the fierce rivalries of their
+peoples.</p>
+
+<p>The pair who stood gazing, one with curiosity and wonder, the other
+with an interest of a more painful character, at the sinister object
+on the horizon, were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>imperial sisters. Born in the tiny sea kingdom,
+they had lived to wear the crowns of the greatest two realms the
+world has ever seen, two empires which between them covered half the
+surface of our planet, and included one-third of its inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>But though sundered in interests they were not divided in affection.
+As they stood side by side, still linked together, it was evident
+that no common sympathy united them.</p>
+
+<p>The one who had been first to draw attention to the mysterious craft,
+and whose dress showed somber touches which spoke of widowhood,
+answered her sister&#8217;s question:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never see one of those vessels without a shudder. I have an
+instinct which warns me that they are destined to play a dangerous,
+perhaps a fatal, part in the future. What is that boat doing here, in
+Danish waters?&mdash;I do not know. But it can be here for no good. If a
+war ever broke out in which we were concerned, the Sound would be our
+first line of defense on the west. It would be mined, by us, perhaps;
+if not, by our enemy. Who can tell whether that submarine has not
+been sent out by some Power which is already plotting against peace,
+to explore the bed of the strait, with a view to laying down mines
+hereafter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The other Empress listened with a grave countenance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I hope your fears are not well founded. I can think of no Power that
+is ever likely to attack you. It is my nephew, or rather those who
+surround him, from whom the signal for war is likely to come, if it
+ever does come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The widowed Empress bowed her head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know what my hopes and wishes are,&#8221; she answered. &#8220;If my son
+listened to me there would be no fear of his departing from the
+peaceful ways of my dear husband. But there are secret influences
+always at work, as stealthy in their nature as that very craft&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The speaker paused as she glanced &#8217;round in search of the black
+streak and gray smoke-wreath which had attracted her notice a minute
+before. But she looked in vain.</p>
+
+<p>Like a phantom the submarine had disappeared, leaving no trace of its
+presence.</p>
+
+<p>The Empress uttered an ejaculation of dismay, which was echoed by her
+sister.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is it now? Where did it go? Has it sunk, or has it gone back
+to where it came from?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>To these questions there could be no answer. The smooth waters
+glistened in the sunlight as merrily as if no threatening craft was
+gliding beneath the surface on some errand fraught with danger to the
+world.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps they saw they were observed, and dived <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>under for
+concealment,&#8221; suggested the second Empress.</p>
+
+<p>Her sister sighed gently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was telling you that that submarine was a type of the secret
+dangers which beset us. I know, beyond all doubt, that there are men
+in the innermost circle of the Court, men who have my son&#8217;s ear, and
+can do almost what they like with him, who are at heart longing for a
+great war, and are always working underground to bring it about. And
+if they succeed, and we are taken unprepared by a stronger foe, there
+will be a revolution which may cost my son his throne, if not his
+life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a brief silence. Then the Empress who had listened to this
+declaration murmured in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Heaven grant that the war is not one between you and us!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Heaven grant it!&#8221; was the fervent reply. And then, after a moment&#8217;s
+reflection, the widowed Empress added in an eager voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we&mdash;cannot we do something to avert such a fearful calamity?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Her sister pressed her arm as though to assure her of sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, yes,&#8221; the other continued. &#8220;We can do much if we will. Though
+my son does not always take my advice, he has never yet refused to
+listen to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>me. And in moments of grave stress he sometimes consults
+me of his own accord. And I know that you, too, have influence. Your
+people worship you. Your <span style="white-space: nowrap;">husband&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>The Western Empress interrupted gently:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I cannot play the part that you play. I do not claim the right to be
+consulted, or to give direct advice. Do not ask me to step outside my
+sphere. I can give information; I can be a channel sometimes between
+your Court and ours, a channel which you can trust as I fear you
+cannot always trust your ministers and diplomatic agents. More than
+that I should not like to promise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that is very much,&#8221; was the grateful response. &#8220;That may be
+quite enough. Provided we can arrange a code by which I can always
+communicate with you safely and secretly, it may be possible to avert
+war at any time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you propose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is very simple. If any crisis comes about through no fault of my
+son&#8217;s&mdash;if the party who are conspiring to make a war arrange some
+unexpected <i>coup</i> which we could not foresee or prevent&mdash;and if I am
+sure that my son sincerely desires peace, I can send you a
+message&mdash;one word will be enough&mdash;which you can take as an assurance
+that we mean to put ourselves right with you, and to thwart the
+plotters.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Western Empress bowed her head.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I accept the mission. And the word&mdash;what shall it be?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The other glanced &#8217;round the horizon once more, and then, bending her
+lips to her imperial sister&#8217;s ear, whispered a single word.</p>
+
+<p>The two great women who had just exchanged a pledge for the peace of
+the world were moving slowly along the terrace again, when the
+Western sister said, thoughtfully,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I know another way to aid you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Eastern Empress halted, and gazed at her with eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know the difficulties that surround you,&#8221; her sister pursued, &#8220;and
+that the greatest of them all is having no one in your service whom
+you can entirely and absolutely trust.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is so,&#8221; was the mournful admission.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now I have heard of a man&mdash;I have never actually employed him
+myself, but I have heard of him from those who have, and they tell me
+he is incorruptible. In addition, he is a man who has never
+experienced the sensation of fear, and his abilities are so great
+that he has been called in to solve almost every problem of
+international politics that has arisen in recent years.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But this man&mdash;how can he be obtained?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At present he is retained in our secret service. I must not conceal
+from you that he is partly a Pole <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>by descent, and as such he has no
+love for your Empire. But if it were made clear to him that in
+serving you he was serving us, and defeating the designs of the
+anti-popular and despotic clique at your Court, I feel sure he would
+consent to place himself at your disposal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Eastern Empress listened intently to her sister&#8217;s words. At the
+close she said,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you. I will try this man, if you can prevail on him to come to
+me. What is his name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect you must have heard of him already, It is&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;?</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The second Empress nodded.</p>
+
+<p>No more was said.</p>
+
+<p>The two imperial figures passed away along the terrace, silhouetted
+against the red and stormy sunset sky, like two ministering spirits
+of peace brooding over a battleground of blood.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3>THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V&mdash;&mdash;</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he great monarch by whose gracious command I write this narrative
+has given me his permission to preface it with the following
+remarkable document:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>Minute</i>: It is considered that it cannot but promote the
+cause of peace and good understanding between the British
+and Russian Governments if Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash; be authorized to
+relate in the columns of some publication enjoying a wide
+circulation, the steps by which he was enabled to throw
+light on the occurrences in the North Sea.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><i>By the Cabinet.</i></p></div>
+
+<p>In addition, I desire to state for the benefit of those who profess
+to see some impropriety in the introduction of real names into a
+narrative of this kind, that objections precisely similar to theirs
+were long ago raised, and long ago disposed of, in the case of
+Parliamentary reports, newspaper articles, society papers, and comic
+publications of all kinds; and, further, that I have never received
+the slightest intimation that my literary methods were displeasing to
+the illustrious personages whom my narratives are intended to honor.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p><p>With this apology I may be permitted to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>On a certain day in the winter which preceded the outbreak of war
+between Russia and Japan, I received a summons to Buckingham Palace,
+London, to interview the Marquis of Bedale.</p>
+
+<p>I am unable to fix the precise date, as I have forsworn the dangerous
+practice of keeping a diary ever since the head of the French police
+convinced me that he had deciphered a code telegram of mine to the
+Emperor of Morocco.</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis and I were old friends, and, anticipating that I should
+find myself required to start immediately on some mission which might
+involve a long absence from my headquarters in Paris, I took my
+confidential secretary with me as far as the British capital,
+utilizing the time taken by the journey in instructing him how to
+deal with the various affairs I had in hand.</p>
+
+<p>I had just finished explaining to him the delicate character of the
+negotiation then pending between the new King of Servia and Prince
+Ferdinand of Bulgaria, when the train rolled into Charing Cross.</p>
+
+<p>Not wishing any one, however high in my confidence, to know too much
+of my movements, I ordered him to remain seated in the railway
+carriage, while I slipped out of the station and into the closed
+brougham for which I had telegraphed from Dover.</p>
+
+<p>I had said in the wire that I wished to be driven <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>to a hotel in
+Piccadilly. It was not till I found myself in Cockspur Street that I
+pulled the check-string, and ordered the coachman to take me to
+Buckingham Palace.</p>
+
+<p>I mention these details in order to show that my precautions to
+insure secrecy are always of the most thorough character, so that, in
+fact, it would be quite impossible for any one to unveil my
+proceedings unless I voluntarily opened my lips.</p>
+
+<p>The instructions which I received from Lord Bedale were brief and to
+the point:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are aware, of course, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;, that there is a
+possibility of war breaking out before long between Russia and
+Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is more than a possibility, I am afraid, my lord. Things have
+gone so far that I do not believe it is any longer possible to avert
+war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His lordship appeared gravely concerned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you tell me that it is too late for you to interfere with
+effect?&#8221; he demanded anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Even for me,&#8221; I replied with firmness.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Bedale threw at me a glance almost imploring in its entreaty.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you were to receive the most ample powers, the most liberal
+funds; if you were to be placed in direct communication with one of
+the most exalted personages in the Court of St Petersburg&mdash;would it
+still be impossible?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p><p>I shook my head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your lordship should have sent for me a fortnight ago. We have lost
+twelve days, that is to say, twelve battles.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis of Bedale looked more and more distressed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At least you can try?&#8221; he suggested.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can try. But I am not omnipotent, my lord,&#8221; I reminded him.</p>
+
+<p>He breathed a sigh of relief before going on to say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that is only the preliminary. Great Britain is bound to come to
+the assistance of Japan in certain contingencies.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In the event of her being attacked by a second Power,&#8221; I observed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Precisely. I rely on you to prevent that contingency arising.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is a much easier matter, I confess.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you undertake to keep the war from extending to us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I undertake to keep a second Power from attacking Japan,&#8221; I answered
+cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Bedale was quick to perceive my reservation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But in that case we cannot be involved, surely?&#8221; he objected.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I cannot undertake to keep you from attacking Russia,&#8221; I explained
+grimly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;But we should not dream of attacking her&mdash;without provocation,&#8221; he
+returned, bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fancy you will have a good deal of provocation,&#8221; I retorted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why? What makes you think that?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>I suspected that Lord Bedale was either sounding me, or else that he
+had not been taken into the full confidence of those for whom he was
+acting.</p>
+
+<p>I responded evasively:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There are two personages in Europe, neither of whom will leave one
+stone unturned in the effort to involve you in war with Russia.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And they are?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Even as he put the question, Lord Bedale, as though acting
+unconsciously, raised one hand to his mustache, and gave it a
+pronounced upward twirl.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see your lordship knows one of them,&#8221; I remarked. &#8220;The other&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He bent forward eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes? The other?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The other is a woman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A woman?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He fell back in his chair in sheer surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The other,&#8221; I repeated in my most serious tone, &#8220;is a woman, perhaps
+the most formidable woman now living, not even excepting the Dowager
+Empress of China.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And her name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Her name would tell you nothing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Still&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you really wish to hear it&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I more than wish. I urge you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Her name is the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the name of this dangerous and desperate woman passed my
+lips than I regretted having uttered it.</p>
+
+<p>Had I foreseen the perils to which I exposed myself by that single
+slip I might have hesitated in going on with my enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>As it was I determined to tell the Marquis of Bedale nothing more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This business is too urgent to admit of a moment&#8217;s unnecessary
+delay,&#8221; I declared, rising to my feet. &#8220;If your lordship has no
+further instructions to give me, I will leave you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One instant!&#8221; cried Lord Bedale. &#8220;On arriving in Petersburg you will
+go straight to report yourself to her majesty the Empress Dagmar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed my head to conceal the expression which might have told his
+lordship that I intended to do nothing of the kind.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your credentials,&#8221; he added with a touch of theatricality, &#8220;will
+consist of a single word.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And that word?&#8221; I inquired.</p>
+
+<p>He handed me a sealed envelope.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I do not myself know it. It is written on a piece of paper inside
+that envelope, and I have to ask you to open the envelope, read the
+word, and then destroy the paper in my presence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders as I proceeded to break the seal. But no
+sooner did my eyes fall on the word within, and above all on the
+handwriting in which that word was written, than I experienced a
+sensation of admiring pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell the writer, if you please, my lord, that I am grateful for this
+mark of confidence, which I shall endeavor to deserve.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I rolled up the paper into a tiny pellet, swallowed it, and left the
+room and the Palace without uttering another word.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3>THE PRINCESS Y&mdash;&mdash;&#8217;S HINT</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; never use the same stratagem more than once. It is to this rule
+that I attribute my success.</p>
+
+<p>On previous missions to Russia I assumed the disguises of a French
+banker, of the private secretary to Prince Napoleon, of an emissary
+from an Indian Maharaja, and of an Abyssinian Maduga.</p>
+
+<p>I now decided to go thither as an Englishman, or rather&mdash;for there is
+a distinction between the two&mdash;as a Little Englander.</p>
+
+<p>It appeared to me that no character could be more calculated to gain
+me the confidence of the Anglophobes of the Russian Court. I
+anticipated that they would smother me with attentions, and that from
+their hypocritical professions I should stand a good chance of
+learning what was actually in their minds.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had I taken this decision, which was while the brougham was
+being driven along the Mall, than I gave the order &#8220;&mdash;&mdash; House.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p><p>I was driven to the office of a well known review conducted by a
+journalist of boundless philanthropy and credulity. Mr. Place&mdash;as I
+will call him&mdash;was within, and I at once came to business.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am a Peace Crusader,&#8221; I announced. &#8220;I have devoted myself to the
+sacred cause of which you are the foremost champion. At present war
+is threatened in the Far East. I am going to Russia to persuade the
+war party to abandon their designs. I have come here to ask you for
+your aid and countenance in this pious enterprise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The editor gave me a doubtful glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it is a question of financial aid,&#8221; he said not very
+encouragingly, &#8220;I must refer you to the treasurer of the World&#8217;s
+Peace League. I am afraid our friends&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no,&#8221; I interrupted him. &#8220;It is not a question of funds. I am a
+wealthy man, and if you need a subscription at any time you have only
+to apply to me. What I desire is your moral support, your valuable
+advice, and perhaps a few introductions to the friends of peace in
+the Russian capital.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The editor&#8217;s face brightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course!&#8221; he exclaimed in cordial tones. &#8220;I will support you with
+all my heart. I will write up your mission in the <i>Review</i>, and I
+will give you as many introductions as you need. What is your name,
+again?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Sterling. Mr. Melchisadek Sterling.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The philanthropist nodded and touched a bell on his table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will give you a letter,&#8221; he said, as his secretary came in and
+seated herself at the typewriter, &#8220;to the noblest creature I have
+ever met, a woman of high birth and immense fortune who has devoted
+herself to the cause.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And turning &#8217;round in his chair he dictated to the attentive
+secretary:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>My dear Princess Y</i>&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It needed all that command over my features which it has taken me
+twenty years to acquire to conceal the emotion with which I heard
+this name. Less than half an hour had passed since I had warned Lord
+Bedale that the Princess would be the most formidable enemy in my
+path, and now, on the very threshold of my enterprise, her name
+confronted me like an omen.</p>
+
+<p>I need not repeat the highly colored phrases in which the
+unsuspecting philanthropist commended me to this artful and
+formidable woman as a fellow-worker in the holy cause of human
+brotherhood.</p>
+
+<p>Not content with this service, the editor wanted to arrange a meeting
+of his league or brotherhood, or whatever it was, to give me a public
+send-off. As I understood that the meeting would partake of a
+religious character I could not bring myself to accept the offer.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p><p>In addition to the letter to the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, he gave me another
+to a member of the staff of the Russian Embassy in London, a M.
+Gudonov. He also urged me to call upon a member of Parliament, a
+rising politician who is not unlikely to have a ministerial post in
+the next government, and who has made himself known as an apologist
+of the Czar&#8217;s. But as I had good reason to know that this gentleman
+was by no means a disinterested dupe, like Mr. Place, I prudently
+left him alone.</p>
+
+<p>On going to the Russian Embassy to have my passport vis&eacute;d I inquired
+for M. Gudonov.</p>
+
+<p>The moment he entered the room I recognized him as one of the most
+unscrupulous agents of the notorious Third Section, one of the gang
+who drugged and kidnapped poor Alexander of Bulgaria. My own
+disguise, it is hardly necessary to say, was impenetrable.</p>
+
+<p>This precious apostle of peace greeted me with unction, on the
+editor&#8217;s introduction.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are going to our country on a truly noble errand,&#8221; he declared,
+with tears in his eyes. &#8220;We Russians have reason to feel grateful to
+worthy Englishmen like you, who can rise above national prejudices
+and do justice to the benevolent designs of the Czar and his
+advisers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope that I may be instrumental in averting a great catastrophe,&#8221;
+I said piously.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Even if you fail in preventing war,&#8221; the Russian replied, &#8220;you will
+be able to tell your countrymen when you return, that it was due to
+the insane ambition of the heathen Japanese. It is the &#8216;Yellow
+Peril,&#8217; my friend, to which that good Emperor William has drawn
+attention, from which we are trying to save Europe.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I nodded my head as if well satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whatever you and your friends in Petersburg tell me, I shall
+believe,&#8221; I assured him. &#8220;I am convinced of the good intention of
+your Government.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian fairly grinned at this simplicity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You cannot find a more trustworthy informant than the Princess
+Y&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; he said gravely. &#8220;And just now she is in a position to know a
+very great deal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How so?&#8221; I asked naturally&mdash;not that I doubted the statement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess has just been appointed a lady-in-waiting to her
+imperial majesty the Dowager Empress Dagmar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was a serious blow. Knowing what I did of the past of Princess
+Y&mdash;&mdash;, I felt that no ordinary pressure must have been brought to
+bear to secure her admission into the household of the Czaritza. And
+with what motive? It was a question to which there could be only one
+answer. The War Party had guessed or suspected that the Czar&#8217;s mother
+was opposed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> to them, and they had resolved to place a spy on her
+actions.</p>
+
+<p>Inwardly thankful to Mr. Place for having been the means of procuring
+me this important information in advance, I received my passport and
+quitted the Embassy with the heartfelt congratulations of the
+ex-kidnapper.</p>
+
+<p>Forty-eight hours later I had crossed the Russian frontier, and my
+life was in the hands of the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>My first step on arriving in the capital of the North was to put up
+at the favorite hotel of English visitors. The coupons of a
+celebrated tourist agency were credentials in themselves, and I had
+not forgotten to provide myself with the three articles indispensable
+to the outfit of every traveling Briton&mdash;a guide book, a prayer book,
+and a bath sponge.</p>
+
+<p>At the risk of incurring the suspicions of the police agent stationed
+in the hotel, I mingled some hot water in the bath which I took on
+the first morning after my arrival. Then, having made my toilet and
+eaten the heavy breakfast provided for English visitors, I set out,
+suffering sadly from indigestion, to present my letter of
+introduction to the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>As this woman, the most brilliant recruit ever received into the
+Russian secret service, and a foe of whom I am not ashamed to confess
+that I felt some fear, has never been heard of by the public of Great
+Britain, I shall say a word concerning her.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p><p>The Princess, whose Christian name was Sophia, was the daughter of a
+boyar of Little Russia. Her extraordinary beauty, while she was still
+a very young girl, attracted the attention of the governor of the
+province, Prince Y&mdash;&mdash;, who was one of the wealthiest nobles in the
+Empire, and a widower. He made proposals for her hand which were
+accepted by her father, without the girl herself being asked to
+express an opinion in the matter, and at the age when an English girl
+would be leaving home for a convent or &#8220;high-school,&#8221; Sophia became
+the Governor&#8217;s wife.</p>
+
+<p>Almost immediately the Prince resigned his government and went to
+live in his splendid palace on the Nevsky Prospect, in Petersburg.
+Before very long, society in the Russian capital was startled to hear
+of the sudden deaths in rapid succession of both the Prince&#8217;s
+children by his former wife, a son and a daughter. Then, after a
+brief interval, followed the tragic death of the Prince himself, who
+was found in bed one morning by his valet, with his throat cut.</p>
+
+<p>The almost satanic beauty and fascination of the youthful Princess
+had made her from the very first one of the most conspicuous
+personages at the Imperial Court. These three deaths, following on
+the heels of one another, roused the most dreadful suspicions, and
+the Czar Alexander III. personally <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>charged his minister of justice
+to see that the law was carried out.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly the police took possession of the palace while the corpse
+of its late owner still lay where it had been found. The most
+searching investigations were made, the servants were questioned and
+threatened, and it was rumored that the widow herself was for a short
+time under arrest.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a great change took place. The police withdrew, professing
+themselves satisfied that no crime had been committed. The deaths of
+the son and daughter were put down to natural causes, and that of the
+Prince was pronounced a suicide, due to grief at the loss of his
+children. Some of the servants disappeared&mdash;it was said into
+Siberia&mdash;and in due course the Princess resumed her place in society
+and at Court, as though nothing were amiss.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, from that hour, as I have every reason to know, her
+life was really that of a slave to the head of the secret police. She
+appeared to go about unfettered, and to revel in the enjoyment of
+every luxury; but her time, her actions, and the vast wealth
+bequeathed to her by her husband, were all at the disposal of her
+tyrant.</p>
+
+<p>Time after time, in half the capitals of Europe, but more especially,
+of course, in that of Russia, I had come on traces of this terrible
+woman, not less terrible <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>if it were true that she was herself the
+most miserable victim of the system of which she formed part.</p>
+
+<p>But singularly enough, though I had heard so much of the Princess I
+had never actually found myself pitted against her. And, more
+singularly still, I had never met her.</p>
+
+<p>From this it will be gathered that I experienced a sensation of more
+than ordinary curiosity and even apprehension as I presented myself
+at the house in the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to be admitted to the
+presence of its mistress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Her highness is on duty at the Palace to-day,&#8221; I was told by the
+chamberlain who received me in the inner hall. &#8220;Her carriage is just
+ordered to take her there. However, I will take up your letter, and
+inquire when her highness can see you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I sat down in the hall, outwardly a calm, stolid Briton, but inwardly
+a wrestler, wound up to the highest pitch of excitement and impatient
+for the sight of his antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>To pass the time suitably, I took my guide-book out of my pocket and
+began to read. The book opened at Herr Baedaker&#8217;s description of the
+gloomy fortress of the Schl&uuml;sselburg, the dreaded prison of the foes
+of the Czar.</p>
+
+<p>The description did not tend to soothe my nerves, conscious as I was
+that the woman I was about to meet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>could consign me to the most
+noisome dungeon in the fortress by merely lifting her little finger.</p>
+
+<p>I was just closing the book with an involuntary shudder when I heard
+a light, almost girlish, laugh from above. I looked hastily, and saw
+the woman I had come to measure myself against standing poised like a
+bird on the top of the grand staircase.</p>
+
+<p>As I rose hurriedly to my feet, taking in every detail of her superb
+yet delicate figure, her complexion like a blush-rose, her lustrous
+eyes&mdash;they were dark violet on a closer view&mdash;and the cloud of
+rippling gold that framed her brow, I was moved, yes, positively
+carried away for a moment, by a sentiment such as few women have been
+able to inspire in me.</p>
+
+<p>Perceiving, no doubt, that she had produced the desired impression,
+the Princess ran lightly down the stairs and came toward me holding
+out two tiny hands, the fingers of which were literally gloved in
+diamonds.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My friend! My noble Englishman!&#8221; she exclaimed in the purest French.
+&#8220;And since when have you known that dear Monsieur Place?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I checked myself on the point of replying, pretended to falter, and
+then muttered in the worst French I could devise on the spur of the
+moment:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Parlez-vous Anglais, s&#8217;il vous pla&icirc;t, Madame?</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess shook her head reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You speak French too well not to understand it, I suspect,&#8221; she
+retorted in the same language. Then dropping it for English, marred
+only by a slight Slavonic accent, she repeated:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But tell me,&mdash;dear Mr. Place, he is a great friend of yours, I
+suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can hardly claim the honor of his personal friendship,&#8221; I replied,
+rather lamely. &#8220;But I have always known and admired him as a public
+man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! He is so good, is he not? So generous, so confiding, so great a
+friend of our dear Russia. You know Mr. &mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The name she uttered was that of the politician referred to above.
+She slipped it out swiftly, with the action of a cat pouncing.</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head with an air of distress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid I am not important enough to know such a great man as
+that,&#8221; I said with affected humility.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess hastened to relieve my embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is that to us!&#8221; she exclaimed. &#8220;You are an Englishman, you are
+benevolent, upright, truthful, and you esteem our country. Such men
+are always welcome in Russia. The Czaritza is waiting for me; but you
+will come back and dine with me, if not to-night, then to-morrow, or
+the next day. I will send an invitation to your hotel. My friends
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>shall call on you. You are staying at the&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I mentioned the name of the hotel, murmuring my thanks.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is nothing,&#8221; the beautiful woman went on in the same eager
+strain. &#8220;I shall have good news for you when we meet again, believe
+me. Yes&mdash;&#8221; she lowered her voice almost to a whisper&mdash;&#8220;our dear Czar
+is going to take the negotiations into his own hands. So it is said.
+His majesty is determined to preserve peace. The odious intrigues of
+the War group will be defeated, I can assure you. You will not be
+disappointed, my dear Mr.&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; she snatched the editor&#8217;s letter from
+her muff and glanced at it&mdash;&#8220;Mr. Sterling, if I tell you that you are
+going to have your journey for nothing. You will have a good time in
+Petersburg, all the same. But believe me when I tell you so, your
+journey will fortunately be for nothing!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And with the repetition of these words, and another bright bow and
+look which dazzled my senses, the wonderful creature swept past me to
+where the chamberlain stood ready to hand her into her carriage.</p>
+
+<p>For nothing?</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcn.jpg" title="N" height="70" width="72" alt="N" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">N</span>o reader can have failed to notice one remarkable point in the
+interview between the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; and myself. I refer of course to
+her invitation to me to dine with her in the course of a day or two.</p>
+
+<p>Unless the etiquette of the Russian Court differed greatly from that
+of most others in Europe, it would be most indecorous for a
+lady-in-waiting, during her turn of service, to give entertainments
+at her private house.</p>
+
+<p>I felt certain that this invitation concealed some trap, but I
+puzzled myself uselessly in trying to guess what it could be.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime I did not neglect certain other friends of mine in
+the city on the Neva, from whom I had some hope of receiving
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>Although I have never gone so far as to enroll myself as an active
+Nihilist, I am what is known as an Auxiliary. In other words, without
+being under <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>the orders of the great secret committee which wages
+underground war with the Russian Government, I have sometimes
+rendered it voluntary services, and I have at all times the privilege
+of communicating with it, and exchanging information.</p>
+
+<p>While waiting for the next move on the part of the Princess,
+therefore, I decided to get in touch with the revolutionists.</p>
+
+<p>I made my way on foot to a certain tavern situated near the port, and
+chiefly patronized by German and Scandinavian sailors.</p>
+
+<p>The host of the Angel Gabriel, as the house was called, was a
+Nihilist of old standing, and one of their most useful agents for
+introducing forbidden literature into the empire.</p>
+
+<p>Printed mostly in London, in a suburb called Walworth, the
+revolutionary tracts are shipped to Bergen or Lubeck, and brought
+thence by these sailors concealed in their bedding. At night, after
+the customs officers have departed, a boat with a false keel puts off
+from a quay higher up the Neva, and passes down the river to where
+the newly arrived ship is lying; the packages are dropped overboard
+as it drifts past the side and hidden under the bottom boards; and
+then the boat returns up the river, where its cargo is transferred to
+the cellars of the tavern.</p>
+
+<p>The host, a namesake of the Viceroy of Manchuria, was serving in the
+bar when I came in. I called <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>for a glass of vodka, and in doing so
+made the sign announcing myself as an Auxiliary.</p>
+
+<p>Alexieff said nothing in reply, but the sailors lounging in the bar
+began to finish off their drinks and saunter out one by one, till in
+a short time the place was empty.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221; said the tavern-keeper, as soon as we were alone.</p>
+
+<p>It was not my first visit to the Angel Gabriel, and I lost no time in
+convincing Alexieff of my identity. As soon as he recognized me, I
+said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The expression of rage and fear which convulsed his features was a
+sufficient answer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know, moreover, that she is at present working her hardest to
+bring about a war between Russia and Japan, with the hope of
+ultimately involving Great Britain?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He nodded sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How does that affect your friends?&#8221; I asked cautiously. Something in
+the man&#8217;s face warned me not to show my own hand just then.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We hate her, of course,&#8221; he said grudgingly, &#8220;but just now we have
+received orders that she is not to be interfered with.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew a deep breath.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you regard this war&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We regard it as the beginning of the revolution,&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>he answered. &#8220;We
+know that the Empire is utterly unprepared. The Viceroy Alexieff is a
+vain boaster. Port Arthur is not provisioned. The Navy is rotten. The
+Army cannot be recruited except by force. The taxes are already
+excessive and cannot be increased. In short, we look forward to see
+the autocracy humiliated. The moment its prestige is gone, and the
+moujik feels the pinch of famine, our chance will come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw that I had come to the wrong quarter for assistance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you will do nothing against this woman at present?&#8221; I remarked,
+anxious to leave the impression that she was the only object of my
+concern.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. At least not until war is definitely declared. After that I
+cannot say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you think the war sure to come?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are certain of it. One of our most trusted members is on the
+board of the Manchurian Syndicate.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Syndicate which has obtained the concessions in Korea?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Against which Japan has protested, yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I felt the full force of this announcement, having watched the
+proceedings of the Syndicate for some months for reasons of my own.</p>
+
+<p>Every student of modern history has remarked the fact that all recent
+wars have been promoted by great <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>combinations of capitalists. The
+causes which formerly led to war between nation and nation have
+ceased to operate. Causes, or at least pretexts, for war continue to
+occur, but whether they are followed up depends mainly on commercial
+considerations. A distant Government is oppressing its subjects, it
+may be in Turkey, it may be in Cuba, it may be in Africa. No matter,
+some great Power suddenly discovers it is interested; the drums are
+beaten, the flag is unfurled, and armies are launched on their path.
+The next year, perhaps, the same Power sees its own subjects
+massacred wantonly off its own coasts by a foreign fleet. Nothing
+happens; a few speeches are made, and the whole incident is referred
+to arbitration, and forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>It is the consideration of money which decides between peace and war.</p>
+
+<p>Perceiving it was useless to ask any assistance of the Nihilists in
+my forlorn enterprise, I returned sadly to my hotel.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had I finished the immense lunch on which I was compelled to
+gorge myself, when a waiter brought me a card, the name on which gave
+me an electric shock.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>M. Petrovitch.</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Every one has heard of this man, the promoter of the Manchurian
+Syndicate, and, if report spoke truly, the possessor of an influence
+over the young Czar <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>which could be attributed only to some occult
+art.</p>
+
+<p>I could not doubt that this powerful personage had been instigated to
+call on me by the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;.</p>
+
+<p>What then? Was it likely that she would have sent the most
+influential man in the imperial circle to wait upon a traveling
+fanatic, a visionary humanitarian from Exeter Hall?</p>
+
+<p>Impossible! Somehow something must have leaked out to rouse the
+suspicions of this astute plotter, and make her guess that I was not
+what I seemed.</p>
+
+<p>It was with the sensations of a man struggling in the meshes of an
+invisible net that I saw M. Petrovitch enter the room.</p>
+
+<p>The celebrated wire-puller, whose name was familiar to every
+statesman and stock-broker in Europe, had an appearance very unlike
+his reputation.</p>
+
+<p>He was the court dandy personified. Every detail of his dress was
+elaborated to the point of effeminacy. His hands were like a girl&#8217;s,
+his long hair was curled and scented, he walked with a limp and spoke
+with a lisp, removing a gold-tipped cigarette from his well-displayed
+teeth.</p>
+
+<p>As the smoke of the cigarette drifted toward me, I was conscious of
+an acute, but imperfect, twinge of memory. The sense of smell, though
+the most neglected, is the most reliable sense with which we are
+furnished. I could not be mistaken in thinking I had smelt tobacco
+like that before.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I have come to see you without losing a moment, Mr. Sterling,&#8221; he
+said in very good English. &#8220;My good friend Madame Y&mdash;&mdash; sent me a
+note from the Palace to beg me to show you every attention. It is too
+bad that an ambassador of peace&mdash;a friend of that great and good man,
+Place, should be staying in a hotel, while hundreds of Russians would
+be delighted to welcome him as their guest. My house is a poor one,
+it is true, and I am hardly of high enough rank, still&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The intriguer was asking me to transfer myself to his roof, to become
+his prisoner, in effect.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I cannot thank you enough,&#8221; I responded, &#8220;but I am not going to
+stay. The Princess has convinced me that the war-cloud will blow
+over, and I think of going on to Constantinople to intercede with the
+Sultan on behalf of the Armenians.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A noble idea,&#8221; M. Petrovitch responded warmly. &#8220;What would the world
+do without such men as you? But at all events you will dine with me
+before you go?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was the second invitation to dinner I had received that day. But,
+after all, I could hardly suspect a trap in everything.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you share the hopes of the Princess?&#8221; I asked M. Petrovitch,
+after thanking him for his hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>The syndicate-monger nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have been working night and day for peace,&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>he declared
+impudently, &#8220;and I think I may claim that I have done some good. The
+Japanese are seeking for an excuse to attack us, but they will not
+get it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Manchurian Syndicate?&#8221; I ventured to hint, rising to go to the
+bell.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Syndicate is wholly in favor of peace,&#8221; he assured me, watching
+my movement with evident curiosity. &#8220;We require it, in fact, to
+develop our mines, our timber concessions, our&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A waiter entered in response to my ring.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bring me some cigarettes&mdash;your best,&#8221; I ordered him.</p>
+
+<p>As the man retreated it was borne in on my guest that he had been
+guilty of smoking in my room without offering me his case.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A thousand pardons!&#8221; he exclaimed. &#8220;Won&#8217;t you try one of mine?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I took a cigarette from the case he held out, turned it between my
+fingers, and lit it from the end farthest from the maker&#8217;s imprint.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I am satisfied that all danger is removed I should be inclined to
+apply for some shares in your undertaking,&#8221; I said, giving the
+promoter a meaning look.</p>
+
+<p>From the expression in his eyes it was evident that this precious
+scoundrel was ready to sell Czar, Russia and fellow-promoters all
+together.</p>
+
+<p>While he was struggling between his natural greed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>and his suspicion
+the waiter reentered with some boxes of cigarettes.</p>
+
+<p>I smelt the tobacco of each and made my choice, at the same time
+pitching the half-smoked cigarette given to me by M. Petrovitch into
+the fireplace, among the ashes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your tobacco is a little too strong for me,&#8221; I remarked by way of
+excuse.</p>
+
+<p>But the Russian was wrapped up in the thought of the bribe at which I
+had just hinted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall bear in mind what you say,&#8221; he declared, as he rose.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Depend upon it, if it is possible for me to meet your wishes, I
+shall be happy to do so.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw him go off, like a fish with the bait in its mouth. Directly
+the door closed behind him I sprang to the fireplace, rescued the
+still burning cigarette and quenched it, and then, carefully brushing
+away the dust, read the maker&#8217;s brand once more.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later simultaneous messages were speeding over the wires to
+my correspondents in London, Amsterdam and Hamburg:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Ascertain what becomes of all cigarettes made by
+Gregorides; brand, Crown Aa.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CZAR&#8217;S AUTOGRAPH</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he next morning at breakfast I found the two invitations already
+promised. That of the head of the Manchurian Syndicate was for the
+same night.</p>
+
+<p>Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason for
+this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the Marquis
+of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager Empress in
+person.</p>
+
+<p>Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty, I
+drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
+livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
+by an equerry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give to
+her majesty in person,&#8221; I told him. &#8220;Be good enough to let her know
+that the messenger from the Queen of England has arrived.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He went out of the room, and at the end of ten minutes the door
+opened again and admitted&mdash;the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;!</span></p>
+
+<p>Overpowered by this unlucky accident, as I at first <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>supposed it to
+be, I rose to my feet, muttering some vague phrase of courtesy.</p>
+
+<p>But the Princess soon showed me that the meeting did not take her by
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you have a message for my dear mistress?&#8221; she cried in an accent
+of gay reproach. &#8220;And you never breathed a word of it to me. Mr.
+Sterling, I shall begin to think you are a conspirator. <i>How</i> long
+did you say you had known that good Mr. Place? But I am talking while
+her majesty is waiting. Have you any password by which the Czaritza
+will know whom you come from?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can tell that only to her majesty, I am afraid,&#8221; I answered
+guardedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am in her majesty&#8217;s confidence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And bringing her exquisite face so near to mine that I was oppressed
+by the scent of the tuberoses in her bosom, she whispered three
+syllables in my ear.</p>
+
+<p>Dismayed by this proof of the fatal progress the dangerous police
+agent had already made, I could only admit by a silent bow that the
+password was correct.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then come with me, Mr. Sterling,&#8221; the Princess said with what
+sounded like a malicious accent on the name.</p>
+
+<p>The reception which I met from the Dowager Empress was gracious in
+the extreme. I need not recount all that passed. Her imperial majesty
+repeated <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>with evident sincerity the assurances which had already
+been given me in a different spirit by the two arch-intriguers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There will be no war. The Czar has personally intervened. He has
+taken the negotiations out of the hands of Count Lamsdorff, and
+written an autograph letter to the Mikado which will put an end to
+the crisis.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I listened with a distrust which I could not wholly conceal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I trust his majesty has not intervened too late,&#8221; I said
+respectfully, my mind bent on framing some excuse to get rid of the
+listener. &#8220;According to the newspapers the patience of the Japanese
+is nearly exhausted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No more time will be lost,&#8221; the Czaritza responded. &#8220;The messenger
+leaves Petersburg to-night with the Czar&#8217;s letter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I stole a cautious glance in the direction of the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;. She
+was breathing deeply, her eyes fixed on the Czaritza&#8217;s lips, and her
+hands tightly clenched.</p>
+
+<p>I put on an air of great relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case, your majesty, I have no more to do in Petersburg. I
+will wire the good news to Lord Bedale, and return to England
+to-morrow or the next day. I beg your pardon, Princess!&#8221; I pretended
+to exclaim by a sudden afterthought, &#8220;<i>after</i> the next <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>day.&#8221; And
+turning once more to the mother of the Czar, I explained:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess has honored me with an invitation to dinner.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dowager Empress glanced at her attendant in evident surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must implore your pardon, Madam,&#8221; the Princess stammered, in real
+confusion. &#8220;I am aware I ought to have solicited your leave in the
+first place, but knowing that this gentleman came from&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She broke off, fairly unable to meet the questioning gaze of her
+imperial mistress.</p>
+
+<p>I pretended to come to her relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have a private message,&#8221; I said to the Empress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You may leave us, Princess,&#8221; the Empress said coldly.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the door had closed on her, I gave a warning look at the
+Czaritza.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That woman, Madam, is the most dangerous agent in the secret service
+of your Empire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I trusted to the little scene I had just contrived to prepare the
+mind of the Czaritza for this intimation. But she received it as a
+matter of course.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sophia Y&mdash;&mdash; has been all that you say, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;. I am well
+acquainted with her history. The poor thing has been a victim of the
+most fiendish cruelty on the part of the Minister of Police, for
+years. At last, unable to bear her position <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>any longer, she appealed
+to me. She told me her harrowing story, and implored me to receive
+her, and secure her admission to a convent. I investigated the case
+thoroughly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty will pardon me, I am sure, if I say that as a man with
+some experience of intrigue, I thoroughly distrust that woman&#8217;s
+sincerity. She is intimate with M. Petrovitch, to my knowledge.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But M. Petrovitch is also on the side of peace, so I am assured.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I began to despair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will believe me, or disbelieve me as your majesty pleases. But I
+am accustomed to work for those who honor me with their entire
+confidence. If the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; is to be taken into the secret of
+my work on your majesty&#8217;s behalf, I must respectfully ask to be
+released.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As I offered her majesty this alternative in a firm voice, I was
+inwardly trembling. On the reply hung, perhaps, the fate of two
+continents.</p>
+
+<p>But the Dowager Empress did not hesitate.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you stipulate for shall be done, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;. I am too well
+aware of the value of your services, and the claims you have on the
+confidence of your employers, to dispute your conditions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The messenger who is starting to-night&mdash;does the Princess know who
+he is?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I believe so. It is no secret. The messenger is Colonel Menken.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case he will never reach Tokio.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Her majesty could not suppress a look of horror.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you advise?&#8221; she demanded tremulously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His majesty the Czar must at once write a duplicate of the despatch,
+unknown to any living soul but your majesty, and that despatch must
+be placed by you in my hands.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Dowager Empress gazed at me for a moment in consternation.</p>
+
+<p>But the soundness of the plan I had proposed quickly made itself
+manifest to her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; her majesty said approvingly. &#8220;I
+will communicate with the Czar without delay. By what time do you
+want the despatch?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In time to catch the Siberian express to-night, if your majesty
+pleases. I purpose to travel by the same train as Colonel Menken&mdash;it
+is possible I may be able to avert a tragedy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And since your majesty has told me that the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; is aware
+of the Colonel&#8217;s errand, let me venture to urge you most strongly not
+to let her out of your sight on any pretense until he is safely on
+his way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I need not go into the details of the further arrangements<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> made with
+a view to my receiving the duplicate despatch in secrecy.</p>
+
+<p>I came away from the Palace fully realizing the serious nature of my
+undertaking. I understood now all that had worried me in the
+proceedings of the Princess. It was clear to me that Lord Bedale, or
+the personage on whose behalf he instructed me, had wired to the
+Dowager Empress, notifying her majesty of my coming, and that she had
+shown the message to her lady-in-waiting.</p>
+
+<p>Blaming myself bitterly for not having impressed the necessity for
+caution on the Marquis, I at once set about providing myself with a
+more effectual disguise.</p>
+
+<p>It is a proverb on the lips of every moujik in Petersburg that all
+Russia obeys the Czar, and the Czar obeys the Tchin. Ever since the
+bureaucracy deliberately allowed Alexander II. to be assassinated by
+the Nihilists out of anger at his reforming tendencies, the Russian
+monarchs have felt more real dread of their own police than of the
+revolutionists. The <i>Tchin</i>, the universally-pervading body of
+officials, who run the autocracy to fill their pockets, and indulge
+their vile propensities at the expense of the governed, is as
+omnipotent as it is corrupt. Everywhere in that vast Empire the word
+of the Tchinovink is law&mdash;and there is no other law except his word.</p>
+
+<p>Taking the bull by the horns, I went straight to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>the Central Police
+Bureau of the capital, and asked to see a certain superintendent
+named Rostoy.</p>
+
+<p>To this man, with whom I had had some dealings on a previous
+occasion, and whose character was well understood by me, I explained
+that I had accepted a mission from a friendly Power to travel along
+the Siberian Railway and report on its capacity to keep the Army of
+Manchuria supplied with food and ammunition in the event of war.</p>
+
+<p>He expressed no surprise when I told him it was essential that I
+should leave Petersburg that night, and accordingly it did not take
+us long to come to terms.</p>
+
+<p>The service which I required of him was, of course, a fresh passport,
+with a complete disguise which would enable me to pass anywhere along
+the railway or in Manchuria without being detected or interfered with
+by the agents of the Government.</p>
+
+<p>After some discussion we decided that the safest plan would be for me
+to travel in the character of a Russian police officer charged with
+the detection of the train thieves and card-sharpers who abound on
+every great route of travel. I could think of no part which would
+serve better to enable me to watch over the safety of the Czar&#8217;s
+envoy without exciting suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>I placed in Rostoy&#8217;s hands the first instalment of a heavy bribe, and
+arranged to return an hour before <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>the departure of the Moscow
+express to carry out my transformation.</p>
+
+<p>It was only as I left his office that I remembered my unlucky
+engagement to dine that very night with the head of the Manchurian
+Syndicate.</p>
+
+<p>I perceived that these hospitalities were well devised checks on my
+movements, and it was with something of a shock that I realized that
+when I went to dinner that evening with the most active promoter of
+the war I should be carrying the Czar&#8217;s peace despatch in my pocket!</p>
+
+<p>If the enemies of peace had foreseen every step that I was to take in
+the discharge of my mission, their measures could not have been more
+skilfully arranged.</p>
+
+<p>And as this reflection occurred to me I turned my head nervously, and
+remarked a man dressed like a hotel porter lounging carelessly in my
+track.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3>A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcr.jpg" title="R" height="70" width="72" alt="R" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">R</span>eaders of that prince of romancers, Poe, will recollect a celebrated
+story in which he describes the device employed by a man of uncommon
+shrewdness to conceal a stolen letter from the perquisitions of the
+police, and the elaborate argument by which the writer proves that
+the highest art of concealment is to thrust the object to be hidden
+under the very nose of the searcher.</p>
+
+<p>But that argument is one of the many mystifications in which the
+weird genius of Poe delighted. It is easy to see, in short, that the
+theory was invented to suit the story, and not the story to suit the
+theory. I now had before me the practical problem of concealing a
+document of surpassing importance, from enemies who were already on
+my scent, and keeping it concealed during a journey of some thousands
+of miles.</p>
+
+<p>The ordinary hiding-places of valuable papers, such as the lining of
+clothes, or a false bottom to a trunk, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>I dismissed without serious
+consideration. My luggage would probably be stolen, and I might be
+drugged long before I reached Dalny.</p>
+
+<p>The problem was all the more difficult for me because I have
+generally made it a rule to avoid charging myself with written
+instructions. I am sufficiently well known by reputation to most
+European sovereigns to be able to dispense with ordinary credentials.
+But in approaching the Mikado of Japan, a ruler to whom I was
+personally unknown, it was clearly necessary for me to have something
+in writing from the Russian Emperor.</p>
+
+<p>All at once an idea flashed on my mind, so simple, and yet so
+incapable of detection (as it seemed to me), that I almost smiled in
+the face of the man who was dogging my steps along the street, no
+doubt under instructions from the War Syndicate.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon I was closeted with the Emperor of All the Russias in
+his private cabinet for nearly an hour.</p>
+
+<p>It is not my habit to repeat details of private conversations, when
+they are not required to illustrate the progress of public events,
+and therefore I will say merely that the Czar was evidently in
+earnest in his desire to avoid war, but greatly hampered and
+bewildered by the difficult representations made to him by, or on
+behalf of, those to whose interests war was essential.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p><p>It was melancholy to see the destinies of half Europe and Asia, and
+the lives of scores of thousands of brave men, hanging on the will of
+an irresolute young man, depressed by the consciousness of his own
+infirmity, and desperately seeking for some stronger mind on which to
+lean. Had I not been placed by my Polish sentiment in a position of
+antagonism to the Czardom, perhaps&mdash;but it is useless to indulge in
+these reflections.</p>
+
+<p>One thing in the course of the interview struck me as having great
+significance for the future. I found that his majesty, who had
+entertained at one time a strong dislike of the German Emperor, a
+dislike not untinged with jealousy, had now completely altered his
+opinion. He spoke to me of Wilhelm II. in terms of highest praise,
+declared that he was under the greatest obligations to him for useful
+warnings and advice, said that he believed he had no truer or more
+zealous friend.</p>
+
+<p>When I drove to the house of M. Petrovitch that evening I carried,
+carefully sewn between the inner and outer folds of my well-starched
+shirt-front, where no sound of crackling would excite remark, a sheet
+of thin note-paper covered in a very small handwriting with the text
+of the Czar&#8217;s letter to the ruler of Japan.</p>
+
+<p>M. Petrovitch was not alone. Around his hospitable board he had
+gathered some of the highest and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>proudest personages of the Russian
+Court, including the Grand Duke Staniolanus, generally believed to be
+the heart and soul of the War Party. His imperial highness was
+well-known to be a desperate gambler, up to the neck in debts
+contracted at the card-table, and bent on recouping himself out of
+the wealth of Korea and Manchuria.</p>
+
+<p>I was duly presented to this royal personage (whom I had met once
+before under widely different circumstances) in the character of a
+Peace Crusader, an emissary of the philanthropists of Great Britain.</p>
+
+<p>At the dinner-table, where I found myself placed on my host&#8217;s left
+hand, while the Grand Duke was on his right, the conversation
+continued to be in the same strain. That Petrovitch believed me to be
+an English peace fanatic I did not believe any longer, but I could
+not tell if any, or how many, of the others were in his confidence.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the solid part of the feast was disposed of, Petrovitch
+rose to his feet, and after a bow to the Grand Duke, launched out
+into a formal speech proposing my health.</p>
+
+<p>He commenced with the usual professions in favor of peace, spoke of
+the desire felt by all Russians to preserve the friendship of
+England, eulogized the work done by my friend the editor, and by
+other less disinterested friends of Russia in London, and wound up by
+asking all the company to give me a cordial <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>welcome, and to send a
+message of congratulation and good-will to the British public.</p>
+
+<p>Knowing as I did, that the man was a consummate rogue, who had
+probably invited me to his house in order to keep me under
+observation, and possibly to prevent my getting scent of the
+intrigues pursued by his friend and ally, Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, I was still
+at a loss to understand the reason for this performance.</p>
+
+<p>I have learned since that an account of the proceedings, with
+abstracts from this hypocritical speech, was telegraphed to England,
+and actually found its way into some of the newspapers under the
+heading, &#8220;Peace Demonstration in St. Petersburg: No Russian Wants
+War.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was one of the guests, however, who made no pretense of
+listening with pleasure to the smooth speech of M. Petrovitch. This
+was a dark young man of about thirty, in a naval uniform. He sat
+scowling while his host spoke, and barely lifted his glass from the
+table at the conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>A minute or two later I took an opportunity to ask the promoter the
+name of this ungracious officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That?&#8221; my host exclaimed, looking &#8217;round the table, &#8220;Oh, that is
+Captain Vassileffsky, one of our most distinguished sailors. He is a
+naval aide-de-camp to the Czar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I made a note of his name and face, being warned <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>by a presentiment
+which I could not resist that I should come across him again.</p>
+
+<p>The champagne now began to flow freely, and as it flowed the tongues
+of many of the company were unloosed by degrees. From the subject of
+peace the conversation passed rapidly to the possibilities of war,
+and the Japanese were spoken of in a way that plainly showed me how
+little those present understood the resolution and resources of the
+Island Empire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Japanese dare not fire the first shot and, since we will not,
+there will be no war,&#8221; declared my left-hand neighbor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The war will be fought in Japan, not in Manchuria,&#8221; affirmed the
+Grand Duke with a condescending air. &#8220;It will be a case of the Boers
+over again. They may give us some trouble, but we shall annex their
+country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Petrovitch gave me a glance of alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Russia does not wish to add to her territory,&#8221; he put in; &#8220;but we
+may find it necessary to leave a few troops in Tokio to maintain
+order, while we pursue our civilizing mission.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I need not recount the other remarks, equally arrogant.</p>
+
+<p>Abstemious by habit, I had a particular reason for refraining from
+taking much wine on this night. It was already past nine o&#8217;clock, the
+train for Moscow, which connected there with the Siberian express,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>started at midnight, and I had to be at the police bureau by eleven
+at the latest to make the changes necessary for my disguise.</p>
+
+<p>I therefore allowed my glass to remain full, merely touching it with
+my lips occasionally when my host pressed me to drink. M. Petrovitch
+did not openly notice my abstinence, but presently I heard him give
+an order to the butler who waited behind his chair.</p>
+
+<p>The butler turned to the sideboard for a moment, and then came
+forward bearing a silver tray on which stood a flagon of cut-glass
+and silver with a number of exquisite little silver cups like
+egg-shells.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will not refuse to taste our Russian national beverage, Mr.
+Sterling,&#8221; the head of the War Syndicate said persuasively, as the
+butler began filling the tiny cups.</p>
+
+<p>It was a challenge which I could not refuse without rudeness, though
+it struck me as rather out of place that the vodka should be offered
+to me before to the imperial guest on my host&#8217;s right.</p>
+
+<p>The butler filled two cups, M. Petrovitch taking the second from the
+tray as I lifted the first to my lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know our custom,&#8221; the financier exclaimed smilingly. &#8220;No
+heeltaps!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He lifted his own cup with a brave air, and I tossed off the contents
+of my own without stopping.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p><p>As the fiery liquor ran down my throat I was conscious of something
+in its taste which was unlike the flavor of any vodka I had ever
+drunk before. But this circumstance aroused no suspicion in my mind.
+I confess that it never occurred to me that any one could be daring
+enough to employ so crude and dangerous a device as a drugged draft
+at a quasi-public banquet, given to an English peace emissary, with a
+member of the imperial family sitting at the board.</p>
+
+<p>I was undeceived the next moment. Petrovitch, as soon as he saw that
+my cup had been emptied, sat down his own untasted, and, with a
+well-acted movement of surprise and regret, turned to the Grand Duke.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I implore your pardon, sir. I did not ask if you would not honor me
+by taking the first cup!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Grand Duke, whom I readily acquitted of any share in the other&#8217;s
+design, shrugged his shoulders with an indifferent air.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you wish your friends to drink vodka, you should not put
+champagne like this before us,&#8221; he said laughing.</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch said something in reply; he turned and scolded the butler
+as well, I fancy. But my brain was becoming confused. I had just
+sufficient command of my faculties left to feign ignorance of the
+true situation.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am feeling a little faint. That <i>p&acirc;t&eacute;</i>&#8221;&mdash;I contrived to murmur.</p>
+
+<p>And then I heard Captain Vassileffsky cry out in an alarm that was
+unmistakably genuine&mdash;&#8220;Look out for the Englishman! He is
+swooning&#8221;&mdash;and I knew no more.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3>DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcm.jpg" title="M" height="70" width="71" alt="M" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">M</span>y first thought, as my senses began to come back to me, was of the
+train which was due to leave Petersburg for Moscow at midnight.</p>
+
+<p>I clutched at my watch, and drew it forth. The hands marked the time
+as 9.25. Apparently I had not been unconscious for more than a few
+seconds.</p>
+
+<p>My second glance assured me that my clothes were not disarranged. My
+shirt-front, concealing the Czar&#8217;s autograph letter, was exactly as
+when I sat down to the table.</p>
+
+<p>Only after satisfying myself on these two points did I begin to take
+in the rest of my surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>I was resting on a couch against the wall in the room where we had
+dined. My host, the head of the Manchuria Syndicate, was standing
+beside me, watching my recovery with a friendly and relieved
+expression, as though honestly glad to see me myself again. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>A
+servant, holding in his hand a bottle which appeared to contain sal
+volatile, was looking on from the foot of the bed, in an attitude of
+sympathetic attention. The other guests had left the room, and the
+state of the table, covered with half-filled glasses and hastily
+thrown down napkins, made it evident that they had cleared out of the
+way to give me a chance to come to.</p>
+
+<p>The cold air blowing over my forehead told me that a window had been
+opened. A Russian January is not favorable to much ventilation. As a
+rule the houses of the well-to-do are provided with double windows,
+which are kept hermetically sealed while the rooms are in use. The
+fact that the dining-room was still warm was sufficient proof that
+the window could not have been opened for more than the briefest
+time.</p>
+
+<p>It was a singular thing that, in spite of these assurances that my
+swoon had been an affair of moments only, I was seized by an
+overmastering desire to get away from the house immediately.</p>
+
+<p>I heard M. Petrovitch exclaim&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank Heaven&mdash;you are better! I began to be afraid that your seizure
+was going to last. I must go and reassure my guests. The Grand Duke
+will be delighted to hear your are recovering. He was most distressed
+at the attack.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p><p>I sat upright with an effort, and staggered to my feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am ashamed to have given you so much trouble,&#8221; I said. &#8220;I can&#8217;t
+remember ever fainting like this before. Please make my excuses to
+his imperial highness and the rest of the company.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But what are you doing?&#8221; cried M. Petrovitch in dismay. &#8220;You must
+not attempt to move yet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall be better in bed,&#8221; I answered in a voice which I purposely
+strove to render as faint as possible. &#8220;If you will excuse me, I will
+go straight to my hotel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The promoter&#8217;s brow wrinkled. I saw that he was trying to devise some
+pretext to detain me, and my anxiety to find myself clear of his
+house redoubled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you will do me a favor, I should be glad if you would let one of
+your servants come with me as far as the hotel,&#8221; I said. &#8220;I am
+feeling rather giddy and weak.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The secret chief of the War Party caught eagerly at the suggestion.
+It was no doubt exactly what he desired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mishka,&#8221; he said, turning to the servant, and speaking in Russian,
+&#8220;this gentleman asks you to accompany him to his hotel, as he has not
+yet recovered. Take great care of him, and do not leave him until he
+is safe in his own bed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p><p>The man nodded, giving his master a look which said&mdash;I understand
+what you want me to do.</p>
+
+<p>Thanks to this request on my part, M. Petrovitch raised no further
+objection to my departure. I stumbled out of the room, pretending to
+cling to the servant&#8217;s arm for support, and let him help me on with
+my furs, while the porter was summoning a sleigh.</p>
+
+<p>There was a hurried consultation in low tones between my host and the
+porter. Rather to my surprise the carriage, when it appeared, was a
+closed one, being a species of brougham on runners instead of wheels.
+I allowed myself to be carried down the steps like a child, and
+placed inside; the door was closed, with the windows carefully drawn
+up, and the jailer&mdash;for such he was to all intents and purposes&mdash;got
+on the box.</p>
+
+<p>The sleigh swept out of the courtyard and across the city. Directly
+it was in the street, I very softly lowered one of the windows and
+peered out. The streets seemed to me more deserted than usual at such
+an hour. I was idly wondering whether the imminence of war could
+account for this when I heard a church clock beginning to strike.</p>
+
+<p>Once&mdash;twice&mdash;the chimes rang out. And then, as I was preparing to
+close the window, they went on a third time&mdash;a fourth!</p>
+
+<p>I held my breath, and listened with straining ears, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>as the great
+notes boomed forth from the distant town across the silent streets
+and houses.</p>
+
+<p>One&mdash;two&mdash;three&mdash;four&mdash;five&mdash;six&mdash;seven&mdash;eight&mdash;nine&mdash;ten&mdash;<span class="smcap">ELEVEN</span>!</p>
+
+<p>I understood at last. That drugged sleep had lasted an hour and a
+half, and before I came to myself my watch had been deliberately set
+back to the minute at which I lost consciousness, in order to prevent
+me from suspecting that I had been searched, or that there was
+anything wrong about the affair.</p>
+
+<p>Had I taken time for reflection I should probably have made up my
+mind to lose the Moscow express. In order to lull the suspicions of
+the conspirators, by making them believe I was their dupe, I should
+have let myself be taken to the hotel and put to bed in accordance
+with the kind instructions of my late host. In that case, no doubt,
+my watch would have been secretly put right again while I was asleep.</p>
+
+<p>But I could not bear the idea of all my carefully planned
+arrangements being upset. Above all things, I desired to keep up my
+prestige with the superintendent of police, Rostoy, who regarded me
+as an invincible being possessed of almost magical powers. At the
+moment when the clock was striking I ought to have been walking into
+his room in the bureau of the Third Section.</p>
+
+<p>Grinding my teeth with vexation, I very gently <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>opened the door of
+the carriage, which was traveling noiselessly over the snow, and
+slipped out.</p>
+
+<p>I had taken care to ascertain that no onlooker was near. As soon as
+the sleigh was &#8217;round the corner of the street I hailed a public
+conveyance and directed the driver to take me to the police office.</p>
+
+<p>I was only five minutes late in keeping my appointment. Detecting a
+look of slight surprise on the face of the superintendent, I
+apologized for keeping him waiting.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is my habit to be punctual, even in trifling matters like this,&#8221;
+I remarked carelessly. &#8220;But the fact is I have been drugged and
+kidnapped since I saw you, and it took me five minutes to dispose of
+the rascals.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Rostoy stared at me with stupid incredulity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are joking, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;, I suppose,&#8221; he muttered. &#8220;But,
+however, since you have arrived, there is your disguise. You will
+find everything in the pockets complete, including a handkerchief
+marked with the initials of the name you have chosen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monsieur Rostoy, you are an able man, with whom it is pleasure to do
+business,&#8221; I responded heartily.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian swelled with pride at this compliment. I hastily changed
+clothes, shifting nothing from my discarded costume except a
+cigarette case which I had filled with the hotel cigarettes. My
+inquiry as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>to the Gregorides brand smoked by M. Petrovitch had not
+yet been answered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely you are not going to wear that linen shirt of yours right
+across Siberia!&#8221; exclaimed Rostoy, who never took his eyes off me.</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a whim of mine always to wear linen,&#8221; I responded. &#8220;I am not a
+rheumatic subject. And, besides, I have no time to lose.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The superintendent threw a regretful look at the flannel shirt he had
+provided for me.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I had finished my preparations I handed a thick bundle of
+ruble notes to the superintendent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As much more when I come back safe,&#8221; was all I said.</p>
+
+<p>Rostoy snatched at his pay, his eyes sparkling with greed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-by and a good journey!&#8221; he cried as I strode out.</p>
+
+<p>Once in the street, I had no difficulty in finding a sleigh, this
+time an open one, to convey me to the railway station. I glanced at
+my watch, which I had set by the church clock, and calculated that I
+should have a few minutes to spare.</p>
+
+<p>But I had not allowed for Russian ideas as to time. As the sleigh
+drew up at the great terminus, and I came in view of the station
+clock, I saw that it was on the stroke of midnight.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p><p>Flinging the driver his fare I rushed toward the barrier.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Moscow!&#8221; I shouted to the railway official in charge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The train has just left,&#8221; was the crushing reply.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE RACE FOR SIBERIA</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he unnatural strain I had put on my strength, undermined as it had
+been by the drugged vodka, gave way under this depressing failure,
+and for an instant I seriously thought of abandoning my effort to
+catch the Czar&#8217;s messenger.</p>
+
+<p>I could leave Colonel Menken to pursue his journey, taking care of
+himself as best he could, while I followed by a later train. But I
+had little thought of that, as to adopt such a course would be to
+abandon the gallant officer to his fate. Whatever the War Syndicate
+might or might not know or suspect about myself, there could be no
+doubt that they knew all there was to know about Menken, and that the
+Colonel would never be allowed to reach Dalny with his despatch,
+alive.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Show me the passenger list,&#8221; I demanded sternly, determined to use
+to the full the advantages conferred on me by my uniform.</p>
+
+<p>The station inspector hastened to obey. He took me into the booking
+office, opened a volume, and there I read the name and destination of
+every passenger who had left for Moscow that night. It is by such
+precautions<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> that the Russian police are enabled to control the
+Russian nation as the warders control the convicts in an English
+prison.</p>
+
+<p>At the very head of the list I read the name of Colonel Menken,
+passenger to Dalny, on his imperial majesty&#8217;s service.</p>
+
+<p>It was incredible folly thus publicly to proclaim himself as an
+object of suspicion to the powerful clique engaged in thwarting the
+policy of their nominal ruler.</p>
+
+<p>I glanced my eye down the list in search of some name likely to be
+that of an emissary of the Syndicate. It was with something like a
+shock that I came upon the conspicuous entry&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, lady-in-waiting to H. I. M. the Dowager Empress,
+passenger to Port Arthur, on a visit to her uncle, commanding one of
+the forts.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Stamping my foot angrily, in order to impress the railway official, I
+said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Order a pilot engine immediately to take me to Moscow. Tell the
+driver he is to overtake the express, and enter the Moscow station
+behind it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was some demur, of course, and some delay. But I wore the
+livery of the dreaded Third Section, and my words were more powerful
+than if I had been the young man who wears the Russian crown.</p>
+
+<p>By dint of curses, threats, blows and an occasional ruble note, I got
+my way. Indeed, I managed things <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>so well that the railway officials
+did not even ask me for my name. I showed them my official badge; but
+when they made their report in the morning they would only be able to
+say that an inspector of the Secret Police had ordered a pilot engine
+to take him to Moscow in pursuit of the midnight express.</p>
+
+<p>The impression which I was careful to convey, without putting it into
+words, was that I was on the track of an absconding Nihilist.</p>
+
+<p>Within half an hour of my arrival at the terminus a light but
+powerful locomotive drew up on the main line of rails, with
+everything in readiness for an immediate start.</p>
+
+<p>I leaped into the driver&#8217;s cab, where I found the driver himself and
+two stokers hard at work increasing the head of steam, and gave the
+order to go.</p>
+
+<p>The driver touched the tap, the whistle rang out once, and the wheels
+began to revolve. Ten seconds later we were beyond the station lights
+and facing the four hundred miles of frozen plain that lay between us
+and Moscow.</p>
+
+<p>Every one has heard the story of this famous piece of road. The
+engineers of the line, accustomed to map out their routes in other
+countries with reference to the natural obstacles and the convenience
+of commerce, waited upon the great autocrat, Nicholas I., a very
+different man from his descendant, and asked him for instructions as
+to laying out the first railway in the Russian Empire.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p><p>The Czar called for a map of his dominions, and then, taking a ruler
+in his hand, drew a straight line between the old and new capitals.</p>
+
+<p>And so the line has been made, a symbol to all who travel on it of
+the irresponsible might of the Russian Czardom.</p>
+
+<p>It was not till we were fairly on our way, and the speed had risen to
+something like fifty miles an hour, that I realized what I had done
+in entering on this furious race.</p>
+
+<p>I had never traveled on a detached engine before, and the sensation
+at first was quite unnerving.</p>
+
+<p>Unlike a motor car, in which the hand of the driver has to be
+perpetually on the steering-gear, and his eye perpetually on the
+alert, the pilot engine seemed to be flung forward like a missile,
+guided by its own velocity, and clinging to the endless rails with
+its wheels as with iron claws. With the rush as of wind, with the
+roar as of a cataract, with the rocking as of an earthquake, the
+throbbing thing of iron sprang and fled through the night.</p>
+
+<p>Hour after hour we rushed across the blinding desert of snow, in
+which nothing showed except the flying disk of light cast by the
+engine lamps, and the red and white balls of fire that seemed to
+start, alight, and go out again as we frantically dashed past some
+wayside station.</p>
+
+<p>As the speed increased the light pilot engine, not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>steadied by a
+long train of coaches, almost rose from the rails as it raced along.
+Over and over again I thanked my stars that there were no curves to
+be taken, and I blessed the memory of that famous ruler wielded by
+the hand of Nicholas I. Here and there, at some slight rise in the
+ground, the engine literally did leave the rails and skim through the
+air for a few yards, alighting with a jar that brought my teeth
+together like castanets, and rushing forward again.</p>
+
+<p>I clung to a small brass hand-rail, and strained my eyes through the
+darkness. I could not have sat down, even had there been a seat
+provided for me&mdash;the pace was too tremendous. I was tired and unwell,
+and a slight feeling of headache and sickness began to gain on me,
+engendered by the vibration of the engine, the smell of oil, and the
+fearful heat of the furnace.</p>
+
+<p>It was some hours since we had started, but it was still pitch dark,
+with the wintry blackness of a northern night. I leaned and gazed
+forward with dull eyes, when I was aware of two red sparks that did
+not grow and rush toward us as I expected.</p>
+
+<p>Were we slackening speed by any chance? I turned to the engine
+driver, and pointed with my hand.</p>
+
+<p>The grimy toiler nodded. Then making a trumpet of his hands he
+shouted above the rattle of the wheels&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The rear-lights of the express!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CZAR&#8217;S MESSENGER</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; drew out my watch and glanced at it by the light of the flaring
+stoke-hole. It was just half-past eight.</p>
+
+<p>The time taken up on the journey between Petersburg and Moscow varies
+greatly according to the state of the weather and the amount of snow
+on the line. But even in the summer the best trains are allowed
+twelve hours, while the slow ones take nearly twenty-four. The
+special Siberian express was timed to reach the ancient capital of
+the czars at ten o&#8217;clock in the morning, and we had overtaken it with
+rather more than an hour to spare.</p>
+
+<p>I ordered the driver to creep up gradually, but not to approach too
+near the hindmost coach of the train in front until Moscow was in
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>Obedient to my instructions, he slackened speed by degrees, till we
+were rolling along at the same rate as the express, with a space of
+three or four hundred yards between us.</p>
+
+<p>Presently a red flag was thrust out from a side window<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> at the rear
+of the last coach and waved furiously. The driver of my engine
+responded with first a green and then a white signal, indication that
+there was no danger though caution was desirable.</p>
+
+<p>The express perceptibly quickened its speed, but of course without
+our allowing it to get farther ahead. At last the spires of the
+Kremlin, and the green copper domes gleamed out across the waste, and
+I nodded to the driver to close up.</p>
+
+<p>He managed the maneuver with the skill of an artist. Inch by inch we
+neared the guard&#8217;s van in front, and our buffers were actually
+touching as the engine in front blew off steam and we slowed
+alongside the Moscow station.</p>
+
+<p>Before the wheels of the express had ceased to move I was out on the
+platform, and running up to the guard of the express.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have come on the pilot engine from Petersburg,&#8221; I told him
+hurriedly. &#8220;Tell no one of my arrival. Do not report the chase. If
+you are questioned, say that you have orders to say nothing. And now
+tell me which is the train for Dalny and Port Arthur, and when does
+it leave?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The guard, thoroughly cowed, promised implicit obedience. He showed
+me a long corridor train with handsome sleeping cars and dining
+saloons, which was drawn up ready at another platform.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is the train which goes to Baikal,&#8221; he told <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>me. &#8220;If the ice on
+the lake will bear, rails may be laid right across it; if not, there
+will be sleighs to transport the passengers to a train on the other
+side. The train leaves at noon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I thanked him and strolled off down the platform, glancing into the
+carriages of the newly-arrived train as I passed in search of the
+Czar&#8217;s messenger.</p>
+
+<p>I did not anticipate that any harm could have happened to him so soon
+after leaving Petersburg. The object of the conspirators would be
+defeated if Nicholas II. learned of any accident to his messenger in
+time to send another despatch. It was more likely, at least so I
+argued, that the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; would accompany her victim across
+Siberia, gradually worming her way into his confidence, and that only
+at the last moment would she show her hand.</p>
+
+<p>It was with a slight start that I encountered the face of the fair
+emissary of M. Petrovitch, as she came to the door of her sleeping
+compartment and looked out.</p>
+
+<p>I was delighted to observe that this time she did not suspect me. In
+fact, she evidently mistook me for one of the ordinary station
+officials, for she gave me a haughty command:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go and see if there is a telegram for the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Making a respectful salute I hastened off in the direction of the
+telegraph office. On the way I interrupted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> a man in uniform carrying
+an envelope in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221; I demanded.</p>
+
+<p>The man scowled at me and made as if to conceal the telegram. I saw
+that it was a case for a tip and handed him a ruble note, on which he
+promptly parted with his trust.</p>
+
+<p>I turned around, and as soon as the messenger had moved off, I tore
+open the envelope and read the message. Fortunately, it was not in
+cipher, the rules against any such use of the wires, except by the
+Government, being too strict.</p>
+
+<p>This is what I read:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>&#8220;Our friend, who is now an inspector, will join you at Moscow. Look
+out for him. He has left his luggage with us, but does not know it.&#8221;</p></div>
+
+<p>Accident, which had hitherto opposed my designs, was favoring them at
+last. It was clear that Rostoy had betrayed me, and that Petrovitch
+had sent this wire to the Princess to put her on her guard. But what
+was the &#8220;luggage&#8221; which I was described as having left in the hands
+of M. Petrovitch?</p>
+
+<p>I thought I knew.</p>
+
+<p>Crumpling up the tell-tale message in my pocket, I darted into the
+telegraph office, and beckoned to the clerk in charge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On his majesty&#8217;s secret service,&#8221; I breathed in his ear, drawing him
+on one side. I showed him my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>police badge, and added, &#8220;An envelope
+and telegram form, quick!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Overwhelmed by my imperative manner, he handed me the required
+articles. I hastily scribbled:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>&#8220;Our friend has parted with his luggage, though he does not know it.
+He has been unwell, but may follow you next week. To save trouble do
+not wire to us till you return.&#8221;</p></div>
+
+<p>Slipping this into the envelope, I addressed it to the Princess, and
+hastened back to the carriage where I had left her.</p>
+
+<p>I found her fuming with impatience and scolding her maid, who looked
+on half awake. I handed her the bogus telegram with a cringing
+gesture. She snatched at it, tore off the cover and read, while I
+watched her furtively from under my lowered eyelashes.</p>
+
+<p>The first part of the message evidently gave her the greatest
+pleasure. The second part, it was equally evident, puzzled and
+annoyed her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fool! What is he afraid of now?&#8221; she muttered beneath her breath.</p>
+
+<p>She stood gnawing her rose-red lips for a moment&mdash;even a night passed
+in the train could not make her look less charming&mdash;and then turned
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will do. No answer. Here, Marie, give this man a couple of
+rubles.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I received the gratuity with a look of satisfaction <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>which must have
+surprised the tired waiting maid. In reality I had scored a most
+important point. Thanks to my suppression of the first message and my
+addition to the second, I had completely cut off communication
+between the agent of the Syndicate and its head in Petersburg, for a
+time; while I had lulled the beautiful plotter into a false security,
+by which I was likely to benefit.</p>
+
+<p>My anxieties considerably lightened for the time being, I now renewed
+my search for Colonel Menken.</p>
+
+<p>The train from Petersburg had emptied by this time, so I moved across
+the station to where the luxurious Manchurian express was being
+boarded by its passengers.</p>
+
+<p>I got in at one end, and made my way slowly along the corridors,
+stepping over innumerable bags and other light articles. In a corner
+of the smoking car I came at last upon the man I sought.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken was a young man for his rank, not over thirty, with a
+fine, soldierly figure, handsome face and rather dandified air. He
+wore a brilliant uniform, which looked like that of some crack
+regiment of Guards. A cigar was in his mouth, and he was making a
+little nest for himself with rugs and books and papers, and a box of
+choice Havanas. A superb despatch box, with silver mounts, was
+plainly marked with his initials, also in silver.</p>
+
+<p>I did not dare to choose a seat for myself in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>same part of the
+train as the man whom I was anxious to guard. The oppressive powers
+wielded by the police of Russia are tolerated only on one condition,
+namely, that they are never abused to the disparagement of the social
+importance of the aristocracy.</p>
+
+<p>Bearing this in mind, I proceeded to the coach set aside for the
+servants of the rich passengers, and contrived to secure a place
+close to that occupied in the day-time by the maid of the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>Having more than an hour to spare, I now laid in a large stock of
+Turkish tobacco and cigarette papers, so as to have some means of
+beguiling the time on the long, wearisome run across Asia. I also
+bought a second-hand valise, and stocked it modestly with clothes.
+Finally I made a hearty breakfast in the station restaurant, and
+boarded the train a few minutes before it rolled out of Moscow.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say, I had introduced myself to the superintendent of the
+train, an official of great dignity and importance. As a police
+agent, of course I traveled free on the Government lines. The
+superintendent was good enough to offer me a spare bed in his private
+cabin at the end of the train, and during the run we became the best
+of friends.</p>
+
+<p>But I must be excused from dwelling on the details of the journey,
+not the first I had taken on the great transasiatic line. My whole
+energies were absorbed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> in two tasks. In the first place, I had to
+gain the confidence of the maid, Marie, and in the second to prevent
+her mistress gaining the confidence of the messenger of the Czar.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope that message I brought to the Princess did not contain any
+bad news?&#8221; I said to Marie as soon as I got a chance of addressing
+her.</p>
+
+<p>This was when we were fairly on the way.</p>
+
+<p>After first attending to her mistress, and seeing that she was
+comfortably settled, the maid was at liberty to look after herself,
+and I had seized the opportunity to render her a few trifling
+services with her luggage.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know, I&#8217;m sure,&#8221; was the answer to my question. &#8220;The
+Princess tells me nothing of her secrets.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, let&#8217;s call her Sophy,&#8221; the maid interrupted crossly.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say I welcomed these symptoms that Marie was no great
+friend of her employer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps she has no secrets,&#8221; I continued. &#8220;Have you been with her
+long?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Only six months,&#8221; was the answer. &#8220;And I don&#8217;t think I shall stay
+much longer. But you&#8217;re quite mistaken if you think Sophy is one of
+the innocent ones. She&#8217;s always up to some mischief or other, though
+what it is, I don&#8217;t know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you stay with her a little longer, you may find <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>out. And then,
+if it is anything political, you may make a good deal of money out of
+her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The girl&#8217;s eyes brightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Keep your eyes open,&#8221; I said. &#8220;Look out for any scraps of paper you
+see lying about. Keep a diary of the places Sophy goes to, and the
+people she sees. And when you have anything to tell, let me know. I
+will give you my address in Petersburg. And you may trust me to see
+that you come off well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marie readily agreed to all I asked of her. The understanding thus
+arrived at was destined to be of the greatest assistance to me.
+Indeed, it is not too much to say that to this young Russian girl it
+is due that the two greatest Powers in the Old World are not at this
+moment battling on the Afghan frontier.</p>
+
+<p>We had hardly been an hour under way before I saw the two objects of
+my watchfulness seated side by side in the drawing-room car,
+apparently on the friendliest terms.</p>
+
+<p>Dismayed by this rapid progress, as it seemed, on the part of the
+Princess, I reproached myself for not having warned Colonel Menken
+before we started.</p>
+
+<p>I resolved to put him on his guard at the earliest possible moment,
+and with that view I hung about the smoking-car, waiting till I saw
+him return to his corner.</p>
+
+<p>This was not for some hours. Fortunately, owing to the universal
+expectation of war, there were not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>many passengers proceeding to the
+Far East. The train was practically empty, and so when Colonel Menken
+had seated himself once more in the snug corner he had prepared for
+himself, I was able to approach him without fear of being overheard.</p>
+
+<p>He was just lighting a cigar as I came up, and took no notice of my
+respectful salute till he had inhaled the tobacco smoke two or three
+times and expelled it through his nostrils to test the flavor.</p>
+
+<p>At last he turned to me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221; he said with some sharpness. &#8220;What is the matter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have seen in the passenger list that you are traveling on the
+service of the Czar,&#8221; I answered, &#8220;and I venture to place myself at
+your orders.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken scowled at me haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Does that mean that you want a tip?&#8221; he sneered. &#8220;Or has some fool
+ordered you to shadow me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Neither, Colonel,&#8221; I replied. &#8220;I am a servant of the Czar, like
+yourself, as you may see from my uniform, and as I have reason to
+fear that there is an enemy of his majesty on the train, I wish to
+put you on your guard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Menken gave a self-confident smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am pretty well able to take care of myself, I believe,&#8221; he said
+boastfully. &#8220;As for the Nihilists, I no longer believe in their
+existence. You may point out the man you suspect, if you like, of
+course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It is not a man, Colonel, it is a woman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case the adventure promises to be interesting. I do not know
+any of the women on board except the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know her!&#8221; I allowed a note of surprise to appear in my voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess is related to me,&#8221; the Czar&#8217;s messenger declared, with
+a rebuking frown. &#8220;I presume she is not the object of your
+suspicions?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And if she were?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If she were, I should tell you that you had made a very absurd
+mistake, my good fellow. The Princess is in the confidence of the
+Dowager Empress; she is perfectly aware of the object of my mission,
+and she has just promised me that if I carry it out successfully she
+will become my wife.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcc.jpg" title="C" height="70" width="70" alt="C" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">C</span>olonel Menken regarded me with ironical contempt as I tried to
+apologize for my hinted distrust of his betrothed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will do, my man. I shall tell the Princess of your blunder, and
+I can assure you she will be heartily amused by it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At least you will remember that I wear his imperial majesty&#8217;s
+uniform,&#8221; I ventured. &#8220;And, however much I have been misled as to the
+intentions of her highness, I submit that I am entitled to secrecy on
+your part.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Am I to understand that some one has given you orders referring to
+the Princess? I thought this was simply some idle suspicion of your
+own?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My instructions were to watch over your safety, without letting you
+perceive it, and to take particular note of any one who seemed to be
+trying to form your acquaintance on the journey. If you now denounce
+me to her highness, she will be annoyed, and in any case I shall be
+of no further use to you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So much the better,&#8221; the Colonel said rudely. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>&#8220;I consider your
+being here at all as an act of impertinence. If I engage to say
+nothing to the Princess&mdash;who, as you say, might be annoyed&mdash;will you
+undertake to leave me alone for the future?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will undertake to leave the train at Tomsk,&#8221; I replied.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken closed with this offer, which was meant as a delusive
+one. I had selected the first important stopping-place at which the
+train waited sufficiently long for me to procure the materials of a
+fresh disguise.</p>
+
+<p>I took the train superintendent into my confidence, as far as to say
+that I wished to assume a false character for the remainder of the
+journey in order to be better able to play the spy on the object of
+my suspicion. We agreed that one of the train attendants should be
+put off at Tomsk, and that I should take his place.</p>
+
+<p>After my scene with the Colonel, I could not venture to do much in
+the way of overlooking them. But I made the best use of my friendship
+with Marie, and she reported to me regularly what she observed of the
+doings of her mistress.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is my belief that Sophy is going to marry that stupid Colonel,&#8221;
+she informed me, not long after I had heard of the engagement. &#8220;Why?
+I can&#8217;t think. He has no brains, not much money, and I am certain she
+is not in love with him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;There has been a quarrel of some kind between those two,&#8221; she
+reported later on. &#8220;Colonel Menken has been questioning Sophy about
+her reason for going to Port Arthur just now, when it may be attacked
+by the Japanese.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All this time the Princess had made no move to possess herself of the
+despatch which Menken was carrying&mdash;the real object of her presence
+on board the train.</p>
+
+<p>When Tomsk was reached, I went off into the town and procured
+different hair and beard so as to effect a complete change in my
+appearance. The disguise was clumsy enough, but, after all, neither
+the Colonel nor his companion had had many opportunities of studying
+my personal appearance.</p>
+
+<p>In the little cabin of my friend the superintendent I carried out the
+transformation, and finished by donning the livery of the railway
+restaurant service.</p>
+
+<p>Thus equipped, I proceeded to lay the table at which the betrothed
+pair usually took their meals together.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the next meal, which happened to be dinner, was ready, I
+proceeded to wait upon them. They noticed the change of waiters, and
+asked me what had become of my predecessor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He got off at Tomsk,&#8221; I told them. This was true&mdash;the getting rid of
+the waiter whose place I wished to take had been a simple matter. It
+must be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>remembered that I found myself everywhere received as an
+inspector attached to the secret police, the dreaded Third Section,
+and, in consequence, my word was law to those I had to deal with.</p>
+
+<p>I added with an assumed air of mysterious consequence, &#8220;The Inspector
+of Police also left the train at Tomsk. It is asserted that he is
+going to make an important arrest.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken laughed. Then turning to the beautiful woman who sat
+facing him across the small table, he said smilingly,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is lucky the inspector did not arrest you, my dear.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, what do you mean?&#8221; she demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Simply that this officer, according to his own account, was charged
+to watch over and protect your devoted servant, and in the exercise
+of his functions he was good enough to hint to me that you were a
+suspicious character, of whom I should do well to be on my guard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Infamous! The wretch! Why didn&#8217;t you tell me this before?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I promised the fellow not to. He was afraid of getting into trouble,
+and as he had only blundered out of zeal, I let him off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And he has left the train. Why, I wonder?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I ordered him to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; looked less and less pleased. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>A minute later, I
+caught her stealthily glancing in my direction, and realized that her
+keen wits were already at work, connecting my appearance on the scene
+with the disappearance of the inspector.</p>
+
+<p>The next day, Colonel Menken and his betrothed took their seats at a
+different table in the restaurant of the train.</p>
+
+<p>I saw the meaning of this maneuver. It was of course a test by which
+the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; sought to learn if I was a spy, appointed to
+replace the inspector. I took care not to assist her by following
+them to the new table; on the contrary, I refused the offer of my
+brother waiter, who was honest enough not to wish to take my tips
+from me.</p>
+
+<p>When we reached Irkutsk, I had another proof that the Princess was
+beginning to feel uneasy. Marie informed me that her mistress had
+ordered her to go into the town and send off a telegram, as she would
+not trust the railway officials.</p>
+
+<p>The message, which my ally faithfully reported to me, was addressed
+to Petrovitch himself and ran as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Received wire from you at Moscow reporting our friend ill,
+and telling me not to wire you again till my return. I now
+fear some mistake. All going well otherwise.</p></div>
+
+<p>We were carried across the frozen Baikal amid a furious snowstorm.
+Huddled up in thick furs, and fighting to keep our blood circulating
+under the leaden <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>pressure of the cruel frost, there was no time to
+think of conspiracies.</p>
+
+<p>But on resuming the journey on the other side of the lake, I saw that
+the cunning agent of the War Party was maturing some decisive attempt
+on the messenger of peace. The talks of the lovers became closer and
+more confidential, the manner of Colonel Menken grew daily more
+devoted and absorbed, and Marie described her mistress as laboring
+under an extraordinary excitement.</p>
+
+<p>At last, on the very day the train crossed the Chinese frontier on
+the way to Mukden, Marie came to me with a decisive report.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sophy has won!&#8221; she declared. &#8220;I overheard them talking again last
+night. Ever since they left Tomsk they have been having a dispute,
+Sophy declaring that the Colonel did not love her, because he
+suspected her, and he, the stupid creature, swearing that he trusted
+her entirely. It appears she had got out of him that he was carrying
+a paper of some kind, and so she said that unless he gave her this
+paper to keep till they reached Dalny or Port Arthur, she would not
+believe in him, nor have anything more to say to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In the end, she was too many for him. Last night he gave her the
+paper in a sealed envelope, and I saw her take it from her breast
+before she undressed last night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Where is it? What has she done with it?&#8221; I demanded anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t tell you that. She had it in her hand when she dismissed me
+for the night. It looked to me as though she meant to break the seal
+and read it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Full of the gravest forebodings, I hurried to the rear of the train,
+got out my inspector&#8217;s uniform, though without effecting any change
+in my facial appearance, and made my way to the smoking-car.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken, who had just finished breakfast, was settling himself
+down to a cigar and an illustrated magazine.</p>
+
+<p>He gazed up at me in astonishment, as he perceived the change in my
+costume.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So the Princess was right!&#8221; he exclaimed angrily. &#8220;You are another
+policeman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And charged, like the last, to protect me from my cousin and future
+wife!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;From the person who has robbed you of the Czar&#8217;s autograph letter to
+the Emperor of Japan, yes!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Menken recoiled, thunderstruck.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You knew what I was carrying?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As well as I know the contents of the telegram which the Princess
+sent from Irkutsk to the head of the Manchurian Syndicate&mdash;the man
+who has sworn that the Czar&#8217;s letter shall never be delivered.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Menken staggered to his feet, bewildered, angry, half induced
+to threaten, and half to yield.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You must be lying! Sophy never left my sight while we were at
+Irkutsk!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We can discuss that later. Will you, or will you not, reclaim his
+majesty&#8217;s letter&mdash;the letter entrusted to your honor?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Menken turned white.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&mdash;I will approach the Princess,&#8221; he stammered, obviously divided
+between fear of losing her, and dread of myself and any action I
+might take.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will not do for me,&#8221; I said sternly. &#8220;I can only make you this
+offer: Come with me at once to this lady&#8217;s sleeping berth and regain
+the despatch, and I will agree to say no more about it; refuse, and I
+shall report the whole affair to his majesty personally.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who are you?&#8221; inquired the dismayed man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is of no consequence. You see my uniform&mdash;let that be enough
+for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He staggered down the car. I followed, and we reached the car where
+the Princess was at the moment engaged, with Marie&#8217;s aid, in putting
+the last touches to her toilet.</p>
+
+<p>She looked up at our appearance, gave an interrogative glance first
+at Menken and then, at me, and evidently made up her mind.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it, gentlemen?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The&mdash;the paper I gave&mdash;that you offered to&mdash;that&mdash;in short, I want
+it immediately,&#8221; faltered my companion.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I have no paper of yours, and I do not know what you are talking
+about, my friend,&#8221; said the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;</span> with the calmest air in
+the world.</p>
+
+<p>Menken uttered a cry of despair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The letter, the letter I gave you last night&mdash;it was a letter from
+the Czar,&#8221; he exclaimed feebly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think you must have dreamed it,&#8221; said the Princess with extreme
+composure. &#8220;Marie, have you seen any letter about?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, your highness,&#8221; returned the servant submissively.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you think there is anything here, you are welcome to look,&#8221; her
+mistress added with a pleasant smile. &#8220;As for me, I never keep
+letters, my own or anybody else&#8217;s. <i>I always tear them up.</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And with these words, and another smile and a nod, she stepped
+gracefully past us, and went to take her seat in the part of the
+train reserved for ladies.</p>
+
+<p>Somewhere, doubtless, on the white Manchurian plain we had crossed in
+the night, the fragments of the imperial peacemaker&#8217;s letter were
+being scattered by the wind.</p>
+
+<p>Menken&#8217;s face had changed utterly in the last minute. He resembled an
+elderly man.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell the Czar that I alone am to blame,&#8221; were his last words.</p>
+
+<p>Before I could prevent him, he had drawn a revolver from his pocket,
+and put two bullets through his head.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>&#160; week later, that is to say, on the 8th of February, 1904, I was in
+Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>The behavior of the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; on hearing of the death of her
+victim had been a strange mixture of heartlessness and hysterical
+remorse.</p>
+
+<p>At the first sound of the fatal shots, she came rushing to the scene
+of the tragedy, and cast herself on the floor of the corridor beside
+the dead man, seizing his hands, crying his name aloud, and weeping
+frantically.</p>
+
+<p>When I tried to raise her, so that the body might be removed, she
+turned on me fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is your fault!&#8221; she cried. &#8220;Who are you, and how dared you
+interfere with me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As you see by my uniform, I am an inspector of police attached to
+the Third Section.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She gazed at me searchingly for a moment, and then, lowering her
+voice, and bringing her lips to my ear, she said with intense energy:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It is a lie. I am here by the orders of the Minister himself, as you
+must know well. You are acting against us, whoever you are.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am acting by order of the Czar,&#8221; I responded.</p>
+
+<p>She smiled scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect that is another lie. You could not have got so far as you
+have unless you had some one else behind you. Poor Nicholas!&mdash;Every
+one knows what he is, and that he has less power than any other man
+in Russia. Are you Witte&#8217;s man, I wonder?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a bold woman to question me,&#8221; I said. &#8220;How do you know that
+I am not going to arrest you for stealing and destroying the Czar&#8217;s
+letter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should not remain long under arrest,&#8221; was the significant answer.
+She gave me another searching look, and muttered to herself, &#8220;If
+I did not know that he was safe in the hands of my friends in
+Petersburg I should think you must be a certain Monsieur &mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She broke off without pronouncing my name, and turned away.</p>
+
+<p>At Mukden, the next stopping place, the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; left the
+train, no doubt intending to travel back to Russia and report her
+success.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, I had reason to think she had notified her friends
+in Manchuria to keep an eye on me.</p>
+
+<p>All the way to Dalny I felt by that instinct which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>becomes second
+nature to a man of my profession that I was under surveillance.
+I detected a change in the manner of my friend the train
+superintendent. My trifling luggage was carefully searched. In the
+night when I was asleep some one went through my pockets. I was able
+to see that even the contents of my cigarette case, which I had not
+opened since leaving Petersburg, had been turned out and put back
+again.</p>
+
+<p>As the train neared Dalny I began to feel a little nervous. I had a
+dread of being stopped on my way to embark on board the steampacket
+which was still running to Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>The train drew up at last, at the end of its five-thousand-mile-run,
+and I stepped off it to the platform, carrying my valise in my hand.</p>
+
+<p>The platform was literally swarming with spies, as it was easy for a
+man of my experience to detect. I walked calmly through them to the
+cab-stand, and hailed a droshky.</p>
+
+<p>The driver, before starting off, exchanged a signal almost openly
+with a stout man in plain clothes, who dogged me from the railway
+carriage.</p>
+
+<p>Presently I sighted the steamer, alongside the principal wharf, with
+the smoke pouring out of its funnel, all ready to start.</p>
+
+<p>The cabman whipped his horse and drove straight past the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where are you going?&#8221; I shouted.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;To the Custom House first; it is the regulation,&#8221; was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>Taking out my long neglected case, I placed a cigarette between my
+lips, and asked the driver for some matches.</p>
+
+<p>He passed me a wooden box. I struck several, but each went out in the
+high wind before igniting the tobacco.</p>
+
+<p>I was making another attempt as the droshky drew up outside the steps
+of the Custom House. I dismounted negligently, while one of the
+officials came and clutched my luggage. Then I walked slowly up the
+steps, pausing in the porch to strike a fresh match.</p>
+
+<p>A porter snatched the box from my hand. &#8220;Smoking is forbidden,&#8221; he
+said roughly. &#8220;Wait till you are out again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders, pinched the burning end of the cigarette,
+which I retained in my mouth, and sauntered with an air of supreme
+indifference after the man who was carrying my bag.</p>
+
+<p>He led me into a room in which a severe-looking official was seated
+at a desk.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your papers,&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>I produced the papers with which I had been furnished by Rostoy.</p>
+
+<p>The customs official scrutinized them, evidently in the hope of
+discovering some flaw.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;On what business are you going to Tokio?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>I smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Since when have the police of the Third Section been obliged to
+render an account of themselves to the officers of the customs?&#8221; I
+asked defiantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How do I know that you are not a Japanese spy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must be mad. How do I know that you are not a Nihilist?&#8221; I
+retorted.</p>
+
+<p>The customs officer turned pale. I saw that my chance shot had gone
+home. The Russian imperial services are honeycombed by revolutionary
+intrigues.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I shall detain your luggage for examination,&#8221; he declared.</p>
+
+<p>This time I pretended the greatest agitation. Of course, the more I
+resisted the more he insisted. In the end he allowed me to depart
+without my person being searched. The fact is I had convinced him
+that he held an important prize in my worthless valise.</p>
+
+<p>I was just in time to catch the steamer. As I crossed the gangway, a
+man dressed like a coal-trimmer turned on me a last careful scrutiny,
+and remarked,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your cigarette has gone out, Mister.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you give me a light? Thank you!&#8221; I struck a match, drew a puff
+of smoke, and handed him back <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>the box. Then I walked on board, the
+gangway was drawn in, and the Japanese steamer headed out to the open
+sea.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching Tokio I experienced some difficulty in obtaining an
+audience of the Japanese ruler.</p>
+
+<p>I was obliged to announce my name. It will hardly be believed, but
+the chamberlain whom I had entrusted with the important secret,
+brought back the answer that the Mikado had never heard of me!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell his imperial majesty that there is no monarch of Europe, and
+only two of Asia, who could say the same. I am here as the
+confidential plenipotentiary of the Czar, with an autograph letter
+addressed to the Mikado, and I respectfully ask leave to present it
+in person.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Such a demand of course could not be refused. But even now the
+haughty Japanese did not receive me in the privacy of his own
+cabinet. On the contrary, I found myself introduced into the State
+Council-Room, in which his majesty was seated at a table surrounded
+by his chief advisers.</p>
+
+<p>In particular I remarked the venerable Yamagata, conqueror of China,
+and the round bullet-head of Oyama, the future overthrower of
+Kuropatkin.</p>
+
+<p>On the table was spread out a large map, or rather plan, of the
+entire theater of war, including Manchuria, Korea, Japan and the seas
+between. A man in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>naval uniform was standing beside the imperial
+chair, with an expectant look on his face.</p>
+
+<p>All eyes were turned upon me at my entrance. The Mikado beckoned to
+me to approach him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it true that you bring me a letter from the Russian Emperor?&#8221; he
+asked abruptly. &#8220;We have received information that such a letter was
+on its way, but that the bearer was murdered on the Manchurian
+railway four days ago.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty&#8217;s information is substantially correct,&#8221; I answered.
+&#8220;The messenger, a Colonel Menken, was seduced into parting with his
+despatch, and committed suicide in consequence.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, and what about yourself?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Foreseeing that the unscrupulous men who have been trying to force
+on a war between his Russian majesty and your majesty would leave no
+stone unturned to intercept this despatch, the Czar wrote a duplicate
+with his own hand, which he entrusted to me, in the hope that I might
+baffle the conspirators.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I endeavored to conceal it by unstitching the front of the shirt I
+am wearing, and sewing it up between the folds.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Unfortunately I was drugged at a dinner party in Petersburg just
+before starting. I was unconscious for an hour and a half, and I fear
+that the opponents of peace have taken advantage of the opportunity
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>to find and rob me of the letter. But I will see, with your majesty&#8217;s
+permission.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Mikado made no answer. Amid a breathless silence, with all the
+room watching my movements, I tore open my shirt-front and extracted
+a paper.</p>
+
+<p>It was blank.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So,&#8221; commented the Japanese Emperor, sternly, &#8220;you have no such
+credentials as you boasted of having.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pardon me, sire. Anticipating that the War Party would suspect the
+object of my mission, and would resort to some such step to defeat
+it, I purposely provided them with a document to steal, believing
+that when they had robbed me of it they would allow me to proceed
+unmolested. My real credentials are here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew out my cigarette case, found the partially smoked cigarette I
+had had in my mouth when I ran the gauntlet of the spies at Dalny,
+and proceeded to cut off the paper. On the inner surface these words
+were written in the hand of the Czar:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The bearer of this, M. V&mdash;&mdash;, has my full confidence, and
+is authorized to settle conditions of peace.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Nicholas</span>.</p></div>
+
+<p>As I respectfully placed the scrap of paper, with its charred edges,
+in the Mikado&#8217;s hand, I was conscious of a profound sensation in the
+room. Aged statesmen and brilliant commanders bent eagerly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>across
+the table to learn the character of the message thus strangely
+brought to its destination.</p>
+
+<p>His majesty read the brief note aloud. It was received with a murmur,
+not entirely of satisfaction I was surprised to note.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that the Mikado made no remark, I ventured to say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope that the extreme character of the measures adopted by the
+Czar to assure your majesty of his peaceful sentiments will have the
+effect of convincing you that they are genuine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor of Japan glanced around his council board as if to
+satisfy himself that he and his advisers were of one mind before
+replying:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I appreciate the zeal and the extraordinary skill with which you
+have carried out your mission. I regret that I cannot give you a
+favorable answer to take back to your nation.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was thunderstruck at this exordium. Slightly raising his voice, the
+Mikado went on:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell the Emperor of Russia that I do not distrust his sincerity, but
+I distrust his power. The monarch who cannot send a letter through
+his dominions in safety; who has to resort to stratagems and
+precautions like these to overcome the opposition of his own
+subjects, is not the ruler of his empire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, sir, do you suppose that if I had a message to send to my
+brother in St. Petersburg I should have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>to stoop to arts like these?
+That any subject of mine would dare to plot against me, to seduce my
+messengers, to drug and rob them? Incredible! The tale you have told
+me completely confirms everything I and my advisers have already
+heard with regard to the Russian Government. It is a ship without a
+captain, on which the helm is fought for and seized by different
+hands in turn. To-day the real rulers of Russia are the men who are
+bent on war&mdash;and who, while we are talking, have actually begun the
+war!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I gazed around the Council-Room, unable to believe my ears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; the stern sovereign continued, &#8220;while you, sir, were entering
+the Inland Sea, charged with this offer of peace&#8221;&mdash;his majesty tossed
+the precious piece of paper on the table with a look of disdain&mdash;&#8220;a
+Russian gunboat, the <i>Korietz</i>, was firing the first shot of the war
+at one of my squadrons off Chemulpo.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The glances directed by those present at the naval officer behind the
+imperial chair convinced me that he had just brought the fatal news
+to the Council.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; added the Mikado, &#8220;I will give my reply to the real
+masters of Russia&mdash;to the directors of the <i>Korietz</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He nodded to the naval officer, who walked across the floor to a box
+on the wall like a telephone receiver, and pressed a button.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;That,&#8221; his majesty explained, &#8220;is the signal for a flotilla of
+torpedo boats to enter the harbor of Port Arthur and blow up the
+Russian fleet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I think a faint cry of remonstrance or misgiving must have escaped
+me. The Japanese monarch frowned, and his voice took a still sterner
+ring.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go back to your unfortunate master, and tell him that when he can
+send me a public envoy, in the light of day, to ask for peace, and to
+undertake the fulfilment of the pledges which his Ministers have
+broken, I will grant his request.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3>WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; left the presence of the Japanese Emperor deeply disheartened.</p>
+
+<p>It is true I had myself foretold this failure, and that his Japanese
+majesty and his advisers had been good enough to compliment me in
+almost extravagant terms on the energy and resourcefulness I had
+shown in baffling the enemies of peace.</p>
+
+<p>But I am unaccustomed to defeat, no matter what are the odds against
+me, and I felt that the first point in the game had been scored
+against by the formidable woman whose beauty and strangely composite
+character had fascinated me, even while I was countermining her.</p>
+
+<p>For my work was not yet over. Indeed, it had but just begun.</p>
+
+<p>I had not succeeded in averting war between the two great Powers of
+Asia. But I hoped to thwart the efforts which I feared would be made
+to extend the conflagration to Europe.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I had found myself once more on civilized <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>ground, I had
+despatched a cable to my Paris office, announcing my whereabouts and
+asking for information.</p>
+
+<p>The reader may be excused if he has forgotten a little episode which
+marked my stay in Petersburg. I had noticed something peculiar and at
+the same time familiar in the scent of the tobacco smoked by
+Petrovitch, the financial adventurer whose scheme to enrich himself
+and a corrupt clique of courtiers out of the spoils of Korea and
+China was the true cause of the war.</p>
+
+<p>By a ruse I had secured one of the cigarettes, smoked by this
+dangerous plotter, and having ascertained that it bore the mark
+<i>Gregorides, Crown Aa</i>, had instructed my staff to ascertain the
+history of this particular make of cigarettes.</p>
+
+<p>While I was resting in my hotel in Tokio, waiting for the reply to my
+cable, I was honored by a visit from no less a personage than Privy
+Councillor Katahashi, President of the Imperial Bank of Japan.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have come,&#8221; the Privy Councillor explained as soon as the door was
+closed, &#8220;to express the high sense of your ability and devotion which
+we all possess, and to ask if it is possible for Japan to secure your
+services.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Deeply gratified by this proposal, I was obliged to explain that I
+was already retained in the interest of Russia.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;But what interest?&#8221; Mr. Katahashi persisted. &#8220;It is clear that you
+are not acting on behalf of that group which has just succeeded in
+its purpose of forcing a war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is so,&#8221; I admitted. &#8220;It is no breach of confidence&mdash;in fact, I
+serve my employers by assuring you that my efforts are directed
+toward peace.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that case there can be no antagonism between us, surely. Is it
+not possible for you and me&mdash;I say nothing about our respective
+Governments&mdash;to co-operate for certain purposes?</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know enough of the conditions which prevail in the Russian Court
+to feel pretty sure that it was not Nicholas II. who originally
+sought you out, and entrusted you with this mission,&#8221; the Japanese
+statesman added.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At the close of the last war in this part of the world,&#8221; the Privy
+Councillor went on, &#8220;Japan was robbed of the fruit of her victories
+by an alliance of three Powers, Russia, Germany, and France. This
+time we know that England will support us against any such
+combination. Thanks to King Edward VII. we have nothing to fear. His
+diplomacy, moreover, has secured the powerful influence of France on
+the side of peace. Although nominally allied with the Czar, we know
+that the French Government is determined to limit the area of the
+war, and to take no part against us, except in one event.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You mean,&#8221; I put in, &#8220;in the event of an attack by England on
+Russia.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly. And therefore we know that King Edward is making it his
+particular care that no cause of conflict shall arise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He paused, and glanced at me as though he considered that he had
+sufficiently indicated the source from which my instructions were
+received.</p>
+
+<p>I contented myself with bowing.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We know, also, that the most restless and ambitious of living
+monarchs has been bending his whole thoughts and schemes, ever since
+he ascended the throne, to one supreme end&mdash;the overthrow of the
+British Empire by a grand combination of all the other Powers of the
+world. If that monarch can force on a general strife in which England
+will be involved on the side of Japan, while practically every other
+European Power is leagued against her, M. Petrovitch and his timber
+concessions will have done their work.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew a deep breath as I looked at the Japanese statesman with a
+questioning gaze.</p>
+
+<p>As if in answer to my unspoken query, a waiter of the hotel knocked
+at the door in the same moment, and brought me the long-expected
+cable from my agent in Europe.</p>
+
+<p>I tore it open and read:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Cigarettes Gregorides Crown Aa special brand manufactured
+to order of Marx, Berlin, tobacconist to German Emperor.</p></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p><p>I looked up from reading the telegram to see the eyes of the Japanese
+Privy Councillor fixed upon me with the inscrutable, penetrating gaze
+of the Oriental.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The message you have just received bears on the subject of our
+conversation, does it not?&#8221; he inquired, but in the tone of one who
+does not doubt what the answer will be.</p>
+
+<p>With the caution which has become a habit with me, I read the cable
+through carefully for the second time, and then placed it on the
+fire, where it was instantly consumed.</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese statesman smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You forget, I think, M. V&mdash;&mdash;, that you have come here as the
+emissary of a sovereign with whom we are at war, and that,
+consequently, we cannot afford to respect your privacy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have a copy in my pocket,&#8221; he went on urbanely. &#8220;You have felt
+some curiosity about a particular brand of cigarettes, and your
+friends have just informed you that they are those supplied to the
+German Emperor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I looked at Mr. Katahashi with new respect.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your secret service is well managed, sir,&#8221; I observed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Such a compliment from such a quarter is an ample reward for what
+little pains I may have taken.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then it is you who are&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;The organizer of our secret service during the war?&mdash;I am.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you are a banker?&#8221; I turned my eyes to the card by which Mr.
+Katahashi had announced his visit.</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese gave another of his subtle smiles&mdash;those peculiar smiles
+of the Oriental which make the keenest-witted man of the West feel
+that he is little better than a blunderer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I came here prepared to take you into my confidence,&#8221; he said
+gravely. &#8220;I am well aware that it is the only safe course in dealing
+with the Bismarck of underground diplomacy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am equally well aware,&#8221; the Privy Councillor added, &#8220;that a secret
+confided to Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash; is as safe as if it had been told in
+confidence to a priest of Buddha, for whom the penalty of betrayal is
+to be flayed alive.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">&#8220;T</span>hree years ago,&#8221; Mr. Katahashi proceeded, &#8220;when we first recognized
+that Japan would be obliged to fight Russia for her existence as a
+free and independent country, his imperial majesty the Mikado
+appointed me head of the intelligence department.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I perceived that it would be necessary for me to establish centers
+in the chief European capitals, and to have at my command a corps of
+agents whose comings and goings would not attract the attention that
+is usually given to the movements of persons connected with the staff
+of an embassy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In our case precautions were necessary which would not have been
+recognized in the case of another country.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On the one hand, our Government has laid to heart the profound
+advice of Herbert Spencer, that whatever is done for Japan should be
+done by Japanese.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On the other hand, our people have characteristic <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>racial features
+which make it practically impossible for a Japanese to disguise
+himself as a Western European, so as to deceive European eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was therefore necessary to provide an excuse for distributing
+Japanese agents over the West without the true reason of their
+presence being known.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I solved this problem by founding the Imperial Bank of Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, surely!&#8221; I exclaimed, &#8220;the Imperial Bank of Japan is a <i>bona
+fide</i> concern? Its shares are regularly quoted on the stock
+exchanges. It negotiates loans, and carries on the ordinary business
+of a bank?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly. Why not? You forget that Japan is not a rich country.
+What we lack in gold, we are obliged to make up in ingenuity and
+devotion. Thanks to this idea of mine, the secret service of Japan
+pays for itself, and even earns a small profit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It gave me something like a cold shock to comprehend the character of
+this people whom the Russians had so recklessly provoked to draw the
+sword.</p>
+
+<p>I thought of the intelligence departments of some Western Powers, of
+the rank corruption that reigned on the Neva, where every secret had
+its price; of the insane conceit of Berlin, which had forgotten
+nothing and learned nothing since the days of Moltke; of the
+luxurious laziness of Pall Mall, where superannuated soldiers dozed
+in front of their dusty pigeon-holes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>after apoplectic lunches, and
+exercised their wits chiefly in framing evasive answers suited to the
+intelligence of the House of Commons.</p>
+
+<p>And beside these pictures I placed this of the prosperous commercial
+house, founded by the man before me, a man whose salary would
+probably be sniffed at by a deputy-assistant controller in the
+British War Office.</p>
+
+<p>A bank, paying its way, and adding to the revenues of Japan, and yet
+every member of its staff a tireless spy, ready to go anywhere and
+risk everything on behalf of his native country!</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi seemed to ignore the effect produced on my mind by his
+modest explanation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have told you this,&#8221; he resumed, &#8220;because if I can succeed in
+satisfying you that we are both working for the same ends, or at
+least against the same enemy, I hope it will be agreeable to you to
+co-operate with me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew my brows together in anxious thought. In spite of the flattery
+and deference of the Privy Councillor I could not but feel that I
+should be the junior partner in any such combination as he proposed,
+or, rather, I should find myself an instrument in the hands of one
+whose methods were strange to me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Although his imperial majesty was not familiar with your name, you
+must not suppose that your reputation is not known in the right
+quarters. I have a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>very full report on your work in my office. I had
+intended from the first to engage your services if we required any
+Western aid; and, as a matter of fact, I was on the eve of sending
+you a retainer, when I heard I had been anticipated <span style="white-space: nowrap;">by&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By Lord Bedale,&#8221; I put in swiftly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By Lord Bedale, certainly,&#8221; the Japanese acquiesced with a polite
+bow and smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;After your interview with him, I lost sight of you,&#8221; my
+extraordinary companion went on. &#8220;Your wonderful transformation into
+a Little Englander of the Peace-at-any-Price school threw my agents
+off the scent. But I heard of your interview with Nicholas II.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You did!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I recognized you in that transaction. I even guessed that you might
+make an attempt to carry through a message from the Czar. But,
+knowing the influences arrayed against you, I never expected you to
+succeed. Your appearance in our Council-Room was a triumph on which I
+congratulate you warmly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; the Mikado&#8217;s Privy Councillor continued, &#8220;there remain two
+questions:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Supposing you are satisfied that the real author of this war is not
+any one in Russia, but a certain monarch who smokes cigarettes made
+by the house of <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Gregorides&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And that the same ambitious ruler is now weaving his snares to
+entangle Great Britain, in short your own employer, <span style="white-space: nowrap;">the&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Marquis of Bedale,&#8221; I again slipped in.</p>
+
+<p>Again the same polite but incredulous bow and smile from the Japanese
+statesman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Would you be willing to accept a retainer from us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I sat upright, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>The somewhat haughty attitude of the Emperor of Japan still rankled
+within me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will accept a retainer from his majesty the Mikado,&#8221; I announced
+stiffly. &#8220;From no one else.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi looked thoughtful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will see what can be done,&#8221; he murmured. &#8220;The second question&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a momentary hesitation in his manner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have just spoken to you of the precept of the great English
+philosopher.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was, if I remember rightly, that you should employ only Japanese
+in the service of Japan?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Privy Councillor bowed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Therefore, you will see, we are obliged to make a proposal which may
+seem to you unusual&mdash;perhaps unreasonable.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And this proposal is?&#8221; I asked, with undisguised curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That you should become a Japanese.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p><p>I threw myself back in my chair, amazed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your Excellency, I am an American citizen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So I have understood.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An American citizen is on a level with royalty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is admitted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Even the Dowager Empress of China, when engaging me in her service,
+though she raised my ancestors to the rank of marquises, did not ask
+me to forego my citizenship of the United States.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is not necessary,&#8221; the Privy Councillor protested.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Explain yourself, if you will be so good.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A man may be an American citizen, although by birth he is a
+Frenchman, a German, or even a negro. You yourself are a Pole, I
+believe.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I could only bow.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now I do not propose that you should relinquish your political
+allegiance, but only that you should exchange your Polish nationality
+for a Japanese one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But how, sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is very simple. By being adopted into a Japanese family.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I sat and stared at the Japanese statesman, with his mask-like face
+and impenetrable eyes. I seemed to be in some strange dream.</p>
+
+<p>Who shall judge the ways of the Asiatic! This daring organizer, a
+match for the most astute minds of the West, believed that he could
+only make sure of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>fidelity by persuading me to go through what
+seemed the comedy of a mock adoption, a ceremony like the blood
+brotherhood of an African tribe.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And suppose I consent, into what family do you purpose to introduce
+me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Privy Councillor&#8217;s look became positively affectionate as he
+responded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you would honor me by becoming my kinsman?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I rose to my feet, shaking my head slowly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I appreciate the compliment your Excellency pays me. But, as we have
+just now agreed, an American citizen has no equals except royalty.
+Let us return to the German Emperor and his designs. If I cannot
+serve you directly I may be able to do so indirectly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese made no attempt to press his proposal.</p>
+
+<p>Instead he plunged into a discussion of the intrigues which radiated
+from Berlin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In nearly all the international difficulties and disagreements of
+the last twenty years,&#8221; he said, &#8220;it is possible to trace the evil
+influence of Germany.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To German sympathy, a secret encouragement, was due the wanton
+invasion of Cape Colony by the Boers. To the Kaiser, and his promises
+of support, was due the hopeless defiance of the United States by
+Spain. The same Power tried to drag Great Britain <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>into collision
+with your Republic over the miserable concerns of Venezuela. For
+years, Germany has been secretly egging on the French to raise
+troubles against the English in Egypt. In the same spirit, the Sultan
+has been abetted, first against England and next against Russia.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All these schemes have been spoiled by the action of King Edward
+VII. in establishing cordial relations with France, and even to a
+certain extent with Russia.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now Wilhelm II. has taken advantage of the attraction of France to
+England, to draw nearer to Russia. He has secured in his interest
+some of the most influential personages at the Russian Court. The
+Anglophobe grand dukes, the fire-eaters of the Admiralty, are all his
+sworn allies.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that is not the worst.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By some means which I have not yet been able to trace, the Kaiser
+seems to have acquired a peculiar hold over Nicholas II.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The whole policy of Russia seems to be tinged by this influence.
+Even where the instigation of Germany is not directly apparent, yet
+in a hundred ways it is clear that the Russian Government is playing
+the German game. The cause of all this is a riddle, a riddle which it
+is for you to solve.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The words escaped me involuntarily. I had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>listened with growing
+uneasiness to the Privy Councillor&#8217;s revelations.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Undoubtedly. You have facilities which no one else possesses. You
+enjoy the confidence of the Czar. You cannot be suspected of any
+selfish designs, still less of any hostile feeling against Wilhelm
+II., who is understood to be almost your personal friend.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I never allow personal friendships to influence me in the discharge
+of my duty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is because I believe that, that I am talking to you like this,&#8221;
+Mr. Katahashi responded quickly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well!&#8221; he added after a short silence, &#8220;what do you say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must have the night to decide.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Japanese Privy Councillor rose to say good-by.</p>
+
+<p>After he had gone I sat up late into the night considering how far I
+could serve my employer in England by entering into the projects of
+the secret service of Japan.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning, I was still undecided, but on the whole it seemed to
+me that it would be better to act independently.</p>
+
+<p>I was considering how to convey this decision to the Mikado&#8217;s
+minister, when he again presented himself before me.</p>
+
+<p>His manner was deeply agitated. It was evident that he came to make a
+communication of the highest importance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p><p>Instead of taking the chair I offered him, he stood regarding me with
+an expression that seemed one of awe.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; he said at length, &#8220;your conditions are accepted by
+his imperial majesty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What conditions?&#8221; I asked, bewildered for the moment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Last night you informed me that an American citizen occupied the
+same rank as royalty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Mikado offers to make you a member of the imperial family by
+adoption, and one of his majesty&#8217;s cousins has consented to make you
+his son!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3>HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>n these days, when princes resign their rank to marry commoners, and
+queens elope with tutors, it is probable that most Western minds will
+see nothing out of the way in the condescension of the Japanese ruler
+in admitting a diplomatic agent to the honor of the imperial
+cousinship.</p>
+
+<p>But the dynasty of Japan is the most illustrious in the world,
+excepting only that of Great Britain. Like Edward VII., the Mikado
+traces his lineage back to pagan gods. From the days of the famous
+Empress Jimmu, an unbroken line of sacred sovereigns has filled the
+throne of the Realm of the Rising Sun during more than two thousand
+years.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi was evidently pleased to see that I appreciated to the
+full the tremendous honor accorded to me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An imperial carriage is waiting to convey you to the Palace,&#8221; he
+said. &#8220;But it will not be becoming for you to wear that uniform. I
+have brought you a Japanese dress.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p><p>An attendant came into the room bearing a gorgeous robe of green silk
+embroidered with golden chrysanthemums.</p>
+
+<p>I put it on like one in a dream. The Privy Councillor with his own
+hands girt around my waist the two weapons, sacred from time
+immemorial to the use of the Japanese noble, the sword with which to
+behead his friend, and the dagger with which to disembowel himself.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say, I had no expectation that I should ever have
+occasion to regard these magnificently embellished weapons in any
+other light than as ornamental badges of rank.</p>
+
+<p>As we rode to the Palace, I could not forbear contrasting this
+splendid treatment with that which I had been accustomed to receive
+from some of the European sovereigns to whom I had rendered important
+services.</p>
+
+<p>Even the German Kaiser, who trusted me more than the head of his own
+police, who talked to me almost on the footing of an intimate friend,
+had never offered me so much as the coveted &#8220;von&#8221; before my name&mdash;had
+not given me even the pretty Red Eagle which is lavished on
+second-rate generals and lords-in-waiting.</p>
+
+<p>I became well-nigh appalled as I contrasted the sluggish
+conversation, the hide-bound officialism, the stereotyped and sleepy
+methods of the Western Powers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> with the sleepless energy, the daring
+initiative, the desperate industry and courage of this rejuvenated
+Eastern race.</p>
+
+<p>What could any of these obsolete European Governments effect against
+a nation which was really a vast secret society of forty-five
+millions, directed by a sacred chief, and wielding all the mechanical
+resources of the West with the almost inhuman subtlety and
+ruthlessness of the Orient?</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Anything can be done for money.&#8221; This maxim, which is forever on the
+lips of Russian statesmen, no longer sounded true in the meridian of
+Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>The ruler of Japan had not offered me so much as a yen. Nay, it was
+clearly expected and intended that I should devote myself to the
+service of my new country without pay, and with the same
+single-hearted devotion as Mr. Katahashi himself. The Mikado was
+going to enroll in his services as an unpaid volunteer the most
+highly-paid, in other words, the most trusted and feared, secret
+service agent of two hemispheres.</p>
+
+<p>And it was to cost him? An embroidered garment and two sentences
+spoken in a private audience!</p>
+
+<p>Such are the methods of Japan!</p>
+
+<p>On our arrival at the Palace we were received by a chamberlain, who
+conducted us by the private staircase to the Hall of the Imperial
+Family.</p>
+
+<p>The Hall is an imposing room, hung with portraits <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>of deceased
+mikados. A single chair, decorated with the emblem of the Rising Sun,
+stood at the upper end.</p>
+
+<p>Almost as soon as we had taken our places, a door behind the chair
+was thrown up, and a number of the officers of the household, all
+wearing the ancient national costume, filed in, and grouped
+themselves around the imperial chair.</p>
+
+<p>Then a silver bell sounded, and his imperial and sacred majesty,
+Mutsuhito CXXI., Mikado, walked slowly forward into the Hall,
+accompanied by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Yoshihito, and an
+elderly man, attired with great richness, who was, as my guide
+whispered to me, his imperial highness Prince Yorimo, second cousin
+to the Emperor, and the man who had consented to be my titular
+father.</p>
+
+<p>The ceremony was brief but impressive. I could not but be struck by
+the contrast between the two Mikados&mdash;the one whom I had seen
+yesterday, an alert statesman, wearing Western clothes, and speaking
+French with hardly a trace of accent, and the one before me now, a
+solemn, pontifical figure, in his immemorial robes, moving, speaking
+with the etiquette of a bygone age.</p>
+
+<p>Everything passed in the Japanese language, of which I did not then
+know a single word.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Katahashi did his best to provide a running translation,
+whispering in my ear, and prompting me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>with the Japanese words which
+it was necessary for me to pronounce.</p>
+
+<p>As far as I could understand, Prince Yorimo asked permission of the
+Emperor to adopt a son, as he was childless and desired to have some
+one who would sacrifice to his own spirit and those of his father and
+grandfather after he was dead.</p>
+
+<p>The Mikado graciously consenting, I was brought forward, and made to
+renounce my own family and ancestors, and promise to sacrifice
+exclusively to those of my new father.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Yorimo next brought forward a robe embroidered with the
+imperial emblems, the most prominent of which was the Rising Sun. I
+was divested of the dress lent me by Katahashi, and my adoptive
+father flung the imperial garment over my shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>The girding on of the samurai weapon followed, and my father
+addressed me a short exhortation, bidding me hold myself ready at all
+times to obey the will of the Divine Emperor, even to the point of
+committing <i>seppuku</i> at his command.</p>
+
+<p><i>Seppuku</i> is the correct name of the rite known in the West by the
+vulgar name of <i>hara-kiri</i>, or the &#8220;happy despatch.&#8221; It is a form of
+voluntary execution permitted by the ancient laws of Japan to men of
+noble rank, much as European nobles were allowed to be beheaded
+instead of being hanged.</p>
+
+<p>I was then permitted to kiss the hand of Prince <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>Yorimo, who formally
+presented me to the Mikado, whose hand also I had to kiss, kneeling.</p>
+
+<p>That was the whole of the ceremony, at the close of which Mr.
+Katahashi bade me a temporary farewell, and my princely father
+carried me off to a banquet in his own mansion.</p>
+
+<p>Tedious and uninteresting as I fear these details must seem to the
+reader, I have thought it right to record them as an illustration of
+the spirit of Japan, of that country of which I am proud to be an
+adopted son.</p>
+
+<p>The moment we had quitted the Hall of the Imperial Family, Prince
+Yorimo began to talk to me in French.</p>
+
+<p>He proved to be a most fascinating companion. Old enough to remember
+the feudal age, which was still in full vigor in Japan forty years
+ago, he had since mastered most of the knowledge of the West.</p>
+
+<p>I soon found that the Prince was by no means disposed to treat the
+adoption as a mere form. It was evident that the old gentleman had
+taken a strong fancy to me. He gave me a most affectionate welcome on
+the threshold of his house, and immediately calling his servants
+around him, introduced me to them as their future master, and bade
+them obey me as himself.</p>
+
+<p>I was more touched than I care to say by this kind treatment. My own
+parents have long been dead; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>I know nothing of any other relations,
+if I have any; I have long been a wanderer and an adventurer on the
+face of the earth, and now, at last, I felt as though I had found a
+home.</p>
+
+<p>Something of this I tried to convey to his imperial highness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My son,&#8221; he replied with deep tenderness, &#8220;I feel that to me you
+will be a son indeed. You shall learn the language of our beautiful
+country, you shall grow used to our national ways. Before long you
+will let me provide you with a daughter of the Chrysanthemum to be
+your wife, and my grandchildren shall be Japanese indeed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A sound of bells was heard outside.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My friends are coming to pay the customary congratulation,&#8221; the aged
+prince explained. &#8220;As it is necessary that you should have a name
+suited to your new rank, I ask you to take that of my father,
+Matsukata.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A few words of direction were spoken to the steward of the chambers,
+who went out. Immediately afterward he returned, throwing open the
+doors widely, and announced:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Marquis Yamagata to congratulate his imperial highness Prince
+Matsukata!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And the Prime Minister of Japan came toward me.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SUBMARINE MINE</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dch.jpg" title="H" height="70" width="68" alt="H" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">H</span>aving told the reader as much as was necessary to enable him to
+understand my subsequent proceedings, and the real forces at work in
+the underground struggle which produced the tragedy of the Dogger
+Bank, I will suppress the remainder of my adventures in Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>When I left the capital of my new country I wore around my neck,
+under the light shirt of chain mail without which I have never
+traveled for the last twenty years, a golden locket containing the
+miniature portrait of the loveliest maiden in the East or in the
+West.</p>
+
+<p>It was a pledge. When little, tender fingers had fastened it in its
+place, little moving lips had whispered in my ear, &#8220;Till peace is
+signed!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I had decided to return to the capital of what was now the country of
+my enemies, by much the same route as I had left it.</p>
+
+<p>To do so, it was necessary to run the blockade of Port Arthur, or
+rather to feign to do so, for the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>Japanese Minister of Marine had
+been asked by my friend Katahashi to give secret instructions to
+Admiral Togo on my behalf.</p>
+
+<p>In order to ensure a welcome from the Russian commander, and to
+dispel any suspicions, I planned to take in a cargo of Welsh steam
+coal.</p>
+
+<p>Through an agent at Yokohama I chartered a British collier lying at
+Chi-fu, with a cargo for disposal. Leaving the Japanese port on a
+steamer bound for Shanghai, I met the collier in mid-ocean, and
+transferred myself on board her.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I had taken command, I ordered the skipper to head for
+Port Arthur.</p>
+
+<p>This was the first intimation to him that he was expected to run the
+blockade, and at first he refused.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not afraid&mdash;myself,&#8221; the sturdy Briton declared, &#8220;but I&#8217;ve got a
+mixed crew on board, Germans and Norwegians and Lascars, and all
+sorts, and I can&#8217;t rely on them if we get in a tight place.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I glanced around at the collection of foreign faces and drew the
+captain aside. He, at least, was an Englishman, and I therefore
+trusted him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no danger, really,&#8221; I said. &#8220;Admiral Togo has had secret
+orders to let me through. This cargo is merely a pretext.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The rough sailor scratched his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, maybe you&#8217;re telling the truth,&#8221; he grunted. &#8220;But, dang me, if
+I can get the hang of it. You <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>might belong to any country almost by
+the cut of your jib; you say you&#8217;ve fixed things up with the blessed
+Japs, and you&#8217;re running a cargo of coal for the blessed Rooshians.
+It&#8217;s queer, mortal queer, that&#8217;s all I can say. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Howsomdever&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>I took out a flask of three-star brandy, and passed it to the
+doubting mariner.</p>
+
+<p>He put it first to his nose, then to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! Nothing wrong about that, Mister,&#8221; he pronounced, as he handed
+back the flask.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a fifty-pound job for yourself, no matter what becomes of the
+cargo,&#8221; I insinuated.</p>
+
+<p>The worthy seaman&#8217;s manner underwent a magic change.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Port your helm!&#8221; he yelled out suddenly and sharply to the man at
+the wheel. &#8220;Keep her steady nor&#8217;-east by nor&#8217;, and a point nor&#8217;. Full
+steam ahead! All lights out! And if one of you lubbers so much as
+winks an eyelid, by George, I&#8217;ll heave him overboard!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The crew, who had shown a good many signs of uneasiness since my
+coming over the side, seemed to think this last hint worth attending
+to. They slunk forward to their duties, leaving the captain and
+myself to pace the quarter-deck alone.</p>
+
+<p>We steamed swiftly through the darkness till we began to see the
+search-lights of the Japanese fleet like small white feathers
+fluttering on the horizon.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Come up on the bridge,&#8221; the skipper advised. &#8220;Got a revolver handy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I showed him my loaded weapon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Right! I ain&#8217;t much afraid of the Japs, but we may have trouble with
+some of that all-sorts crew I&#8217;ve got below.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>By and by the white plumes became bigger. All at once a ship lying
+dark on the water, scarcely a mile away on the weather-bow, spat out
+a long ribbon of light like an ant-eater&#8217;s tongue, and we found
+ourselves standing in a glare of light as if we were actors in the
+middle of a stage.</p>
+
+<p>There was a howl from below, and a mixed body of Lascars, headed by
+one of the Germans, rushed toward the helm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Back, you milk-drinking swabs!&#8221; the skipper roared. &#8220;As I&#8217;m a living
+man, the first one of you that lays a hand on the wheel, I&#8217;ll fire
+into the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hark ye here!&#8221; their commander said with rough eloquence. &#8220;In the
+first place, it don&#8217;t follow that because you can see a flashlight
+the chap at t&#8217;other end can see you. Second place, no ship that does
+see us is going to sink us without giving us a round of blank first,
+by way of notice to heave to. Third place, if we do get a notice, I&#8217;m
+going to stop this ship. And, fourth place, you&#8217;ve got five seconds
+to decide whether you&#8217;d rather be taken into Yokohama by a prize crew
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>of Japs, or be shot where you stand by me and this gentleman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The crew turned tail. Before five seconds had elapsed, not a head was
+to be seen above decks, except that of the man at the helm, who
+happened to be a Dane, to be first mate, and to be more than
+three-parts drunk.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say the warning shot was not fired.</p>
+
+<p>We steamed steadily on through the fleet, every vessel of which was
+probably by this time aware of our presence. The search-lights
+flashed and fell all around us, but not once did we have to face
+again that blinking glare which tells the blockade runner that the
+game is up.</p>
+
+<p>But there was another peril in store on which we had not reckoned.
+The sea all around Port Arthur had been strewn with Russian mines!</p>
+
+<p>Unconscious of what was coming, we steamed gaily past the last
+outlying torpedo-boat of Admiral Togo&#8217;s squadron.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Through!&#8221; cried my friend the skipper, pointing with a grin of
+delight at the Port Arthur lights as they came into view around the
+edge of a dark cliff.</p>
+
+<p>And even as he looked and pointed, there was a terrific wave, a rush,
+a flare and a report, and I felt myself lifted off my feet into
+mid-air.</p>
+
+<p>I fancy I must have been unconscious for a second or two while in the
+air, for the splash of the sea as I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>struck it in falling seemed to
+wake me up like a cold douche.</p>
+
+<p>My first movement, on coming to the surface again, was to put my hand
+to my neck to make sure of the safety of the precious locket which
+had been placed there by my dear little countrywoman.</p>
+
+<p>My second was to strike out for a big spar which I saw floating amid
+a mass of tangled cordage and splinters a few yards in front of me.</p>
+
+<p>Strange as it may seem, only when my arms were resting safely on the
+spar, and I had time to look about me and take stock of the
+situation, did I realize the extreme peril I had been in.</p>
+
+<p>Most dangers and disasters are worse to read about than to go
+through. Had any one warned me beforehand that I was going to be
+blown up by a mine, I should probably have felt the keenest dread,
+and conjured up all sorts of horrors. As it was, the whole adventure
+was over in a twinkling, and by the greatest good luck I had escaped
+without a scratch.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the forts at the entrance to Port Arthur, attracted, no
+doubt, by the noise of the explosion, were busily searching the spot
+with their lights.</p>
+
+<p>The effect was truly magnificent.</p>
+
+<p>From the blackness of the heights surrounding the famous basin, fiery
+sword after fiery sword seemed to leap forth and stab the sea. The
+wondrous blades <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>of light met and crossed one another as if some
+great archangels were doing battle for the key of Asia.</p>
+
+<p>The whole sea was lit up with a brightness greater than that of the
+sun. Every floating piece of wreckage, every rope, every nail stood
+out with unnatural clearness. I was obliged to close my eyes, and
+protect them with my dripping hand.</p>
+
+<p>Presently I heard a hail from behind me. I turned my head, and to my
+delight saw the brave skipper of the lost ship swimming toward me.</p>
+
+<p>In another dozen strokes he was alongside and clinging with me to the
+same piece of wood, which he said was the main gaff.</p>
+
+<p>He was rather badly gashed about the head, but not enough to threaten
+serious consequences. So far as we could ascertain, the whole of the
+crew had perished.</p>
+
+<p>I confess that their fate did not cost me any very great pang, after
+the first natural shock of horror had passed. They owed their death
+to their own lack of courage, which had caused them to take refuge in
+the lowest part of the ship, where the full force of the explosion
+came. The captain and I, thanks to our position on the bridge, had
+escaped with a comparatively mild shaking.</p>
+
+<p>The steersman would have escaped also, in all probability, had he
+been sober.</p>
+
+<p>In a very short time after the captain had joined <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>me, our eyes were
+gladdened by the sight of a launch issuing from the fort to our
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>The officer in charge had thoughtfully provided blankets and a flask
+of wine. Thus comforted, I was not long in fully recovering my
+strength, and by the time the launch had set us on shore my comrade
+in misfortune was also able to walk without difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant who had picked us up showed the greatest consideration
+on learning that we had been blown up in an attempt to run a cargo of
+coal for the benefit of the Russian fleet. On landing we were taken
+before Admiral Makharoff, the brave man whom fate had marked out to
+perish two months later by a closely similar catastrophe.</p>
+
+<p>The story which I told to the Admiral was very nearly true, though of
+course I suppressed the incidents which had taken place in Tokio.</p>
+
+<p>I said that I had been charged to deliver a private communication
+from the Czar to the Mikado, sent in the hope of averting war, that I
+had arrived too late, and that, having to make my way back to
+Petersburg, I had meant to do a stroke of business on the way on
+behalf of his excellency.</p>
+
+<p>My inspector&#8217;s uniform, which I had resumed on leaving Yokohama,
+confirmed my words, and Admiral Makharoff, after thanking me on
+behalf of the navy for my zeal, dismissed me with a present of a
+thousand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> rubles, and a permit to travel inland from Port Arthur.</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say I did not forget to say good-by to my brave
+Englishman, to whom I handed over the Russian Admiral&#8217;s reward, thus
+doubling the amount I had promised him for his plucky stand against
+the mutineers.</p>
+
+<p>I have hurried over these transactions, interesting as they were, in
+order to come to the great struggle which lay before me in the
+capital of Russia.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ADVISER OF NICHOLAS II</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcb.jpg" title="B" height="70" width="71" alt="B" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">B</span>y the second week in March I was back in Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p>On the long journey across Asia, I had had time to mature my plans,
+with the advantage of knowing that the real enemy I had to fight was
+neither M. Petrovitch nor the witching Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, but the Power
+which was using them both as its tools.</p>
+
+<p>It was a frightful thing to know that two mighty peoples, the
+Japanese and Russians, neither of which really wished to fight each
+other, had been locked in strife in order to promote the sinister and
+tortuous policy of Germany.</p>
+
+<p>So far, the German Kaiser had accomplished one-half of his program.
+The second, and more important, step would be to bring about a
+collision between the Russians and the English.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the situation resolved itself into an underground duel between
+Wilhelm II. and myself, a duel in which the whole future history of
+the world, and possibly the very existence of the British Empire,
+hung in the balance.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p><p>And the arbiter was the melancholy young man who wandered through the
+vast apartments of his palace at Tsarskoe-Selo like some distracted
+ghost, wishing that any lot in life had been bestowed on him rather
+than that of autocrat of half Europe and Asia.</p>
+
+<p>It was to Nicholas that I first repaired, on my return, to report the
+result of my mission.</p>
+
+<p>I obtained a private audience without difficulty, and found his
+majesty busily engaged in going through some papers relating to the
+affairs of the Navy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So they have not killed you, like poor Menken,&#8221; he said with a
+mixture of sympathy and sadness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Colonel Menken killed!&#8221; I could not forbear exclaiming.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes. Did you not hear of it? A Japanese spy succeeded in
+assassinating him, and stealing the despatch, just before Mukden. A
+lady-in-waiting attached to the Dowager Czaritza happened to be on
+the train, and brought me the whole story.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fear your majesty has been misinformed. Colonel Menken committed
+suicide. I saw him put the pistol to his head and shoot himself. His
+last words were a message to your majesty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Czar raised his hand to his head with a despairing gesture.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will these contradictions never end!&#8221; he exclaimed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> &#8220;Really, sir, I
+hope you have made a mistake. Whom <i>can</i> I trust!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew myself up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have no desire to press my version on you, sire,&#8221; I said coldly.
+&#8220;It is sufficient that the Colonel was robbed, and that he is dead.
+Perhaps Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; has also given you an account of my own
+adventures?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nicholas II. looked at me distrustfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us leave the name of the Princess on one side,&#8221; he said in a
+tone of rebuke. &#8220;I have every reason to feel satisfied with her
+loyalty and zeal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed, and remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You failed to get through, I suppose,&#8221; the Czar continued, after
+waiting in vain for me to speak.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I beg pardon, sire, I safely delivered to the Emperor of Japan your
+majesty&#8217;s autograph on the cigarette paper. I was robbed of the more
+formal letter in the house of M. Petrovitch, before starting.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Nicholas frowned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Petrovitch again! Another of the few men whom I know to be my real
+friends.&#8221; He fidgeted impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what did the Mikado say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I had intended to soften the reply of the Japanese Emperor, but now,
+being irritated, I gave it bluntly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His majesty professed to disbelieve in your power to control your
+people. He declared that he could <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>not treat a letter from you
+seriously unless you were able to send it openly, without your
+messengers being robbed or murdered on the way across your own
+dominions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The young Emperor flushed darkly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Insolent barbarian!&#8221; he cried hotly. &#8220;The next letter I send him
+shall be delivered by the commander of my army on the soil of Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was secretly pleased by this flash of spirit, which raised my
+respect for the Russian monarch.</p>
+
+<p>A recollection seemed to strike him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hear that you were blown up in attempting to bring some coal into
+Port Arthur,&#8221; he said in a more friendly tone. &#8220;I thank you, <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Monsieur
+V&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>I bowed low.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some of my admirals seem to have been caught napping,&#8221; Nicholas II.
+added. &#8220;I have here a very serious report about Admiral Stark at
+Vladivostok.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You surprise me, sire,&#8221; I observed incautiously. &#8220;Out in Manchuria I
+heard the Admiral praised on all hands for his carefulness and good
+conduct.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Carefulness! It is possible to be too careful,&#8221; the Czar complained.
+&#8220;Admiral Stark is too much afraid of responsibility. We have
+information that the English are taking all kinds of contraband into
+the Japanese ports, and he does nothing to stop them, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>for fear of
+committing some breach of international law.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I began to see what was coming. The Emperor, who seemed anxious to
+justify himself, proceeded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The rights of neutrals have never been regarded by the British navy,
+when they were at war. However, I have not been satisfied with taking
+the opinion of our own jurists. I have here an opinion from Professor
+Heldenberg of Berlin, who of course represents a neutral Power, and
+he says distinctly that we are entitled to declare anything we please
+contraband, and to seize English ships&mdash;I mean, ships of
+neutrals&mdash;anywhere, even in the English Channel itself, and sink them
+if it is inconvenient to bring them into a Russian port.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The insidious character of this advice was so glaring that I wondered
+how the unfortunate young monarch could be deceived by it.</p>
+
+<p>But I saw that comment would be useless just then. I must seek some
+other means of opening his eyes to the pitfalls which were being
+prepared for him.</p>
+
+<p>I came from the Palace with a heavy heart. The next day, Petersburg
+was startled by the publication of a ukase recalling Vice-Admiral
+Stark and Rear-Admiral Molas, his second in command, from the
+Pacific.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately on hearing this news I sent a telegram in cipher to Lord
+Bedale. For obvious reasons <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>I never take copies of my secret
+correspondence, but to the best of my recollection the wire ran as
+follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Germany instigating Russian Navy to raid your shipping on
+the pretext of contraband. Object to provoke reprisals
+leading to war.</p></div>
+
+<p>As the reader is aware, this warning succeeded in defeating the
+Kaiser&#8217;s main design, the British Government steadily refusing to be
+provoked.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately this attitude of theirs played into German hands in
+another way, as English shippers were practically obliged to refuse
+goods for the Far East, and this important and lucrative trade passed
+to Hamburg, to the serious injury of the British ports.</p>
+
+<p>But before this development had been reached, I found myself on the
+track of a far more deadly and dangerous intrigue, one which is
+destined to live in history as the most audacious plot ever devised
+by one great Power against another with which it proposed to be on
+terms of perfect friendship.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3>A STRANGE CONFESSION</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; had last seen the strange, beautiful, wicked woman known as the
+Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; bending in a passion of hysterical remorse over the
+body of the man she had driven to death, on the snow-clad train
+outside Mukden.</p>
+
+<p>I have had some experience of women, and especially of the class
+which mixes in the secret politics of the European Courts. But Sophia
+Y&mdash;&mdash; was an enigma to me. There was nothing about her which
+suggested the adventuress. And there was much which tended to support
+the story which had won the belief of her august mistress&mdash;that she
+was an involuntary agent, who had been victimized by an unscrupulous
+minister of police, by means of a false charge, and who genuinely
+loathed the tasks she was too feeble to refuse.</p>
+
+<p>I had not been back in Petersburg very long when one afternoon the
+hotel waiter came to tell me that a lady desired to see me privately.
+The lady, he added, declined to give her name, but declared that she
+was well known to me.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p><p>I had come back to the hotel, I should mention, in the character of
+Mr. Sterling, the self-appointed agent of the fraternity of British
+peace-makers. It was necessary for me to have some excuse for
+residing in Petersburg during the war, and under this convenient
+shelter I could from time to time prepare more effectual disguises.</p>
+
+<p>I was not altogether surprised when my mysterious visitor raised her
+veil and disclosed the features of the Princess herself.</p>
+
+<p>But I was both surprised and shocked by the frightened,
+grief-stricken look on the face of this woman whom I had come to
+dread as my most formidable opponent in the Russian Court.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Sterling!&mdash;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221; she cried in an agitated voice that
+seemed ready to break down into a sob. &#8220;Can you forgive me for
+intruding on you? I dare not speak to you freely in my own house. I
+am beset by spies.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sit down, Princess,&#8221; I said soothingly, as I rolled forward a
+comfortable chair. &#8220;Of course I am both charmed and flattered by your
+visit, whatever be its cause.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With feminine intuition she marked the reserve in my response to her
+appeal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! You distrust me, and you are quite right!&#8221; she exclaimed,
+casting herself into the chair.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p><p>She fixed her luminous eyes on me in a deep look, half-imploring,
+half-reproachful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is true, then, what they have been telling me? You were the man,
+dressed as an inspector of the Third Section who traveled on the
+train with me? And you saw the death&#8221;&mdash;her words were interrupted by
+a shudder&mdash;&#8220;of that unhappy man?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was not very easy to preserve my composure in the face of her
+emotion. Nevertheless, at the risk of appearing callous, I replied:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I cannot pretend to understand your question. However, even if I did
+it would make no difference.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Since you know my name is A. V&mdash;&mdash;, you must know also that I never
+allow myself to talk about my work.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess winced under these cold words almost as though she had
+been physically rebuffed. She clasped her delicately-gloved hands
+together, and murmured as though to herself:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He will not believe in me! He will not be convinced!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I felt myself in a very difficult position. Either this woman was
+thoroughly repentant, and sincerely anxious to make some genuine
+communication to me, or else she was an actress whose powers might
+have excited envy in the Bernhardt herself.</p>
+
+<p>I concluded that I could lose nothing by encouraging her to speak.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You must pardon me if I seem distrustful,&#8221; I said with a wholly
+sympathetic expression. &#8220;I have my principles, and cannot depart from
+them. But I have every wish to convince you of my personal
+friendship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She interrupted me with a terrible glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Personal friendship! Monsieur, do you know what I have come here to
+tell you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And rising wildly to her feet, she spread out her hands in a gesture
+of utter despair:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They have ordered me to take your life!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I am not a man who is easily surprised.</p>
+
+<p>The adventures I have passed through, some of them far more
+extraordinary than anything I have recorded in my public revelations,
+have accustomed me to meet almost any situation with diplomatic
+presence of mind.</p>
+
+<p>But on this occasion I am obliged to admit that I was fairly taken
+aback.</p>
+
+<p>As the lovely but dangerous woman whom I had cause to regard as the
+most formidable instrument in the hands of the conspirators, avowed
+to my face that she had been charged with the mission to assassinate
+me, I sprang from my chair and confronted her.</p>
+
+<p>She stood, swaying slightly, as though the intensity of her emotion
+was about to overpower her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you mean what you say? Do you know what you have said?&#8221; I
+demanded.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p><p>The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; made no answer, but she lifted her violet eyes to
+mine, and I saw the big tears welling up and beginning to overflow.</p>
+
+<p>I was dismayed. My strength of mind seemed to desert me. I have
+looked on without a tear when men have fallen dead at my feet, but I
+have never been able to remain calm before a woman in tears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Madame! Princess!&#8221; I was on the point of addressing her by a yet
+more familiar name. &#8220;At least, sit down and recover yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Like one dazed, I led her to a chair. Like one dazed, she sank into
+it in obedience to my authoritative pressure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come,&#8221; I said in a tone which I strove to render at once firm and
+soothing, &#8220;it is clear that we must understand each other. You have
+come here to tell me this, I suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At the risk of my life,&#8221; she breathed. &#8220;What must you think of me!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I recalled the fate of poor Menken, whom the woman before me had led
+to his doom, though she had not struck the blow.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of myself, a momentary shudder went through me.</p>
+
+<p>The sensitive woman saw or felt it, and shook in her turn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Believe me or not, as you will,&#8221; she exclaimed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>desperately. &#8220;I
+swear to you that I have never knowingly been guilty of taking life.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never for one moment did I anticipate that that poor man would do
+what he did,&#8221; the Princess went on with passionate earnestness. &#8220;I
+tempted him to give me the Czar&#8217;s letter, and I destroyed it&mdash;I
+confess that. Are not such things done every day in secret politics?
+Have you never intercepted a despatch?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was a suggestive question. I thought of more than one incident in
+my own career which might be harshly received by a strict moralist.
+It is true that I have always been engaged on what I believed was a
+lawful task; but the due execution of that task had sometimes
+involved actions which I should have shrunk from in private life.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will not excuse myself, Madame,&#8221; I answered slowly. &#8220;Neither have
+I accused you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your tone is an accusation,&#8221; she returned with a touch of
+bitterness. &#8220;Oh, I know well that men are ready to pardon many things
+in one another which they will not pardon in us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sorry if I have wounded you,&#8221; I said with real compunction.
+&#8220;Let us say no more about the tragedy that is past. Am I right in
+thinking that you have come to me for aid?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not know. I do not know why I am here. Perhaps it is because I
+am mad.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p><p>I gazed at her flushed face and trembling hands, unable to resist the
+feeling of compassion which was creeping over me.</p>
+
+<p>What was I to think? What was this woman&#8217;s real purpose in coming to
+me?</p>
+
+<p>Had her employers, had the unscrupulous Petrovitch, or the ruthless
+Minister of Police, indeed charged her to remove me from their path;
+and had her courage broken down under the hideous burden?</p>
+
+<p>Or was this merely a ruse to win my confidence; or, perhaps, to
+frighten me into resigning my task and leaving the Russian capital?</p>
+
+<p>Did she wish to save my life, or her own?</p>
+
+<p>I sat regarding her, bewildered by these conjectures.</p>
+
+<p>I saw that I must get her to say more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At least you have come to aid me,&#8221; I protested. &#8220;You have given me a
+warning for which I cannot be sufficiently grateful.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you believe it is a genuine one,&#8221; she retorted. Already she had
+divined my difficulties and doubts.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not doubt that you mean it genuinely,&#8221; I hastened to respond.
+&#8220;There is, of course, the possibility that you yourself have been
+deceived.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She looked up at me in what I could not think was other than real
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You think so?&#8221; she cried eagerly. The next moment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> her head drooped
+again. &#8220;No, no. I have known them too long. They have never trifled
+with me before. Believe me, Monsieur, when they told me that you were
+to be murdered they were not joking with me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But they might have meant to use you for the purpose of terrifying
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She stared at me in unaffected astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Terrify&mdash;<i>you</i>!&#8221; She pronounced the words with an emphasis not
+altogether unflattering. &#8220;You are better known in Russia than you
+imagine, M. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">V&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>I passed over the remark.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Still they must have foreseen the possibility that you would shrink
+from such a task; that your womanly instincts would prove too much
+for you. At least they have never required such work of you before?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Against my will the last words became a question. I was anxious to be
+assured that the hands of the Princess were free from the stain of
+blood.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never! They dared not! They <i>could</i> not!&#8221; she cried indignantly.
+&#8220;You do not know my history. Perhaps you do not care to know it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Whatever I knew or suspected, I could make only one answer to such an
+appeal. Indeed, I was desirous to understand the meaning of one word
+which the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had just used.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Listen,&#8221; she said, speaking with an energy and dignity which I could
+not but respect, &#8220;while I tell you what I am. I am a condemned
+murderess!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Impossible!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Impossible in any other country, I grant you, but very possible in
+Russia. You have heard, I suppose, everybody has heard, of the deaths
+of my husband and his children. The first two deaths were natural, I
+swear it. I, at all events, had no more to do with them than if they
+had occurred in the planet Saturn. Prince Y&mdash;&mdash; committed suicide.
+And he did so because of me; I do not deny it. But it was not because
+he suspected me of any hand in the deaths of his children. It was
+because he knew I hated him!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The story is almost too terrible to be told. That old man had bought
+me. He bought me from my father, who was head over ears in debt, and
+on the brink of ruin. I was sold&mdash;the only portion of his property
+that remained to be sold. And from the first hour of the purchase I
+hated, oh, how I loathed and hated that old man!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a wild note in her voice that hinted at unutterable things.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And he,&#8221; she continued with a shiver, &#8220;he loved me, loved me with a
+passion that was like madness. He could hardly bear me out of his
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I killed him, yes, morally, I have no doubt I killed him. He
+lavished everything on me, jewels, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>wealth, all the forms of luxury.
+He made a will leaving me the whole of his great fortune. But I could
+not endure him, and that killed him. I think,&#8221; she hesitated and
+lowered her voice to a whisper, &#8220;I think he killed himself to please
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hardened as I am, I felt a thrill of horror. The Princess was right;
+the story was too terrible to be told.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then the police came on the scene. From the first they knew well
+enough that I was innocent. But they were determined to make me
+guilty. The head of the secret service at that time was Baron Kratz.
+He had had his eye on me for some time. The Czar, believing in my
+guilt, had ordered him not to spare me, and that fatal order gave him
+a free hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How he managed it all, I hardly know. The servants were bullied or
+bribed into giving false evidence against me. But one part of their
+evidence was true enough; even I could not deny that I had hated
+Prince Y&mdash;&mdash;, and that his death came as a welcome relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There was a secret trial, and I was condemned. They read out my
+sentence. And then, when it was all over, Kratz came to me, and
+offered me life and liberty in return for my services as an agent of
+the Third Section.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And to save your life you consented. Well, I do not judge you,&#8221; I
+said.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p><p>The Princess glanced at me with a strange smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To save my life! I see you do not yet know our Holy Russia. Shall I
+tell you what my sentence was?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Was it not death, then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, death&mdash;by the knout!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My God!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I gazed at her stupified. Her whole beauty seemed to be focussed in
+one passionate protest. Knouted to death! I saw the form before me
+stripped, and lashed to the triangles, while the knotted thong,
+wielded by the hangman&#8217;s hands, buried itself in the soft flesh.</p>
+
+<p>I no longer disbelieved. I no longer even doubted. The very horror of
+the story had the strength of truth.</p>
+
+<p>For some time neither of us spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But now, surely, you have made up your mind to break lose from this
+thraldom?&#8221; I demanded. &#8220;And, if so, and you will trust me, I will
+undertake to save you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You forget, do you not, that you yourself are not free? You surely
+do not mean that you would lay aside your work for my sake?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was a question which disconcerted me in more ways than one. In a
+secret service agent, suspicion becomes second nature. I caught
+myself asking whether all that had gone before was not merely
+intended<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> to lead up to this one question, and I cursed myself for
+the doubt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My duty to my present employer comes first, of course,&#8221; I admitted.
+&#8220;But as soon as I am free <span style="white-space: nowrap;">again&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you are still alive,&#8221; she put in significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! You mean?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I mean that when they find out that I am not to be depended on, they
+will not have far to look for others.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is strange that they should have chosen you in the first place,&#8221;
+I said thoughtfully. &#8220;You said they <i>could</i> not ask you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They did not offer me this mission. I volunteered.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You volunteered!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She shook herself impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely you understand? I heard them deciding on your death. And so I
+undertook the task.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Because I wished to save you. I had great difficulty. At first they
+were inclined to refuse me&mdash;to suspect my motives. I had to convince
+them that I hated you for having outwitted me. And I persuaded them
+that none of their ordinary instruments were capable of dealing with
+you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you meant to give me this warning all along?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I meant to save you from them. Do you not see, as long as we are
+together, as long as you are visiting me, and I am seen to be
+following you up, they will not interfere. If I manage the affair
+skilfully it may be weeks before they suspect that I am playing them
+false. I shall have my excuse ready. It is no disgrace to be foiled
+by A. V.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again there was an interval of silence. The Princess prepared to go.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stay!&#8221; I protested. &#8220;I have not thanked you. Indeed, I do not seem
+to have heard all. You had some reason, surely, for wishing to
+preserve my life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what does my reason matter?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It matters very much to me. Perhaps,&#8221; I gave her a searching look,
+&#8220;perhaps the Dowager Czaritza has enlisted you on our side?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful woman rose to her feet, and turned her face from me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Think so, if you will. I tell you it does not matter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I tell you it does matter. Princess!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t! Don&#8217;t speak to me, please! Let me go home. I am not well.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Trembling violently in every limb, she was making her way toward the
+door, when it was suddenly flung open, and the voice of the hotel
+servant announced:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;M. Petrovitch!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The head of the Manchurian Syndicate walked in with a smile on his
+face, saw the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; coming toward him, and stopped short, the
+smile changing to a dark frown.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h3>A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcw.jpg" title="W" height="70" width="70" alt="W" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">W</span>hether because he saw that I was watching him, or because he placed
+his own interpretation on the circumstances, the war plotter changed
+his frown into a smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am glad to see, Princess,&#8221; he said to the trembling woman, &#8220;that
+you have so soon found our good friend Mr. Sterling again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; gave him a glance which seemed to enjoin silence,
+bowed with grace, and left the room in charge of the servant who had
+announced M. Petrovitch.</p>
+
+<p>The latter now advanced to greet me with every appearance of
+cordiality.</p>
+
+<p>The last time I had met this well-dressed, delicate scamp, he had
+drugged and robbed me. Now I had just been told that he was setting
+assassins on my track.</p>
+
+<p>But it is my rule always to cultivate friendly intercourse with my
+opponents. Few men can talk for long without exposing something of
+their inner thoughts. I wanted M. Petrovitch to talk.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p><p>Therefore I returned his greeting with equal cordiality, and made him
+sit down in the chair from which the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had just risen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will be surprised to hear, no doubt, Mr. Sterling, that I have
+brought you an invitation from the Emperor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;From what Emperor?&#8221; was the retort on the tip of my tongue.
+Fortunately I suppressed it; there is no accomplishment so fatal to
+success in life as wit, except kindness.</p>
+
+<p>I simply answered,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am not readily surprised, M. Petrovitch. Neither, I imagine, are
+you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The financier smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;May I call you M. V&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221; he asked. &#8220;His majesty has told me who you
+are.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Were you surprised by that?&#8221; I returned with sarcasm.</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch fairly laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hear you have been denouncing me to Nicholas,&#8221; he said lightly.
+&#8220;Can&#8217;t I persuade you to let our poor little Czar alone. I assure you
+it is a waste of breath on your part, and you will only worry a
+well-meaning young man who has no head for business.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was plain speaking. It argued no ordinary confidence on the part
+of the intriguer to speak in such a fashion of the Autocrat of All
+the Russias.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p><p>Already the interview was telling me something. Petrovitch must have
+some strong, secret hold on Nicholas II.</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders as I answered in my friendliest manner,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have no personal feeling against you, my dear Petrovitch. But to
+use drugs&mdash;come, you must admit that that was a strong measure!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I apologize!&#8221; laughed the Russian. &#8220;All the more as I find you were
+too many for us after all. I would give something to know how you
+managed to hide the letter you got through.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was my turn to laugh. I had reason to feel satisfied. Weak as the
+Russian Emperor might be, it was evident that he had not betrayed my
+secret.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, now,&#8221; the promoter resumed, &#8220;all that being over, is there any
+reason why we should not be friends? Be frank with me. What end have
+you in view that is likely to bring us into collision?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no reason why I should not be frank with you,&#8221; I answered,
+racking my brain for some story which the man before me might be
+likely to believe, &#8220;especially as I do not suppose that either of us
+is likely to report this conversation quite faithfully to his
+imperial majesty. I am a Japanese spy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch gave me a glance in which I thought I detected a mingling
+of incredulity and admiration.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Really, you are a cool hand, my dear V&mdash;&mdash;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Why, is there anything in that to make us enemies? You are not going
+to pose as the zealous patriot, I hope. I thought we had agreed to be
+frank.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The financier bit his lip.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I do not deny that I am before all things a man of business,&#8221;
+he returned. &#8220;If your friends the Japanese can make me any better
+offer than the one I have had from another quarter, I do not say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will see what I can arrange for you,&#8221; I answered, not wholly
+insincerely. &#8220;In the meantime, I think you said something about an
+invitation?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes, from Nicholas. He wants to see you. He has some scheme or
+other in which he thinks that you and I can work together, and he
+wants us to be friends, accordingly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we are friends, after to-day, I understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is as you please, my dear V&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; replied the conspirator with a
+slightly baffled air. &#8220;You have made a good beginning, apparently,
+with the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>I put on the self-satisfied air of the man who is a favorite with
+women.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess has been extremely kind,&#8221; I said. &#8220;She has pressed me
+to visit her frequently. Oh, yes, I think I may say we are good
+friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch nodded. I had purposely prepared his mind for the story
+which I anticipated he would hear <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>from my beautiful protector.
+Evidently it would be necessary for her to tell the Syndicate that
+she was feigning affection for me in order to draw me into a trap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, as my carriage is outside, may I take you to the Winter
+Palace?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That seems the best plan,&#8221; I acquiesced. &#8220;It will convince the Czar
+that we are on good terms.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>We drove off together, sitting side by side like two sworn friends. I
+do not know what thoughts passed through his mind; but I know that
+all the way I kept my right hand on the stock of my revolver, and
+once, when one of the horses stumbled, M. Petrovitch was within an
+instant of death.</p>
+
+<p>At the Palace he put me down and drove off. I was admitted to the
+Czar&#8217;s presence without difficulty, and found him, as usual,
+surrounded by piles of state papers.</p>
+
+<p>Nicholas II. looked up at my entrance with evident pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, that is right, M. V&mdash;&mdash;. I hope that, since you have come so
+promptly in response to the message I gave that worthy M. Petrovitch,
+you and he are now good friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I could only bow silently. I was a Japanese, related to the sovereign
+with whom he was at war, and I was acting in the service of Great
+Britain. Petrovitch had just forced on the war which Nicholas had
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>wished to avert, and he was still acting secretly in the interests
+of Germany. And the Czar was congratulating himself that we were
+friends. It was useless to try to undeceive him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sit down, if you please, M. V&mdash;&mdash;. I have something of the greatest
+importance to tell you. Stay&mdash;Perhaps you will be good enough to see
+first that the doors are all secured. I dislike interruptions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I went to the various entrances of the room, of which there were
+three, and turned the keys in the doors.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Even M. Petrovitch does not know what I am going to tell you,&#8221;
+Nicholas said impressively as I returned to my seat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty does not trust him entirely, then?&#8221; I exclaimed, much
+pleased.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mistake me. I do not distrust M. Petrovitch; but this is a
+matter of foreign politics, with which he is not familiar. He admits
+frankly that he knows nothing about diplomacy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I gazed at the benevolent young monarch in consternation. It was the
+spy of Wilhelm II., the agent of the most active diplomatist in the
+world, of whom he had just spoken!</p>
+
+<p>There was no more to be said.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor proceeded to put a most unexpected question.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you a believer in spirits, M. V&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am a Roman Catholic, sire. Whatever my Church teaches on this
+subject, I believe. I am rather neglectful of my religious duties,
+however, and do not know its attitude on this subject.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I honor your loyalty to your communion, M. V&mdash;&mdash;. But as long as you
+do not know what is the attitude of your Church on this subject, you
+cannot feel it wrong to listen to me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I perceived that if his majesty was no politician, he was at least
+something of a theologian.</p>
+
+<p>The Czar proceeded:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is in Petersburg one of the most marvelous mediums and
+clairvoyants who has ever lived. He is a Frenchman named Auguste. He
+came here nearly a year ago&mdash;just when the difficulty with Japan was
+beginning, in fact; and he has given me the most valuable information
+about the progress of events. Everything he has foretold has come
+true, so far. He warned me from the first that the Japanese would
+force me into war, just as they have done. In short, I feel I can
+rely on him absolutely.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was not the first time I had heard of the spiritualist who had
+established such an extraordinary hold on the Russian ruler&#8217;s mind.
+The common impression was that he was a mystic, a sort of Madame
+Kr&uuml;dener. At the worst he was regarded as a charlatan of the ordinary
+spirit-rapping type, cultivating the occult as a means of making
+money.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p><p>But now, as I listened to the credulous monarch, it suddenly struck
+me what an invaluable tool such a man might prove in the hands of a
+political faction, or even of a foreign Power astute enough to
+corrupt him and inspire the oracles delivered by the spirits.</p>
+
+<p>I listened anxiously for more.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor, evidently pleased with the serious expression on my
+face, went on to enlighten me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Last night M. Auguste was here, in this room, and we held a private
+<i>s&eacute;ance</i>. He succeeded in getting his favorite spirit to respond.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is it permissible to ask the spirit&#8217;s name?&#8221; I ventured
+respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is Madame Blavatsky,&#8221; he answered. &#8220;You must have heard of her,
+of course. She was practically the founder of rational psychical
+knowledge, though she died a victim to persecution.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I nodded. I had heard of this celebrated woman, who still numbers
+many followers in different parts of the world.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Last night, as soon as we found that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky
+was present, I asked Auguste to question it about the Baltic fleet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had been holding a preliminary review of the fleet in the morning,
+as you may have seen from the papers. The officers and men seemed
+thoroughly nervous, and very doubtful whether it would ever be in a
+condition to sail. Even the Admiral, Rojestvensky,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> did not seem
+quite happy, and he found great fault with the stores and equipments.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had to authorize a delay of another month, and the Marine
+Department would not promise to have the fleet ready even then.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Naturally, I wished to know what would become of the fleet when it
+did sail. Auguste questioned the spirit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His majesty broke off to feel in his pocket for a small slip of
+paper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I took down the answer myself, as the spirit rapped it out.&#8221; And he
+read aloud:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Baltic Fleet threatened. Japanese and English plotting to
+destroy it on the way to Port Arthur.</p></div>
+
+<p>I started indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you believe that, sire! You believe that the British Government,
+which has been straining every nerve to maintain peace, is capable of
+planning some secret outrage against your Navy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It does not say the Government,&#8221; he announced with satisfaction.
+&#8220;The spirit only warns me against the English. Private Englishmen are
+capable of anything. At this very moment, two Englishmen are
+arranging to run a torpedo boat secretly out of the Thames, disguised
+as a yacht, and to bring her to Libau for us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This piece of information silenced me. It was no <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>doubt possible that
+there might be Englishmen daring enough to assist the Japanese in
+some secret enterprise against a Russian fleet. But I felt I should
+like to have some better authority for the fact than the word of
+Madame Blavatsky&#8217;s spirit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The warning is a very vague one, sire,&#8221; I hinted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;True. But I hope to receive a more definite message to-morrow night.
+I was going to ask you if you would have any objection to be present.
+You might then be able to put pressure on the British Government to
+prevent this crime.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Needless to say I accepted the imperial invitation with eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>And I retired to send the following despatch to Lord Bedale:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>When Baltic Fleet starts prepare for trouble. Have all
+ports watched. It is believed here that attack on it is
+preparing in England.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcw.jpg" title="W" height="70" width="70" alt="W" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">W</span>ho was M. Auguste?</p>
+
+<p>This was the question that kept my mind busy after my singular
+interview with the Russian Emperor.</p>
+
+<p>In accordance with my rule to avoid as much as possible mentioning
+the names of the humbler actors in the international drama, I have
+given the notorious medium a name which conceals his true one.</p>
+
+<p>He appeared to be a foreigner, and the Czar&#8217;s weakness in this
+direction was too well known for his patronage of the quack to excite
+much attention; apparently it had occurred to no one but myself that
+such a man might be capable of meddling in politics.</p>
+
+<p>In his more public performances, so far as I could learn, the
+revelations of the spirits were confined to more harmless topics,
+such as the nature of the future state, or the prospect of an heir
+being born to the Russian crown.</p>
+
+<p>In my quest for further light on this remarkable personage, my
+thoughts naturally turned to the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p><p>I have not concealed that at our first meeting the charming
+collaborator of M. Petrovitch had made a very strong impression on
+me. Her subsequent conduct had made me set a guard on myself, and the
+memory of the Japanese maiden whose portrait had become my cherished
+&#8220;mascot,&#8221; of course insured that my regard for the Princess could
+never pass the bounds of platonic friendship.</p>
+
+<p>But the strange scene of the day before had moved me profoundly.
+Vanity is not a failing of which I am ever likely to be accused by my
+worst detractor, yet it was impossible for me to shut my eyes or ears
+to the confession which had been made with equal eloquence by the
+looks, the blushes and even the words of the beautiful Russian.</p>
+
+<p>Was ever situation more stupid in all the elements of tragedy! This
+unhappy woman, spurred to all kinds of desperate deeds by the awful
+fear of the knout, had been overcome by that fatal power which has
+wrecked so many careers.</p>
+
+<p>In the full tide of success, in the very midst of a life and death
+combat with the man it was her business to outwit and defeat, she had
+succumbed to love for him.</p>
+
+<p>And now, to render her painful situation tenfold more painful, she
+was holding the dagger at his breast as the only means of keeping it
+out of the clutch of some more murderous hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p><p>Had I the pen of a romancer I might enlarge on this sensational
+theme. But I am a man of action, whose business it is to record
+facts, not to comment on them.</p>
+
+<p>I sought the mansion on the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to see its
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently the visit was expected. The groom of the chambers&mdash;if that
+was his proper description&mdash;led me up-stairs, and into a charming
+boudoir.</p>
+
+<p>A fire replenished by logs of sandalwood was burning in a malachite
+stove, and diffusing a dream-like fragrance through the chamber. The
+walls of the room were panelled in ivory, and the curtains that hung
+across the window frames were of embroidered silk and gold. Each
+separate chair and toy-like table was a work of art&mdash;ebony, cinnamon,
+and other rare and curious woods having been employed.</p>
+
+<p>But the rarest treasure there was the mistress of all this luxury.
+The inmate of the sumptuous prison, for such it truly was, lay back
+on a leopard-skin couch, set in the frame of a great silver
+sea-shell.</p>
+
+<p>She had dressed for my coming in the quaint but gorgeous costume of
+ancient Russia, the costume worn by imperial usage at high State
+functions like coronations, weddings and christenings.</p>
+
+<p>The high coif above her forehead flamed with jewels, and big, sleepy
+pearls slid and fell over her neck and bosom.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p><p>At my entrance she gave a soft cry, and raised herself on one white
+arm. I stepped forward as though I were a courtier saluting a queen,
+and pressed my lips to her extended hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expected you, Andreas.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Only two women in my life have I ever allowed to call me by my
+Christian name. One was the ill-starred lady who perished in the
+Konak in Belgrade. The other&mdash;but of her I may not speak.</p>
+
+<p>But it was not for me to stand on ceremony with the woman who had
+interposed herself as a shield between me and the enemies who sought
+my death.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You knew that I should come to thank you,&#8221; I said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not wish for thanks,&#8221; she answered, with a look that was more
+expressive than words. &#8220;I wish only that you should regard me as a
+friend.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And in what other light is it possible for me to regard you, dear
+Princess?&#8221; I returned. &#8220;Only this friendship must not be all on one
+side. You, too, must consent to think of me as something more than a
+stranger whose life you have saved.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you doubt that I have done so for a long time?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It needed the pressure of the locket against my neck to keep me from
+replying to this tenderly-spoken sentiment in a way which might have
+led to consequences, for the Russian Empire as well as for the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>Princess and myself, very different to those which have actually
+flowed from our conjunction.</p>
+
+<p>Conquering my impulses as I best could, I sought for a reply which
+would not wear the appearance of a repulse.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You misunderstand me,&#8221; I said, putting on an expression of pride.
+&#8220;You little know the character of Andreas V&mdash;&mdash; if you think he can
+accept the humiliating position of the man who is under obligation to
+a woman&mdash;an obligation which he has done nothing to discharge. Not
+until I can tell myself that I have done something to place me on a
+higher level in your eyes, can my thoughts concerning you be happy
+ones.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A shade of disappointment passed over Sophia&#8217;s face. She made a
+pettish gesture.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Does not&mdash;friendship do away with all sense of obligation?&#8221; she
+complained.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not with me,&#8221; I answered firmly. &#8220;No, Sophia, if you really care for
+me&mdash;for my friendship&mdash;you must let me do what I have sworn to do
+ever since I first saw you and heard some rumors of your tragic
+story.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mean?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must let me break your odious bondage. I can deliver you, if you
+will only trust me, from the power of the Russian police, or any
+other power, and set you free to live the life of fascination and
+happiness which ought to be yours.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p><p>The Princess seemed plunged in meditation. At length she looked
+up&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You would undertake a hopeless task, my dear Andreas. Not even you
+can fathom all the ramifications of the intrigues in which I find
+myself an indispensable puppet. Those who control my movements will
+never let go the strings by which they hold me, and least of all,
+just now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was distressed to see that the Princess was disposed to evade my
+appeal for confidence. I answered with a slightly wounded air:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I may know more than you think, more even than you know yourself on
+certain points. But of course you are not willing to confide in me
+<span style="white-space: nowrap;">fully&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There can be no perfect trust without perfect&#8221;&mdash;The Princess, who
+spoke this sentence in Russian, concluded it with a word which may
+mean either friendship or love according to circumstances. As she
+pronounced it, it seemed like love.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There can be no perfect love without perfect trust,&#8221; I responded
+quickly, striving to assume the manner of an exacting lover.</p>
+
+<p>And then, a happy thought striking me, I added in an aggrieved voice,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you think it is nothing to me that you should be associated with
+other men in the most secret enterprises, holding private conferences
+with them, receiving them in your house, perhaps visiting them in
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>theirs; that you should appear to be on intimate terms with the
+Grand Duke Staniolanus, with M. Petrovitch, with a man like this M.
+<span style="white-space: nowrap;">Auguste&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>At the sound of this last name, to which I had artfully led up,
+Sophia sprang into a sitting posture and gave me a look of anger and
+fear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who told you anything about M. Auguste?&#8221; she demanded in hoarse
+tones. &#8220;What has he to do with me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nay, it is not you who ought to ask me that,&#8221; I returned. &#8220;You may
+be a believer in his conjuring tricks, for aught I know. He may be
+more to you than a comrade, or even a prophet&mdash;more to you than I.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who told you that he was my comrade, as you call it?&#8221; the Princess
+insisted, refusing to be diverted from her point.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No one,&#8221; I said quite truthfully. &#8220;I should be glad to know that he
+was only that. But it is natural for me to feel some jealousy of all
+your friends.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess appeared relieved by this admission. But this relief
+confirmed all my suspicions. I now felt certain that the medium was
+an important figure in the plot which I was trying to defeat. I saw,
+moreover, that however genuine my beautiful friend might be in her
+love for me and her desire to save my life, she had no intention of
+betraying the secrets of her fellow conspirators.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p><p>Her character presented an enigma almost impossible to solve. Perhaps
+it is not the part of a wise man ever to try to understand a woman.
+Her motives must always be mysterious, even to herself. It is
+sufficient if one can learn to forecast her actions, and even that is
+seldom possible.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you refuse my help?&#8221; I asked reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You cannot help me,&#8221; was the answer. &#8220;At least, that is, unless you
+possess some power I have no idea of at present.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was an ingenious turning of the tables. Instead of my questioning
+the Princess, she was questioning me, in effect.</p>
+
+<p>I made what was perhaps a rash admission.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am not wholly powerless, at all events. There are few sovereigns
+in Europe whom I have not obliged at some time or other. Even the
+German Emperor, though I have more than once crossed his path in
+public matters, is my personal friend. In spite of his occasional
+political errors, he is a stainless gentleman in private life, and I
+am sure he would hear with horror of your position and the means by
+which you had been forced into it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Sophia looked at me with an expression of innocent bewilderment which
+I could scarcely believe to be real.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The German Emperor! But what has he to do with me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;He is said to have some influence with the Czar,&#8221; I said drily.</p>
+
+<p>My companion bit her lip.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, the Czar!&#8221; Her tone was scathing in its mixture of pity and
+indifference. &#8220;Every one has some influence with the Czar. But is
+there any one with whom Nicholas has influence?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was the severest thing I had ever heard said of the man whom an
+ironical fate has made master of the Old World.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the manner of the Princess underwent a sudden change.</p>
+
+<p>She rose to her feet and gave me a penetrating glance, a glance which
+revealed for the first time something of that commanding personality
+which had made this slight, exquisite creature for years one of the
+most able and successful of secret negotiators, and a person to be
+reckoned with by every foreign minister.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You do not trust me, Andreas V&mdash;&mdash;. It is natural. You do not love
+me. It is possible that it is my fault. But I have sworn to save your
+life, and I will do it in your own despite. In order that I may
+succeed, I will forget that I am a woman, and I will forget that you
+regard me as a criminal. Come here! I will show you into my oratory,
+into which not even my confidential maid is ever allowed to
+penetrate. Perhaps what you will see there may convince <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>you that I
+am neither a traitor nor a Delilah.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With the proud step of an empress, she led the way into the adjoining
+room, which was a bedroom sumptuously enriched with everything that
+could allure the senses. The very curtains of the bed seemed to
+breathe out languorous odors, the walls were hung with ravishing
+groups of figures that might have come from a Pompeiian temple, the
+dressing-table was rich with gold and gems.</p>
+
+<p>Without pausing for an instant the mistress of the chamber walked
+straight across it to a narrow door let into the farther wall, and
+secured by a tiny lock like that of a safe.</p>
+
+<p>Drawing a small key from her bosom, the Princess inserted it in the
+lock, leaving me to follow in a state of the most intense
+expectation.</p>
+
+<p>The apartment in which I found myself was a narrow, white-washed cell
+like a prison, lit only by the flames of two tall wax candles which
+stood on a table, or rather an altar, at the far end.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the altar, the sole object in the room was a wooden step in
+front of it. Over the altar, in accordance with the rule of the Greek
+Church, there hung a sacred picture. And below, between the two
+candlesticks, there rested two objects, the sight of which fairly
+took away my breath.</p>
+
+<p>One was a photograph frame containing a portrait of myself&mdash;how
+obtained I shall never know. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>portrait was framed with
+immortelles, the emblems of death, and the artist had given my face
+the ghastly pallor and rigidity of the face of a corpse.</p>
+
+<p>The other object on the altar was a small whip of knotted leather
+thongs.</p>
+
+<p>Without uttering a word, without even turning her head to see if I
+had followed, the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; knelt down on the step, stripped her
+shoulders with a singular determined gesture, and then, taking the
+knout in one hand, began to scourge the bare flesh.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>t the hour appointed by the Czar I presented myself at the Winter
+Palace to assist at the spiritualist experiments of M. Auguste.</p>
+
+<p>I shall not attempt to describe the impression left by the weird
+scene in the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;&#8217;s oratory.</p>
+
+<p>To those who do not know the Slav temperament, with its strange
+mixture of sensuality and devotion, of barbarous cruelty and
+over-civilized cunning, seldom far removed from the brink of
+insanity, the incident I have recorded will appear incredible. I have
+narrated it, simply because I have undertaken to narrate everything
+bearing on the business in which I was engaged. I am well aware that
+truth is stranger than fiction, and I should have little difficulty,
+if I were so disposed, in framing a story, full of plausible,
+commonplace incidents, which no one could doubt or dispute.</p>
+
+<p>I have preferred to take a bolder course, knowing that although I may
+be discredited for a time, yet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>when historians in the future come to
+sift the secret records of the age, I shall be amply vindicated.</p>
+
+<p>I shall only add that I did not linger a moment after the unhappy
+woman had begun her penance, if such it was, but withdrew from her
+presence and from the house without speaking a word.</p>
+
+<p>The feelings with which I anticipated my encounter with the medium
+were very different. Whatever might be my doubts with regard to the
+unfortunate Sophia&mdash;and I honestly began to think that the suicide of
+Menken had affected her brain&mdash;I had no doubt whatever that M.
+Auguste was a thoroughly unscrupulous man.</p>
+
+<p>The imperial servant to whom I was handed over at the entrance to the
+Czar&#8217;s private apartments conducted me to what I imagine to have been
+the boudoir of the Czaritza, or at all events the family sitting
+room.</p>
+
+<p>It was comfortably but plainly furnished in the English style, and
+was just such a room as one might find in the house of a London
+citizen, or a small country squire. I noticed that the wall-paper was
+faded, and the hearth-rug really worn out.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor of All the Russias was not alone. Seated beside him in
+front of the English grate was the beautiful young Empress, in whose
+society he finds a refuge from his greedy courtiers and often
+unscrupulous ministers, and who, I may add, has skilfully<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> and
+successfully kept out of any entanglement in politics.</p>
+
+<p>Rising at my entrance, Nicholas II. advanced and shook me by the
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In this room,&#8221; he told me, &#8220;there are no emperors and no empresses,
+only Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He presented me to the Czaritza, who received me in the same style of
+simple friendliness, and then, pointing to a money-box which formed a
+conspicuous object on the mantel-shelf, he added:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For every time the word &#8216;majesty&#8217; is used in this room there is a
+fine of one ruble, which goes to our sick and wounded. So be careful,
+M. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">V&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>In spite of this warning I did not fail to make a good many
+contributions to the money-box in the course of the evening. In my
+intercourse with royalty I model myself on the British Premier
+Beaconsfield, and I regard my rubles as well spent.</p>
+
+<p>We all three spoke in English till the arrival of M. Auguste, who
+knew only French and a few words of Russian. I remarked afterward
+that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky, a Russian by birth, who had
+spent half her life in England, appeared to have lost the use of both
+languages in the other world, and communicated with us exclusively in
+French.</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of M. Auguste did not help to overcome<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> my prejudice
+against him. He had too evidently made up for the part of the mystic.</p>
+
+<p>The hair of M. Auguste was black and long, his eyes rolled much in
+their sockets, and his costume was a compromise between the frock
+coat and the cassock.</p>
+
+<p>But it was above all his manner that impressed me disagreeably. He
+affected to be continually falling into fits of abstraction, as if
+his communings with the spirits were diverting his attention from the
+affairs of earth. Even on his entrance he went through the forms of
+greeting his host and hostess as though scarcely conscious of their
+presence. I caught a sly look turned on myself, however, and when I
+was presented to him as &#8220;Mr. Sterling&#8221; his reception of the name made
+me think that he had expected something else.</p>
+
+<p>The Czar having explained that I was a friend interested in
+spiritualism, in whose presence he wished to hear again from Madame
+Blavatsky, M. Auguste rolled his eyes formidably, and agreed to
+summon the departed theosophist.</p>
+
+<p>A small round table was cleared of the Czaritza&#8217;s work-basket&mdash;she
+had been knitting a soldier&#8217;s comforter&mdash;and we took our seats around
+it. The electric light was switched off, so that we were in perfect
+darkness, except for the red glow of the coal fire.</p>
+
+<p>A quarter of an hour or so passed in a solemn <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>silence, broken only
+by occasional whispers from &#8220;Mr. Nicholas&#8221; or the medium.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a long time answering,&#8221; the Czar whispered at last.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fear there is a hostile influence,&#8221; M. Auguste responded in the
+jargon of his craft.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly had the words left his lips when a perfect shower of raps
+seemed to descend on all parts of the table at once.</p>
+
+<p>Let me say here, once for all, that I am not prepared to offer any
+explanation of what happened on this occasion. I have read of some of
+the devices by which such illusions are produced, and I have no doubt
+a practised conjurer could have very easily fathomed the secrets of
+M. Auguste. But I had not come there with any intention of detecting
+or exposing him.</p>
+
+<p>The medium pretended to address the author of the raps.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If there is any hostile influence which prevents your communicating
+with us, rap twice.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Two tremendous raps nearly drowned the last word. The spirit seemed
+to be quick-tempered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it is a woman, rap once&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>No response. This was decidedly clever.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it is myself, rap.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This time, instead of silence, there was a faint scratching under the
+surface of the table.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;The negative sign,&#8221; M. Auguste explained blandly, for our benefit.</p>
+
+<p>Then, addressing himself once more to the invisible member of the
+party, he inquired:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If it is Mr. Nicholas, rap.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Silence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must excuse me,&#8221; the medium said, turning his face in my
+direction. &#8220;If it is Mr. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Sterling&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>A shower of raps. I really thought the table would have given way.</p>
+
+<p>This was discouraging. The Czar came to my rescue, however.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I particularly wish Mr. Sterling to be present,&#8221; he observed with a
+touch of displeasure&mdash;whether intended for M. Auguste or the
+spiritual visitant I could not tell.</p>
+
+<p>The hierophant no doubt saw that he must submit. His retreat was
+executed with great skill.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If the obstacle is one that can be removed, rap once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A rap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you spell it for us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In the rather cumbrous alphabet in use among the shades, the visitor
+spelled out in French:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Son nom.</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is there something you object to about his name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A rap.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Is it an assumed name?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A very loud rap. Decidedly the spirit was indignant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you tell us his real name? His initials will do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A. V.&#8221; spelled the unseen visitor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is that right?&#8221; M. Auguste inquired with well-assumed curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is marvelous!&#8221; ejaculated the Emperor. &#8220;You will understand, of
+course, Auguste, that this must be kept a secret among ourselves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask if it is Madame Blavatsky,&#8221; said the Czar.</p>
+
+<p>We learned that the apostle of theosophy was indeed present.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Would you like to hear from any other spirits?&#8221; M. Auguste asked the
+company.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should be glad of a word with Bismarck,&#8221; I suggested.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes the Iron Chancellor announced himself. His rap was
+sharp, quick and decided, quite a characteristic rap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask if he approves of the present policy of the German Emperor?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A hearty rap. Evidently the spirit had greatly changed its views in
+the other world.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask if he remembers telling me, the last time I saw him, that Russia
+was smothering Germany in bed?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Do you refuse to answer that question?&#8221; M. Auguste put in adroitly.</p>
+
+<p>An expressive rap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will you answer any other questions from this gentleman?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then the spirit of Bismarck spoke out. It denounced me as a worker of
+evil, a source of strife, and particularly as one who was acting
+injuriously to the Russian Empire. I confess M. Auguste scored.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In his lifetime he would have said all that, if he had thought I was
+working in the interest of Russia and against Germany,&#8221; I remarked in
+my own defence.</p>
+
+<p>The spirit of the Iron Chancellor was dismissed, and that of Madame
+Blavatsky recalled.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that the Czar placed particular confidence in his late
+subject. Indeed, if the issues at stake had been less serious, I
+think I should have made an attempt to shake the Emperor&#8217;s blind
+faith in the performances of M. Auguste.</p>
+
+<p>But my sole object was to read, if I could, the secret plans and
+intentions of a very different imperial character, whose agent I
+believed the spirit to be.</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste, I quickly discovered, was distracted between fear of
+offending Nicholas by too much reserve, and dread of enabling me to
+see his game. In the end the Czar&#8217;s persistence triumphed, and we
+obtained something like a revelation.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Tell us what you can see, that it concerns the Emperor to know,&#8221; M.
+Auguste had adjured his familiar.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see&#8221;&mdash;the reply was rapped out with irritating slowness&mdash;I quite
+longed for a slate&mdash;&#8220;an English dockyard. The workmen are secretly at
+work by night, with muffled hammers. They are building a torpedo
+boat. It is to the order of the Japanese Government. The English
+police have received secret instructions from the Minister of the
+Interior not to interfere.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Minister of the Interior&#8221; was a blunder. With my knowledge of
+English politics I am able to say that the correct title of this
+personage should be &#8220;Secretary of State for the Domestic Department.&#8221;
+But few foreigners except myself have been able to master the
+intricacies of the British Constitution.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For what is this torpedo boat designed?&#8221; M. Auguste inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is for service against the Baltic Fleet. The Russian sailors are
+the bravest in the world, but they are too honest to be a match for
+the heathen Japanese,&#8221; the spirit pursued, with some inconsistency.</p>
+
+<p>I could not help reflecting that Madame Blavatsky in her lifetime had
+professed the Buddhist faith, which is that of the majority in Japan.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you see anything else?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see other dockyards where the same work is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>being carried on. A
+whole fleet of warships is being prepared by the perfidious British
+for use against the fleet of Russia.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask her to cast her eye over the German dockyards,&#8221; I put in.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Spirits have no sex,&#8221; M. Auguste corrected severely. &#8220;I will ask
+it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A succession of raps conveyed the information that Germany was
+preserving a perfectly correct course, as usual. Her sole departure
+from the attitude of strict neutrality was to permit certain pilots,
+familiar with the North Sea navigation, to offer their services to
+the Russian fleet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Glance into the future,&#8221; said the Czar. &#8220;Tell us what you see about
+to happen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see the Baltic Fleet setting out. The Admiral has issued the
+strictest orders to neutral shipping to retire to their harbors and
+leave the sea clear for the warships of Russia. He has threatened to
+sink any neutral ship that comes within range of his guns.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As long as he is in the Baltic these orders are obeyed. The German,
+Swedish and Danish flags are lowered at his approach, as is right.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now he passes out into the North Sea. The haughty and hostile
+English defy his commands. Their merchant ships go forth as usual.
+Presuming on their knowledge of international law, they annoy <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>and
+vex the Russian warships by sailing past them. The blood of the brave
+Russian officers begins to boil. Ask me no more.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste, prompted by the deeply interested Czar, did ask more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see,&#8221; the obedient seeress resumed, &#8220;torpedo boats secretly
+creeping out from the British ports. They do not openly fly the
+Japanese flag, but lurk among the English ships, with the connivance
+of the treacherous islanders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Baltic Fleet approaches. The torpedo boats, skulking behind the
+shelter of their friends, steal closer to the Russian ships. Then the
+brave Russian Admiral remembers his promise. Just in time to save his
+fleet from destruction, he signals to the British to retire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They obstinately refuse. The Russian fleet opens fire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can see no more.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The spirit of the seeress, it will be observed, broke off its
+revelations at the most interesting point, with the skill of a
+practised writer of serials.</p>
+
+<p>But the Czar, fairly carried away by excitement, insisted on knowing
+more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask the spirit if there will be any foreign complications,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>I had already remarked that our invisible companion showed a good
+deal of deference to the wishes of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>Nicholas II., perhaps in his
+character of Head of the Orthodox Church.</p>
+
+<p>After a little hesitation it rapped out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The English are angry, but they are restrained by the fear of
+Germany. The German Michael casts his shield in front of Russia, and
+the islanders are cowed. I cannot see all that follows. But in the
+end I see that the Yellow Peril is averted by the joint action of
+Russia and Germany.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This answer confirmed to the full my suspicions regarding the source
+of M. Auguste&#8217;s inspiration. I believed firmly that there was a
+spirit present, but it was not the spirit of the deceased
+theosophist, rather of a monarch who is very much alive.</p>
+
+<p>The medium now professed to feel exhausted, and Madame Blavatsky was
+permitted to retire.</p>
+
+<p>I rose to accompany M. Auguste as soon as he made a move to retire.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you will let me drive you as far as my hotel,&#8221; I said to him, &#8220;I
+think I can show you something which will repay you for coming with
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The wizard looked me in the face for the first time, as he said
+deliberately:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall be very pleased to come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DEVIL&#8217;S AUCTION</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; said as little as possible during the drive homeward.</p>
+
+<p>My companion was equally silent. No doubt he, like myself, was
+bracing himself for a duel of wits.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as we were safe in my private room at the hotel, with a
+bottle of vodka and a box of cigars in front of us, I opened the
+discussion with my habitual directness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I need not tell you, M. Auguste, that I have not invited you here to
+discuss questions of psychology. I am a politician, and it matters
+nothing to me whether I am dealing with a ghost or a man, provided I
+can make myself understood.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste bowed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For instance, it is quite clear that the interesting revelations we
+have had to-night would not have been made without your good will. It
+is to be presumed, therefore, that if I can convince you that it is
+better to turn the Emperor&#8217;s mind in another direction, you will
+refuse to make yourself the medium of further communications of that
+precise character.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p><p>M. Auguste gave me an intelligent glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am as you have just said, a <i>medium</i>,&#8221; he replied with significant
+emphasis. &#8220;As such, I need not tell you, I have no personal interest
+in the communications which are made through me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I nodded, and took out my pocket-book, from which I extracted a
+hundred ruble-note (about $75).</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I promised to show you something interesting,&#8221; I remarked, as I laid
+it on the table.</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste turned his head, and his lip curled slightly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid my sight is not very good,&#8221; he said negligently. &#8220;Is not
+that object rather small?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is merely a specimen,&#8221; I responded, counting out nine others, and
+laying them beside the first.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, now I fancy I can see what you are showing me,&#8221; he admitted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is a history attached to these notes,&#8221; I explained. &#8220;They
+represent the amount of a bet which I have just won.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Really! That is most interesting.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I now have another bet of similar nature pending, which I hope also
+to be able to win.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am tempted to wish you success,&#8221; put in the medium encouragingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The chances of success are so great that if you were a betting man I
+should be inclined to ask you to make a joint affair of it,&#8221; I said.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;My dear M. V&mdash;&mdash;, I am not a bigot. I have no objection to a wager
+provided the stakes are made worth my while.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think they should be. Well, I will tell you plainly, I stand to
+win this amount if the Baltic Fleet does not sail for another month.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste smiled pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I congratulate you,&#8221; he said. &#8220;From what I have heard the repairs
+will take at least that time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But that is not all. This bet of mine is continuous. I win a similar
+stake for every month which passes without the fleet having left
+harbor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste gazed at me steadily before speaking.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If your bet were renewable weekly instead of monthly, you might
+become quite a rich man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw that I was dealing with a cormorant. I made a hasty mental
+calculation. Half of one thousand rubles was about $375 a week, and
+the information I had led me to believe that Port Arthur was capable
+of holding out for another six months at least. To delay the sailing
+of the Baltic Fleet till then would cost roughly $10,000&mdash;say 15,000
+rubles.</p>
+
+<p>I decided that neither England nor Japan would grudge the price.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think your suggestion is a good one,&#8221; I answered M. Auguste. &#8220;In
+that case, should you be willing to share the bet?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I should be willing to undertake it entirely,&#8221; was the response.</p>
+
+<p>The scoundrel wanted $20,000!</p>
+
+<p>Had I been dealing with an honest man I should have let him have the
+money. But he had raised his terms so artfully that I felt sure that
+if I yielded this he would at once make some fresh demand.</p>
+
+<p>I therefore shook my head, and began picking up the notes on the
+table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That would not suit me at all,&#8221; I said decidedly. &#8220;I do not wish to
+be left out altogether.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste watched me with growing uneasiness as I restored the notes
+one by one to my pocket-book.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look here!&#8221; he said abruptly, as the last note disappeared. &#8220;Tell me
+plainly what you expect me to do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect you to have a communication from your friend Madame
+Blavatsky, or any other spirit you may prefer&mdash;Peter the Great would
+be most effective, I should think&mdash;every time the Baltic Fleet is
+ready to start, warning &#8216;Mr. Nicholas&#8217; not to let it sail.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste appeared to turn this proposal over in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And is that all?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall expect you to keep perfect secrecy about the arrangement. I
+have a friend at Potsdam, and I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>shall be pretty sure to hear if you
+try to give me away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Potsdam!&#8221; M. Auguste seemed genuinely surprised, and even
+disconcerted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you mean to say that you didn&#8217;t know you were carrying out the
+instructions of Wilhelm II.?&#8221; I demanded, scarcely less surprised.</p>
+
+<p>It was difficult to believe that the vexation showed by the medium
+was feigned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course! I see it now!&#8221; burst from him. &#8220;I wondered what she meant
+by all that stuff about Germany. And I&mdash;a Frenchman!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It is extraordinary what unexpected scruples will display themselves
+in the most unprincipled knaves. Low as they may descend, there seems
+always to be some one point on which they are as sensitive as a
+Bayard.</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste, of all men in the world, was a French patriot! It turned
+out that he was a fanatical Nationalist and anti-Semite. He had
+howled in anti-Dreyfusite mobs, and flung stones at the windows of
+Masonic temples in Paris.</p>
+
+<p>I was delighted with this discovery, which gave me a stronger hold on
+him than any bribe could.</p>
+
+<p>But I had noted the feminine pronoun in his exclamation recorded
+above. I did not think it referred to the revealing spirit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have been deceived by the woman who has <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>given you your
+instructions,&#8221; I remarked to him, when his excitement had subsided a
+little. &#8220;I fancy I can guess her name.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes. It is the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;,&#8221; he confessed.</p>
+
+<p>Bewildering personality! Again, as I heard her name connected with an
+intrigue of the basest kind, a criminal conspiracy to influence the
+ruler of Russia by feigned revelations from the spirits of the dead,
+I recalled the sight I had last had of her, kneeling in her oratory,
+scourging herself before&mdash;my portrait!</p>
+
+<p>There was no longer any fear that M. Auguste would prove obdurate on
+the question of terms. He pocketed his first five hundred rubles, and
+departed, vowing that the Baltic fleet should never get farther than
+Libau, if it was in the power of spirits to prevent it.</p>
+
+<p>Desirous to relieve Lord Bedale&#8217;s mind as far as possible I
+despatched the following wire to him the next morning:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Sailing of Baltic Fleet postponed indefinitely. No danger
+for the present. Watch Germany.</p></div>
+
+<p>I sent a fuller account of the situation to a son of Mr. Katahashi,
+who was in England, nominally attached to the staff of the Imperial
+Bank, but really on business of a confidential character which it
+would be indiscreet on my part to indicate.</p>
+
+<p>I may say that I particularly cautioned the young <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>Japanese to avoid
+any action calculated to give the least color to the German legends
+about warships being secretly manufactured in British yards to the
+order of the Mikado&#8217;s Government.</p>
+
+<p>Every reader who has followed the course of the war with any
+attention will recollect the history of the fleet thus detained by my
+contrivance.</p>
+
+<p>Week after week, and month after month, the Baltic Fleet was declared
+to be on the point of departure. Time after time the Czar went on
+board to review it in person, and speak words of encouragement to the
+officers and crew. And every time, after everything had been
+pronounced ready, some mysterious obstacle arose at the last moment
+to detain the fleet in Russian waters.</p>
+
+<p>Journalists, naval experts, politicians and other ill-informed
+persons invented or repeated all sorts of explanations to account for
+the series of delays.</p>
+
+<p>Only in the very innermost circles of the Russian Court it was
+whispered that the guardian spirit of the great Peter, the founder of
+Russia&#8217;s naval power, had repeatedly come to warn his descendant of
+disasters in store for the fleet, should it be permitted to sail.</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste was earning his reward.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+
+<h3>MY FUNERAL</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he extreme privacy with which I had managed my negotiation with M.
+Auguste completely baffled the plotters who were relying on the
+voyage of the Baltic Fleet to furnish a <i>casus belli</i> between Russia
+and Great Britain.</p>
+
+<p>They realized, of course, that some powerful hand was interfering
+with their designs, and they were sufficiently intelligent to guess
+that that hand must be mine.</p>
+
+<p>But they were far from suspecting the method of my operations. They
+firmly believed that M. Auguste was still carrying out their
+instructions, and sowing distrust of England in the mind of Nicholas
+II. Indeed, on one occasion he informed me that the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;
+had sent for him and ordered him not to frighten the Czar to such an
+extent as to make him afraid to let the fleet proceed to sea.</p>
+
+<p>Unable to detect and countermine me, it was natural that they should
+become impatient for my removal.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, I was not surprised to receive an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>urgent message from
+Sophia, late one evening, requesting me to come to her without delay.</p>
+
+<p>By this time our friendship, if such it could be called, had become
+so intimate that I visited her nearly every day on one pretext or
+another.</p>
+
+<p>Her greeting, as soon as I had obeyed the summons, showed me that a
+fresh development had taken place in the situation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Andreas, the hour has come!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The hour?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For your removal. Petrovitch has been here. He suspects something.
+He has rebuked me severely for the delay.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Did you tell him I was not an easy man to kill?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I told him anything and everything. He would not listen. He says
+they have lost confidence in me. He was brutal. He <span style="white-space: nowrap;">said&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what did he say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He said&mdash;&#8221; she spoke slowly and shamefacedly&mdash;&#8220;that he perceived it
+took a man to kill a man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I smiled grimly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;History tells us differently. But what then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To-morrow I shall no longer be able to answer for your life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You think some one else will be appointed to dispose of me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sure that some one else has been appointed already. Most likely
+it is Petrovitch himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Well, I shall look out for him.&#8221; I did not think it necessary to
+tell Sophia that I had been expecting something of this kind, and had
+made certain preparations.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will be useless, Andreas. You do not know the man with whom you
+have to deal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The ignorance may be mutual,&#8221; I observed drily.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess became violently agitated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must let me save you,&#8221; she exclaimed clasping her hands.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In what way?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must let me kill you <i>here</i>, to-night.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t you understand?&#8221; she pursued breathlessly. &#8220;It is absolutely
+necessary for your safety, perhaps for the safety of both of us, that
+they should think I have carried out my instructions. You must appear
+to die. Then they will no longer concern themselves about you, and
+you will be able to assume some other personality without being
+suspected.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The scheme appealed to me strongly, all the more that it seemed as
+though it could be made to fit in very well with my own plans.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a clever woman, Sophia,&#8221; I said cautiously. &#8220;How do you
+purpose to carry out your scheme? They will want to see my corpse, I
+suppose.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She drew out the little key I have already described.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come this way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p><p>I followed her through the bedroom as before to the door of the
+locked oratory.</p>
+
+<p>She opened the door and admitted me.</p>
+
+<p>By the light of the wax candles I saw what was surely one of the
+strangest sights ever presented to mortal eyes.</p>
+
+<p>It was myself, lying in state!</p>
+
+<p>On a high bier draped in white and black cloth, I lay, or, rather, my
+counterpart presentment in wax lay, wrapped and shrouded like a dead
+body, a branch of palm in the closed hands, and a small Russian coin
+resting on the lips, in accordance with a quaint custom which
+formerly prevailed in many lands.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of my habitual self-command I was unable to repress a cold
+shiver at this truly appalling spectacle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your stage management is perfect,&#8221; I observed after a pause. &#8220;But
+will they be satisfied with a look only?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not think so. It will be necessary for you to put on the
+appearance of death for a short time, till I have satisfied them.
+Afterward I can conceal you in here, while this&mdash;&#8221; she pointed to the
+ghastly figure&mdash;&#8220;is buried under your name.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us get back to the other room, before we talk about it,&#8221; I
+urged. &#8220;This is not altogether a pleasant sight.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As we passed out of the oratory I stealthily took <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>note of the
+fastening of the door. The lock was on the outside only; in other
+words, if I permitted myself to be immured in the cell-like chamber,
+I should be a prisoner at the mercy of my charming friend.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now, by what means do you purpose that I shall assume the
+appearance of death?&#8221; I inquired as soon as we had returned to the
+boudoir.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess opened a small cabinet, and produced a tiny stoppered
+bottle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By swallowing this medicine,&#8221; she answered. &#8220;I have had it specially
+prepared from a recipe given me ten years ago at a time when I
+thought of resorting to the same contrivance to escape from my
+taskmaster.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I took the bottle in my hand, and examined it carefully. It bore no
+label, and the contents appeared perfectly colorless.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In five minutes after you have swallowed the contents of the
+bottle,&#8221; Sophia explained, &#8220;you will begin to turn cold, at first in
+the feet and hands. As the cold mounts to the brain you will
+gradually lose consciousness, and become rigid. You will look as pale
+as if you were actually dead, and your heart will cease to beat.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And how long will this stupor last?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;About twenty-four hours, more or less, according to your
+constitution.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I looked carefully and steadily into her eyes. She flushed and
+trembled violently, but did not quail.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;What does it taste like?&#8221; I asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is a little bitter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will take it in water, then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You can take it in wine, if you like. I have some here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She moved to a small cupboard in the wall.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall tell them that I gave it to you in wine, in any case,&#8221; she
+added.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I prefer water, thank you. May I fetch some from the next room?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will fetch it,&#8221; she said hastily, going to the bedroom.</p>
+
+<p>On an ebony stand beside me there was a large china bowl containing a
+flowering plant in its pot. In a second I had removed the stopper,
+emptied the bottle into the space between the flower-pot and the
+outer bowl, and put the stopper back again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell me,&#8221; I said to the Princess as she hurried back with a carafe
+and tumbler, &#8220;have you thought how I am to get away from this house
+without exciting attention?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will be easy for me to procure you a dozen disguises. I am always
+going to masked balls. But are you in such a hurry to leave me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall find the air of your oratory rather confined, I am afraid.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She hung her head in evident chagrin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But where will you go?&#8221; she demanded.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Oh, that is all arranged. I have taken a small house and furnished
+it, in another name.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where?&#8221; she asked breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps I had better not tell you till this excitement is over. I
+must not burden you with too many of my secrets.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Sophia&#8217;s eyes filled with tears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You distrust me still!&#8221; she cried. &#8220;But, after all, what does it
+matter? I have only to ask Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will be quite unnecessary as well as useless. I pledge myself
+to tell you before I leave this place, and I have not favored M.
+Petrovitch with my new address.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She smiled scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And do you believe that you have succeeded in taking a house in
+Petersburg without his knowledge? You do not know him, I tell you
+again. He has had you watched every hour of the day while you have
+been here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Please credit me with a little resource, as well as your friend,&#8221; I
+answered with some slight irritation. &#8220;I have no doubt the spies of
+M. Petrovitch have watched me pretty closely, but they have not been
+able to watch every person who has come in and out of the hotel. Two
+of my most capable assistants have been in Petersburg for the last
+month&mdash;since the day you hinted that my life was not quite safe, in
+fact.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p><p>The woman before me looked completely overwhelmed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One of them,&#8221; I proceeded with cutting severity, &#8220;has taken the
+house I speak of. The other is watching over my personal safety at
+this moment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess fairly gave way. Sinking on the couch behind her, she
+exclaimed in a faint voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a demon, not a man!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was the finest compliment she could have paid me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; I said carelessly, &#8220;to carry out your admirable little
+idea.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The unhappy woman put up her hands, and turned away her head in sheer
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>I splashed some water into the tumbler, and then trickled in a small
+quantity afterward, to imitate the sound of adding the poison. This
+done I respectfully handed the bottle to my companion.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To our next meeting!&#8221; I called out lightly, as I lifted the tumbler
+to my lips and drained it.</p>
+
+<p>It was the Princess who swooned.</p>
+
+<p>Although I had not foreseen this weakness on her part I took
+advantage of it to draw the tiny key of the oratory from her bosom,
+and hide it in my mouth.</p>
+
+<p>I then touched the bell twice, the signal for the Princess&#8217;s maid to
+appear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fauchette,&#8221; I said, when she entered&mdash;for this was the assistant I
+had alluded to as watching over <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>my personal safety&mdash;&#8220;Madame has just
+given me the contents of that stoppered bottle. Do you know anything
+about them?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette had made good use of her time since obtaining her
+situation. These things are so easily managed that I am almost
+ashamed to explain that a bribe to the former maid had brought about
+a convenient illness, and the recommendation of Fauchette as a
+temporary substitute.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, Monsieur,&#8221; she said quietly. &#8220;I filled the bottle with water
+this afternoon, in case of accident. I have preserved the previous
+contents, in case you should care to have them analyzed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have done well, very well, my girl.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette blushed with pleasure. I do not often say so much to my
+staff.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Madame does not know that I had just emptied the bottle into that
+china bowl,&#8221; I added carelessly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is useless to try to serve Monsieur; he does everything himself,&#8221;
+murmured the poor girl, mortified.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nonsense, Fauchette, I have just praised you. It is always possible
+that I may overlook something.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette shook her head with an incredulous air.</p>
+
+<p>I have found it good policy to maintain this character for
+infallibility with my staff. It is true, perhaps, that I do not very
+often blunder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; I went on, &#8220;it is time for the poison <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>to take effect! As
+soon as I am dead, you will awake Madame.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I lay down on another couch, and composed myself in a rigid attitude
+with my eyes closed. I did not believe, of course, that it would be
+possible to deceive a close observer, but I trusted to the wild
+emotions of the Princess to blind her to any signs of life.</p>
+
+<p>I heard Fauchette dart on her mistress with a well-acted scream, and
+sprinkle her face and neck with cold water.</p>
+
+<p>Sophia seemed to revive quickly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Andreas!&#8221; I heard her gasp. &#8220;Where? What has become of him?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;M. Sterling has also fainted,&#8221; the maid replied with assumed
+innocence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ha!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was more like a shriek than a sob. I heard a hasty rustling of
+skirts, and then Sophia seemed to be kneeling beside me, and feeling
+for the beat of my heart.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go, Fauchette! Send Gregory instantly to M. Petrovitch to inform him
+that M. Sterling has been taken ill in my house, and that I fear he
+is dead.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess began loosening my necktie.</p>
+
+<p>Had Fauchette been present I should have been able to point to this
+as a proof that I was not incapable of an occasional oversight.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of fact, I had not anticipated this very <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>natural action
+on Sophia&#8217;s part. Yet it should have been evident that, were it only
+to keep up appearances before any one who might come to view my
+supposed corpse, she would be bound to free my neck.</p>
+
+<p>And I was wearing the locket which contained the portrait of my
+promised bride!</p>
+
+<p>I lay, really rigid with apprehension, while Sophia&#8217;s caressing
+fingers tenderly removed the necktie, and began unfastening my collar
+and shirt.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly I heard an ejaculation&mdash;at first striking the note of
+surprise and curiosity merely, but deepening to fear.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the locket was lifted from my chest, and forced open with
+a metallic click.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&mdash;Ah!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She let the open locket drop from her fingers on my bare throat.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly it was clutched up again. I could picture the frenzied gaze
+of jealousy and hate in those burning eyes of deepest violet; I could
+actually feel the passionate breathing from between the clenched
+teeth of whitest ivory.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Miserable child!&#8221; she hissed, the hand that held the locket
+trembling so that I could feel it against my neck. &#8220;So <i>you</i> have
+robbed me of him!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She paused, and then added, forcing out each word with a passion of
+distilled <span style="white-space: nowrap;">hate&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you shall never have him! He shall be mine! Mine! Mine, in the
+grave!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+
+<h3>A PERILOUS MOMENT</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; lay with every nerve strained to its utmost tension, listening for
+the least movement on the part of the maddened woman which might
+indicate she was about to stab me then and there.</p>
+
+<p>In the silence that followed, if she did not hear the beating of my
+heart it was only because her own stormy emotions had rendered her
+deaf and blind to everything else.</p>
+
+<p>For a time her rapid breathing continued to warm my uncovered neck.
+Then she snapped-to the locket and let it fall, and rose from my side
+to pace the floor of the room with swift, irregular steps.</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette, who must have been anxious to know how I was faring, now
+came back without waiting to be summoned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221; the Princess demanded, halting in her promenade.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Gregory has gone for M. Petrovitch, Madame. Is there anything I can
+do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I have tried every restorative,&#8221; came the answer. &#8220;See if you can
+detect any signs of life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The last command seemed to come as an afterthought. No doubt, Sophia
+wished to test her work before Petrovitch arrived.</p>
+
+<p>I was encouraged to think that she had no immediate intention of
+killing me; and as the maid bent over me I contrived to give her hand
+a reassuring squeeze.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is quite dead, Madame,&#8221; the girl said, turning away. &#8220;Would you
+like to have the body carried into another room?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. Wait till M. Petrovitch comes,&#8221; her mistress replied. &#8220;You can
+go.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As my assistant withdrew I again became on the alert for any
+dangerous move on the part of the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long before I was conscious that the room had grown
+darker.</p>
+
+<p>I gathered that Sophia had switched off some of the lights in order
+to make it more difficult for Petrovitch to detect her fraud, and
+again I took courage.</p>
+
+<p>Some muttered words helped me to understand the plan of the desperate
+woman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I will give him one chance. He shall choose. Men do not die for love
+in these days.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was little doubt that she intended to lock me up in her oratory
+and hold me a prisoner till <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>I consented to sacrifice my faith to her
+Japanese rival.</p>
+
+<p>Satisfied that there was little risk of any immediate violence, I
+waited calmly for the arrival of Sophia&#8217;s colleague, or master.</p>
+
+<p>The head of the Manchurian Syndicate lost no time on the way. Very
+soon I heard the door open and the familiar voice, with its slightly
+affected accent, saying,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Permit me to offer you the expression of my sincere regrets, dear
+Princess!&mdash;And my sincere congratulations,&#8221; he added in a more
+business-like tone, as the door closed again.</p>
+
+<p>A sigh was the only audible response.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It has cost you something, I can see,&#8221; the man&#8217;s voice resumed
+soothingly. &#8220;That fact gives you a still stronger claim on our
+gratitude. I confess I began to fear seriously that you were
+deceiving us, and that would have been very dangerous.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Another obscure sound, between a sigh and a sob, from the woman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now we can proceed with light hearts. Within three months from now
+Russia and Great Britain will be at war. I do not mind answering for
+it. There was only one man in Europe who could have prevented it, and
+he lies there!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You would have it so! I still say it would have been enough to
+imprison him somewhere.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You talk foolishly, believe me, Princess. A man like that is not to
+be imprisoned. There is no jailer in the world who would venture to
+undertake to keep the famous A. V. under lock and key.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I would have undertaken it,&#8221; came the answer. &#8220;I would have locked
+him in my oratory, the key of which never leaves my bosom.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nevertheless if it was important to that man to steal it from you,
+it would not remain in your bosom very long.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A startled cry interrupted the speaker, and told me that Sophia had
+made the fatal discovery of the loss of her key.</p>
+
+<p>I held my breath in the most dreadful suspense. Everything now
+depended on this woman. If she allowed the least hint, I knew that
+Petrovitch would never leave the room without at least an attempt to
+change my supposed trance into death.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately the Princess was equal to the emergency. I heard her give
+a slight laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am punished for my assurance,&#8221; she confessed. &#8220;I am not quite
+hardened, as you know; and when I realized that M. V&mdash;&mdash; was actually
+dead, I was obliged to pray for him. I have left the key in the
+door.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go and fetch it, then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The tone in which these words were spoken was harsh. I heard Sophia
+going out of the room, and in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>an instant, with a single bound, as it
+seemed, the man was leaning over me, feeling my pulse, listening for
+my heart, and testing whether I breathed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I had brought so much as a knife with me, I would have made
+sure,&#8221; I heard him mutter to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately Sophia&#8217;s absence did not last ten seconds. She must have
+snatched up the first key that came to hand, that of a jewel-box most
+likely, and hurried back with it.</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch seemed to turn away from me with reluctance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You doubt me, it appears,&#8221; came in angry tones from the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I doubt everybody,&#8221; was the cool rejoinder. &#8220;You were in love with
+this fellow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You think so? Then look at this.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I felt the locket being picked up, and heard the click of the tiny
+spring.</p>
+
+<p>A coarse laugh burst from the financier.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So that is it! Woman&#8217;s jealousy is safer than her sworn word, after
+all. Now I believe he <i>is</i> dead.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Princess made no reply.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the man spoke again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This must be kept a secret among ourselves, you understand. The
+truth is, I have exceeded my instructions a little. A certain
+personage only authorized detention. It appears he is like you in
+having a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>certain tenderness for this fellow&mdash;why, I can&#8217;t think. At
+any rate his manner was rather alarming when we hinted that a coffin
+made the safest straight-jacket.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible for me to doubt that it was the Kaiser whom this
+villain had insulted by offering to have me assassinated. I thanked
+Wilhelm II. silently for his chivalrous behavior. M. Petrovitch could
+have known little of the proud Hohenzollern whom he tempted.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time, it was a source of serious concern for me to know
+that, just as I had learned that my real opponent was my friend the
+Kaiser, so he in turn had acquired the knowledge that he had me
+against him.</p>
+
+<p>It had become a struggle, no longer in the dark, between the most
+resourceful of Continental sovereigns and myself, and that being so,
+I realized that I could not afford to rest long on my oars.</p>
+
+<p>From the deep breathing of the Princess, I surmised that she was
+choking down the rage she must have felt at the other&#8217;s cynical
+depravity. For Sophia, though capable of committing a murder out of
+jealousy perhaps, was yet incapable of killing for reward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; I heard Petrovitch say in the tone of one who is taking his
+leave, &#8220;I must send some one &#8217;round to remove our friend.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Do not trouble, if you please. I will see to the funeral,&#8221; came in
+icy tones from the Princess.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What, still sentimental! Be careful, my good Sophia Y&mdash;&mdash;, you will
+lose your value to us if you give way to such weaknesses.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I heard his steps move across the carpeted floor, and then with
+startling suddenness, the words came out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Curse me if I can believe he <i>is</i> dead!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>My blood ran cold. But it turned out to be only a passing
+exclamation. At the end of what seemed to me minutes&mdash;they can only
+have been seconds&mdash;the footsteps moved on, and the door opened and
+closed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank God!&#8221; burst from Sophia.</p>
+
+<p>Her next words were plainly an apostrophe to myself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you did not trust me after all!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was within an ace of opening my eyes on the supposition that she
+had found me out, when I was reassured by her adding, this time to
+herself,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He must have done it when I fainted!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw that she was referring to my theft of the key.</p>
+
+<p>There was a soft rustle of silk on the floor, and I felt her hands
+searching in my pockets for the stolen key.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fool! To think that I could outwit him!&#8221; she murmured to herself at
+last.</p>
+
+<p>She had taken some time to learn the lesson, however.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2>
+
+<h3>A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>t was soon evident that the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had taken her new maid
+into her confidence to a certain extent.</p>
+
+<p>She must have rung for Fauchette without my hearing anything, for
+presently the door opened again, and I heard my assistant&#8217;s voice.</p>
+
+<p>As the result of a hurried consultation between the two women, in
+which Fauchette played to perfection the part of a devoted maid who
+is only desirous to anticipate the wishes of her mistress, it was
+decided to wheel the sofa on which I lay into the oratory, and to
+bring the wax dummy into the Princess&#8217;s bedroom, to lie in state till
+the next day.</p>
+
+<p>The arrangement did not take long to carry out.</p>
+
+<p>Partly from what I was able to overhear, and partly from the report
+afterward furnished to me by Fauchette, I am able to relate
+succinctly what took place.</p>
+
+<p>To begin with, I was left in the oratory, while the counterfeit
+corpse was duly arranged in the adjoining room.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p><p>Unable to lock me in the smaller apartment, Sophia declared her
+intention of locking both the outer doors of the bedroom, one of
+which gave on a corridor, while the other, as the reader is aware,
+opened into the boudoir where the previous scene had taken place.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess retained one of these keys herself, entrusting the other
+to the maid, of course with the strictest injunctions as to its use.</p>
+
+<p>To keep up appearances before the household, the Princess arranged to
+pass the next few nights in another room on the same floor, which
+usually served as a guest chamber.</p>
+
+<p>It was explained to the servants that the death which had occurred
+had upset the nerves of their mistress, and rendered her own suite of
+rooms distasteful to her for the present.</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette, who thus became my jailer, brought me a supply of cold
+food and wine during the night. I had part of this provision under
+the altar of the oratory, to serve me during the following day.</p>
+
+<p>My cataleptic condition was supposed to endure for nearly twenty-four
+hours. The enforced seclusion was intensely irritating to a man of my
+temperament; but I could not evade it without revealing to Sophia
+that I had heard her confession, and thereby inflicting a deadly
+wound on a woman who loved me.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the arrangements for my funeral had been pressed on.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p><p>Already a telegram had appeared in the London papers announcing the
+sudden and unexpected death from heart-failure of the well-known
+English philanthropist, Mr. Melchisedak Sterling. One or two of the
+journals commented on the fact of Mr. Sterling&#8217;s death having taken
+place while he was on a mission of peace to the Russian capital, and
+expressed a hope that his death would have a chastening effect on the
+War Party in Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p>My friend, the editor of the Peace Review, very generously sent a
+wreath, which arrived too late for the funeral but was laid on my
+grave.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately these newspaper announcements were taken seriously by
+my exalted employers, as well as by the enemies whom I wished to
+deceive, but this could not be helped.</p>
+
+<p>By noon the undertaker&#8217;s men had arrived with my coffin. The Princess
+played upon their ignorance of English customs and burial rites to
+pretend that the work of coffining must be done by women&#8217;s hands. In
+this way she and Fauchette were able to enclose the dummy in its
+wooden shell, leaving to the men only the task of screwing down the
+lid.</p>
+
+<p>The burial took place in the English cemetery. I am glad to say that
+the Princess contrived to avoid the mockery of a religious service by
+alleging that Mr. Sterling had belonged to a peculiar sect&mdash;the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>Quakers, I fancy&mdash;which holds such ceremonies to be worldly and
+unnecessary.</p>
+
+<p>I may add that I have since visited my grave, which is still to be
+seen in a corner of the cemetery. It is marked by a stone slab with
+an inscription in English.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon the faithful Fauchette persuaded her mistress to go
+out for a drive, to soothe her over-strained nerves.</p>
+
+<p>Before quitting the house, the Princess came in to take a last look
+at me.</p>
+
+<p>She lingered minute after minute, as though with some premonition
+that our next meeting would be under widely different circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>To herself, I heard her whisper, sighing softly:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Andreas! O Andreas! If I could sleep, or thou couldst never wake!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She crept away, and the better to secure me locked both the bedroom
+doors herself, and carried off the keys.</p>
+
+<p>On her return, two hours later, Sophia, with a look that told the
+watchful Fauchette of her uneasiness, hurried straight up-stairs,
+toward the door of the little oratory.</p>
+
+<p>She found it locked from the outside, with the key in the door.</p>
+
+<p>It had cost me something to break my pledge to the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;
+that I would give her my new address before leaving her.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p><p>But her unfortunate discovery of the portrait I wore around my neck
+and her plainly-declared intention to hold me a prisoner till she
+could shake my fidelity, had rendered it necessary for me to meet
+treachery with treachery.</p>
+
+<p>The secret service, it must always be borne in mind, has its own code
+of honor, differing on many points from that obtaining in other
+careers, but perhaps stricter on the whole.</p>
+
+<p>For instance, I can lay my hand on my heart and declare that I have
+never done either of two things which are done every day by men
+holding high offices and high places in the world&#8217;s esteem. I have
+never taken a secret commission. And I have never taken advantage of
+my political information to gamble in stocks.</p>
+
+<p>The manner of my escape was simplicity itself.</p>
+
+<p>My assistant had not come to live with the Princess without making
+some preparations for the part she was to play, and these included
+the bringing with her of a bunch of skeleton keys, fully equal to the
+work of opening any ordinary lock.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as her mistress was safely out of the way, Fauchette came to
+receive my instructions.</p>
+
+<p>I told her that I did not intend to wait for my jailer&#8217;s return. We
+discussed the best way for me to slip out, without obstruction from
+the servants, and I decided to take advantage of the superstition of
+the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>Russian illiterate class, by enacting the part of my own ghost.</p>
+
+<p>The report that I had been buried without any funeral service had
+already reached the household, and had prepared them for any
+supernatural manifestation.</p>
+
+<p>Fauchette first brought me a little powdered chalk, with which I
+smeared my face. I then put on a long flowing cloak and a sombrero
+hat, part of the wardrobe accumulated by the Princess in the course
+of her gaieties.</p>
+
+<p>I slipped a damp sponge into my pocket and directed the girl to lead
+the way.</p>
+
+<p>She went down-stairs a few yards in front of me, turned into the
+servants&#8217; part of the house and threw open the back door, which led
+out into a courtyard giving on a street used only by tradesmen&#8217;s
+carts. At this hour of the day it was deserted.</p>
+
+<p>I followed cautiously in Fauchette&#8217;s wake, and got as far as the back
+door without meeting any interruption.</p>
+
+<p>But at that point, the porter, who must have been roused by an
+unfamiliar step&mdash;though I understand he swore afterward that the
+passage of the ghost had been absolutely noiseless&mdash;came out and
+stood in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>Without hesitating for an instant I assumed an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>erect posture and
+advanced swiftly toward him with my whitened face well displayed.</p>
+
+<p>The fellow gave vent to a half-articulate call which died down in his
+throat, and bolted back into his room uttering yell after yell.</p>
+
+<p>Fifteen seconds later I was out in the street, sponging the chalk
+from my face.</p>
+
+<p>And five minutes after that I was comfortably seated in a hired
+droshky, on my way to a certain little house in the seafaring quarter
+of the city, which possessed, among other advantages, that of
+commanding an exceedingly fine view of the Admiralty Pier.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2>
+
+<h3>A SECRET EXECUTION</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; now come to a part of my chronicle which I plainly foresee must
+expose me to grave criticism.</p>
+
+<p>To that criticism it is no part of my purpose to attempt any reply.</p>
+
+<p>In the long run, I have found, men&#8217;s minds are not much affected by
+argument and advocacy. Facts tell their own story, and men&#8217;s
+judgments are usually the result of their personal prejudices.</p>
+
+<p>For that reason I shall confine myself to relating facts. I have
+already told the story of my murder&mdash;for such it was in the
+intent&mdash;by Petrovitch. I shall now tell the story of the justice
+meted out by me on the assassin.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I was safely lodged in my house on the Alexander Quay, I
+despatched my assistant, a clever young Frenchman named Breuil, with
+a message to the promoter of the Manchurian Syndicate&mdash;the real
+moving spirit of that War clique in which even the bellicose grand
+dukes had only secondary parts.</p>
+
+<p>The wording of the message had been carefully calculated to arouse
+curiosity, but not apprehension.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;The agent of a foreign Power,&#8221; Breuil was instructed to say to this
+self-styled patriot, &#8220;with very large funds at his disposal, desires
+to see you in strict secrecy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The bait took. Petrovitch, naturally concluding that he was to be
+offered a heavy bribe for some act of treachery to Russia, greedily
+accepted the invitation.</p>
+
+<p>The infatuated man did not take even the ordinary precaution of
+asking for guarantees. He consented to accompany Breuil at once,
+merely asking how far he had to go. This recklessness was the result
+of his supposed triumphant crime. Believing that I was safely
+interred in the English cemetery, he thought there was no one left
+for him to fear.</p>
+
+<p>On the way he did his best to extract some information out of my
+assistant. But Breuil returned the same answer to all his questions
+and hints:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am under orders not to converse with you, monsieur.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The doomed man was in good spirits as the droshky put him down at the
+door of my house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Decidedly an out-of-the-way retreat!&#8221; he commented gaily. &#8220;I should
+hardly be able to find my way here again without your assistance!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The silent Breuil merely bowed, as he proceeded to open the street
+door with a latch key.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps Petrovitch had been a little more nervous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>than he allowed to
+appear. When he noticed that his escort simply closed the door on the
+latch, without locking or bolting it further, he said in a tone of
+relief:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are not much afraid of being visited by the police, I see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil, as silent as ever, led the way into a back parlor,
+overlooking the Neva, where I was waiting to receive my visitor.</p>
+
+<p>The room was plainly furnished as a study, and I had placed myself in
+an arm-chair facing the window, so that my back was turned to the
+door as Petrovitch entered.</p>
+
+<p>I pretended to be writing furiously, as a pretext for not turning my
+head till the visitor had seated himself.</p>
+
+<p>Breuil said quietly, &#8220;M. Petrovitch is here,&#8221; and went out of the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>As the door closed I tossed away my pen and turned around, facing my
+assassin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am pleased to see you, M. Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I thought he would have lost his senses. His whole countenance
+changed. He clung to his chair, and his eyes were fixed on me with an
+expression of panic.</p>
+
+<p>So complete was his collapse that he did not attempt to speak or
+excuse himself. I saw that he was hardly in a condition to listen to
+anything I had to say.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I fear you are unwell, M. Petrovitch. Allow me to offer you a little
+brandy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The wretched man watched me with bewildered looks, as I took a bottle
+and glasses from a cupboard and helped first him and then myself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is quite wholesome, I assure you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As I said the words I raised my own glass to my lips and sipped.</p>
+
+<p>A choking cry escaped from the author of the war. He seized the glass
+I had set before him and feverishly drained it.</p>
+
+<p>I saw that he was burning to know by what means I had escaped the
+fate prepared for me. But I had no object in gratifying his
+curiosity, and mere boasting is not a weakness of mine.</p>
+
+<p>Steadfastly preserving the tone of a business interview between men
+who understand each other, I went on to say:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am here, as you know, in the joint interests of England and
+Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>My murderer nodded faintly. I could see him making a tremendous
+effort to control his nerves, and enter into conversation with me on
+my own terms.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I think I should be glad of a little more brandy. Thank you!&mdash;I am
+not at all myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head compassionately.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You should be careful to avoid too much excitement,&#8221;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> I said. &#8220;Any
+sudden shock is bad for a man with your nerves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The promoter gasped. The situation was clearly beyond him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You,&#8221; I went on in my most matter-of-fact tone, &#8220;on the contrary,
+are acting on behalf of Germany.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who says so!&#8221; He was beginning to speak fiercely; but his eye met
+mine, and the words died on his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will say I dreamed it, if you like,&#8221; I responded drily. &#8220;I have
+very remarkable dreams sometimes, and learn a great deal from them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To confine ourselves to business. I have caused the sailing of this
+Baltic Fleet to be put off, <span style="white-space: nowrap;">because&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&mdash;have caused it!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The interruption burst from him in spite of himself.</p>
+
+<p>I affected to shrug my shoulders with a certain annoyance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your opinion of my powers does not seem to be a very high one,
+unfortunately,&#8221; I remarked with irony. &#8220;It would be better if you
+accepted me as a serious antagonist, believe me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch lowered his eyes in confusion, as he muttered,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I apologize, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;. I have blundered, as I now perceive.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Let us resume. I was about to say that I had prevented the sailing
+of this fleet, because I feared that its voyage might be marked by
+some incident likely to bring Great Britain and Russia into
+collision.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The financier raised his head and watched me keenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You, yourself, M. Petrovitch, have been active, I believe, in
+preparing the mind of the Czar and the Russian public for something
+of the sort. Doubtless you have not done so without very good
+grounds.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My information leads me to think that a flotilla of torpedo boats is
+being kept ready in the English ports for a night attack on our fleet
+during its progress through the North Sea.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I smiled disdainfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is a false report. I have asked you to call here in the hope
+that I might find you ready to assist me in discrediting it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian continued to watch me out of his narrow eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And, also,&#8221; I added, &#8220;to assist me in preventing any attempt to give
+color to it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am not sure that I understand you, Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is quite possible. I will speak more plainly. There are some
+prophets who take a little trouble to make their prophesies come
+true. I wish to know whether you and your friends have determined
+that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>this particular prophesy shall come true&mdash;perhaps to fulfill it
+yourselves?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch frowned and compressed his lips.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So that is why you got me here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wished to see,&#8221; I said blandly, &#8220;if it was possible for me to
+offer you terms which might induce you to alter your views
+altogether&mdash;in short, to stop the war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The financier looked thunderstruck.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;, you don&#8217;t know what you ask! But you&mdash;would a
+million rubles tempt you to come over, to be neutral, even?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am a member, by adoption, of the imperial family of Japan,&#8221; I
+replied laconically.</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch was past surprise. If I had informed him that I was the
+Mikado in disguise, I think he would have taken it as a matter of
+course.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This war is worth ten millions to me,&#8221; he confessed hoarsely.</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head with resignation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The price is too high. We must be enemies, not friends, I perceive.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The author of the war, who had regained his self-possession, did not
+blanch at these words.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I regret it,&#8221; he said with a courteous inclination.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have reason to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He gave me a questioning glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Up to the present I have been on the defensive,&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>I explained. &#8220;I
+dislike violent measures. But from this moment I shall hold myself at
+liberty to use them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid I have gone rather too far,&#8221; the promoter hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have drugged me. You have robbed me. You have murdered me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are alive, however,&#8221; he ventured to retort with an impudent
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Unfortunately,&#8221; I went on sternly, &#8220;in murdering me you exceeded
+your instructions.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I dreamed that I heard you tell your accomplice so,&#8221; I put in,
+without giving him a chance to speak.</p>
+
+<p>He ceased to meet my gaze.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are therefore not even a political criminal. You are a common
+felon. As such I warn you that I shall execute you without notice,
+and without reprieve.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian scowled fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will see about that,&#8221; he blustered. &#8220;I have a loaded revolver in
+my pocket.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I waved my hand scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Undeceive yourself, George Petrovitch. I am not proposing a duel. I
+cannot be expected to fight with a condemned murderer. I sentence you
+to death&mdash;and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By what right?&#8221; he demanded furiously.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am accredited by the Emperor of Japan to the Emperor of Russia.
+This house is Japanese soil. Farewell!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Petrovitch rose from his chair, wavering between indignation and
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall defend myself!&#8221; he exclaimed, edging slowly toward the door.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will do better to confess yourself. Is there no prayer that you
+wish to say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian smiled incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You seem very confident,&#8221; he sneered.</p>
+
+<p>I saw that it was useless to try to rouse him to a sense of his
+peril. I pointed to the door, and pressed a knob on the wall.</p>
+
+<p>The murderer made two steps from me, laid his fingers on the
+door-handle&mdash;and dropped dead instantly.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h2>
+
+<h3>A CHANGE OF IDENTITY</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; now approach the crucial portion of my narrative.</p>
+
+<p>The incidents already dealt with, though not without a certain
+interest, perhaps, for those who value exact information about
+political events, are comparatively unimportant, and have been given
+here chiefly in order to inspire confidence in what follows.</p>
+
+<p>At all events, their truth is not likely to be disputed, and I have
+not thought it necessary, therefore, to insist on every corroborative
+detail.</p>
+
+<p>But I am now about to enter on what must be considered debatable
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>I had taken the little house on the Alexander Quay, as the reader
+will have guessed, as a post of observation from which to watch the
+proceedings of the Russian Ministry of Marine, more particularly with
+regard to the fleet under the command of Admiral Rojestvensky.</p>
+
+<p>It is my subsequent observations and discoveries which compel me,
+greatly to my regret, to give a direct contradiction to the gallant
+Admiral&#8217;s version of what <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>took place in the North Sea on the night
+of Trafalgar Day, 1904.</p>
+
+<p>It is for that reason that I desire to exercise particular care in
+this part of my statement.</p>
+
+<p>Such care is the more incumbent on me, inasmuch as I was requested by
+the British Government to furnish a confidential copy of my evidence
+in advance, for the use of the members of the international court
+which sat in Paris to inquire into this most mysterious affair.</p>
+
+<p>The following chapters should be read, therefore, as the sworn
+depositions of a witness, and not as the carelessly worded account of
+a journalist or popular historian.</p>
+
+<p>The electrocution of the murderer, Petrovitch, already described,
+furnished me with a valuable opportunity which I was quick to seize.</p>
+
+<p>I have not extenuated this act, and I will not defend it. I content
+myself with recording that this man had been the principal instrument
+in promoting the Russo-Japanese war, and the principal obstacle to
+peace. In this he was acting as the paid agent of a foreign Power,
+and was therefore guilty of high treason to his own country. On these
+grounds my execution of him, although irregular at the time, has
+since been formally ratified by the highest tribunal of the Russian
+Empire, the Imperial Council of State.</p>
+
+<p>A justification which I value still more, consists in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>the fact that
+the removal of this man proved the turning point in the history of
+the war.</p>
+
+<p>Within a month of his death I had the satisfaction to be made the
+medium of an informal overture for peace. The negotiations thus
+opened have proceeded with great secrecy, but before these lines meet
+the public eye, I have every hope that the calamitous struggle in
+Manchuria will have been suspended indefinitely.</p>
+
+<p>To return:</p>
+
+<p>Owing to the secret life led by the deceased man, it was some time
+before his absence from his usual haunts excited remark.</p>
+
+<p>When it became evident that something must have happened to him,
+people were still slow to suspect that he had come to a violent end.
+Many persons believed that he had been ruined by the ill-success of
+the war, and had gone into hiding from his creditors. Others supposed
+that he had been secretly arrested.</p>
+
+<p>Some of his fellow-plotters in the Russian capital imagined that he
+had fled to Germany to escape the penalty of his treason. In Germany,
+on the other hand, I afterward learned, he was supposed to have been
+sent to Siberia by order of the Czar.</p>
+
+<p>For weeks the &#8220;Disappearance of M. Petrovitch&#8221; was the general topic
+of discussion in the newspapers and in private circles; but no one
+came near guessing the truth.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p><p>There was one person who must have divined from the first what had
+happened. But she held her tongue.</p>
+
+<p>So far as I could gather from the reports which continued to reach me
+from Fauchette, the Princess <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;</span> had sunk into a lethargy after my
+evasion. She seemed to wish only to be left alone to brood, perhaps
+to mourn.</p>
+
+<p>The only sign she gave was by depositing a wreath on the empty grave
+in the English cemetery, a wreath which bore the solitary word,
+&#8220;Remembrance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile I had gratifying evidence that the loss of the chief
+conspirator had completely disorganized the schemes of the plotters
+in the Ministry of Marine.</p>
+
+<p>My first proceeding, after disconnecting the powerful battery which I
+had installed in my house for the purpose of the execution, was to
+summon my assistant Breuil.</p>
+
+<p>With his aid, the corpse was stripped and sewn up in a sheet,
+together with some heavy weights. In the middle of the night it was
+committed to the waters of the Neva, almost within sight and sound of
+the fleet.</p>
+
+<p>The papers which we found in his clothes were not numerous or
+important. But there was one which I thought worth preserving.</p>
+
+<p>It was a passport, made out in the name of the deceased, issued by
+the Russian Foreign Office, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>vis&eacute;d by the German Ambassador. This
+passport I still have in my possession.</p>
+
+<p>I now disclosed to my assistant a plan which had been in my own mind
+for some time, though, true to my principle of never making an
+unnecessary confidence, I had not previously mentioned it to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have decided,&#8221; I told him, &#8220;to assume the personality of
+Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil stared at me in consternation. It is only fair to say that he
+had not been with me very long.</p>
+
+<p>I could see that some objection was trembling on the tip of his
+tongue. He had learned, however, that I expect my staff not to
+criticize, but to obey.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You may speak,&#8221; I said indulgently, &#8220;if you have anything to say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was about to remark, sir, that you are not in the least like
+Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Think again,&#8221; I said mildly.</p>
+
+<p>He gave me an intelligent look.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are much about the same height!&#8221; he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But his friends, who see him every day&mdash;surely they cannot be
+deceived? And then his business&mdash;his correspondence&mdash;but perhaps you
+are able to feign handwriting?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I smiled. The good Breuil had passed from one <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>extreme to the other.
+Instead of doubting me, he was crediting me too much.</p>
+
+<p>I proceeded to explain.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, as you very properly suggest, I could not hope to deceive
+Petrovitch&#8217;s friends, nor can I imitate his hand. But remember, that
+in a few days Petrovitch will have disappeared. What will have become
+of him, do you suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil was still puzzled. I had to make my meaning still plainer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He will be in concealment&mdash;that is to say, in disguise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil threw up his hands in a gesture of admiration.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As the disguised Petrovitch I may manage to pass very well, more
+particularly as I shall be meeting people who have never seen the
+real Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Breuil did not quite understand this last observation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am going,&#8221; I exclaimed, &#8220;on board the Baltic Fleet.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sir, you are magnificent!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I frowned down his enthusiasm. Compliments are compliments only when
+they come from those who pay us, not from those whom we pay.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go and procure me the uniform of a superintendent of naval stores.
+And ascertain for me where <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>Captain Vassileffsky usually passes his
+evenings.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Vassileffsky was the naval officer who had been present on
+the occasion when I was drugged at Petrovitch&#8217;s table.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI</h2>
+
+<h3>TRAPPED</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he clock was striking eight as I entered the restaurant of the
+Two-Headed Eagle, in the seaport of Revel on the Gulf of Finland,
+about a week after the mysterious disappearance of Petrovitch had
+become the talk of Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p>Picking out a table at which an officer in the uniform of a Russian
+naval captain was already seated, I went up to it, and sat down in
+front of him with the formal bow prescribed by etiquette in the
+circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>The ships intended to sail to the relief of Port Arthur were lying at
+this time some at Revel and others at Libau on the Baltic. From time
+to time their departure was officially announced for a certain date,
+reviews were held, and one or two preliminary trips had been
+undertaken.</p>
+
+<p>But each time some unseen obstacle was interposed, and M. Auguste
+continued to draw his weekly stipend.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless it was beginning to be evident that the game of see-saw
+could not go on forever. Autumn <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>was approaching, the nation was
+becoming impatient, and the scoffs of the foreign press were severely
+galling the naval pride of Russia.</p>
+
+<p>I had picked up a certain amount of information in the capital
+itself, where a great number of the officers were on leave. But I
+wished to get in direct touch with the one man who, I believed, was
+most likely to be in the confidence of Petrovitch, and, finding there
+was no chance of his coming to Petersburg, I had been obliged to make
+the journey to Revel.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky acknowledged my bow with cordiality, at the same time
+fixing his dark, wicked eyes on me with a look which I well
+understood.</p>
+
+<p>I was wearing the uniform which I had ordered my assistant to provide
+me with, and the Captain had been quick to take note of it.</p>
+
+<p>It may be said that the most valuable part of a naval officer&#8217;s
+income in Russia is derived from the peculation of government stores.
+To carry on this lucrative system of plunder there is always a good
+understanding between officials of the Stores Department and the
+combatant officers.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Vassileffsky now studied my face like a man expecting to
+receive some proposal of the kind. I, on my side, made it my business
+to say as little as possible to him till dinner was over.</p>
+
+<p>Then I called for a magnum of champagne, and invited my companion to
+fill a tumbler.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p><p>He did so readily enough, and I gave him the toast,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To the Emperor who wishes us well!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky started, and gave me a penetrating look.</p>
+
+<p>He did not venture to put a question to me, however, and contented
+himself with drinking the toast in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Determined not to say anything as long as the Captain remained sober,
+I plied him with champagne in increasing quantities, while taking as
+little as possible myself.</p>
+
+<p>On his side Vassileffsky was equally reserved. He saw, of course,
+that I had a special object in courting his friendship, and was
+cunning enough to let me make the first advance.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I thought the wine had had time to confuse his faculties,
+I leaned forward and whispered,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve got something to say to you about Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Captain looked at me eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know where he is?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not so loud. Yes. He has had to disguise himself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I spoke in a muffled tone, which Vassileffsky imitated in his
+response.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is he? I want to see him very badly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know. He wants to see you. He is here in Revel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;In Revel! Isn&#8217;t that dangerous?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be if he weren&#8217;t so well disguised. You, yourself, wouldn&#8217;t
+know him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky looked incredulous.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I bet I should.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Done with you! What in?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A dozen magnums.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pay for them, then. <i>I&#8217;m Petrovitch.</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Captain started, shook himself, and peered drunkenly into my
+face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Read that then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I drew out the passport, and spread it before him. The Russian
+spelled his way through it, and nodded solemnly at the end.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, that&#8217;s all right. You must be Petrovitch, I suppose. But you
+don&#8217;t look like him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Didn&#8217;t I tell you I was disguised. I had to clear out in a hurry.
+Some one&#8217;s been denouncing me to Nicholas.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky looked frightened. His eye sought the door, as though he
+no longer felt at ease in my company.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You needn&#8217;t be afraid,&#8221; I assured him. &#8220;No one suspects you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what do you want?&#8221; he asked sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want you to take me on board your ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>An angry frown crossed his face.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You want me to hide you from the police!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nonsense. The police are all right. They want me to get away. They
+could have put their hands on me long ago if they had wanted to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then why have you come here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I told you. I want to have a talk with you about our plans.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The plan is all right. But I want to know when we&#8217;re to sail.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m doing all I can. It&#8217;s only a question of weeks now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky looked hard at me again, bent across the table, and
+whispered a word which I failed to understand.</p>
+
+<p>Something in his face warned me that it was a password. I recovered
+myself from my momentary confusion and smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The word&#8217;s changed,&#8221; I said with an air of authority. &#8220;It&#8217;s <i>North
+Sea</i> and <i>Canal</i>.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Russian seemed satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; he said, stumbling to his feet, &#8220;if we&#8217;re going on board we&#8217;d
+better go.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t forget the magnums,&#8221; I put in, as I rose in my turn.</p>
+
+<p>The reckoning was settled, and the champagne ordered to follow us
+down to the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky nearly lost his footing as we got out into the fresh
+air, and caught hold of my arm.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll have to lead me,&#8221; he said, speaking thickly. &#8220;Straight along
+the street, and down the first turning on the quay.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>We walked along, arm-in-arm, my companion appearing to become more
+helpless every minute.</p>
+
+<p>As we emerged from the narrow lane which conducted us to the
+waterside, the lights of the harbor burst into view. There on the
+tide lay a long line of stately battleships, cruisers and dark,
+low-lying torpedo boats, their riding lights flashing and twinkling
+in a thousand reflections on the waves.</p>
+
+<p>A drunken hail from the Captain was responded to by a respectful hail
+from a Russian petty officer, who was lounging at the head of some
+stone steps.</p>
+
+<p>He came forward and assisted his commanding officer down and into the
+launch which waited below. I followed, and the bottles of champagne
+were handed in afterward.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky seized the tiller with more energy than he had seemed
+capable of, and headed the launch for a great battleship, the
+<i>Beresina</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes we were alongside. A smart landing stage and ladder
+brought us up on to the deck, and as soon as our feet touched it,
+Captain Vassileffsky, suddenly drawing himself up, said in distinct
+and sober tones,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Consider yourself under arrest, if you please&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I was a prisoner on board a Russian man-of-war!</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BALTIC FLEET</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcf.jpg" title="F" height="70" width="69" alt="F" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">F</span>ortunately I am accustomed to face emergencies without losing my
+presence of mind.</p>
+
+<p>The manner of Vassileffsky had prepared me for some display of
+suspicion on his part, though I hardly anticipated his procedure
+would be so theatrical.</p>
+
+<p>Fixing him with my sternest look, I responded,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Captain Vassileffsky, I do not think you quite understand what you
+are doing. I will talk to you in the morning, when you are more
+yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He drew back, considerably disconcerted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well, I will listen to what you have to say in the morning. In
+the meantime you will be under a guard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shrugged my shoulders with a disdainful smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Be good enough to let me see my quarters,&#8221; I said.</p>
+
+<p>More and more abashed, the Captain summoned one of his officers, and
+gave him some instructions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Follow me, sir,&#8221; said the lieutenant. I walked after him with
+perfect self-possession.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I do not wish to make a fuss to-night, as Captain Vassileffsky is
+not himself,&#8221; I said haughtily, as we drew out of hearing. &#8220;But you
+will understand that unless I receive an apology in the morning, I
+shall complain to his majesty the Czar, by whose orders I am here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant looked badly frightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is not my fault, as you can see, sir. I am only obeying orders.
+Will you accept my own berth for the night, sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I thanked him and entered a small, comfortably-fitted state-room.
+With profuse apologies, he turned the key and left me to my own
+reflections.</p>
+
+<p>I slept soundly, rocked by the tide of the Finland Gulf.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning my jailer came to wake me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Captain Vassileffsky presents his compliments, and asks you to
+breakfast with him in his cabin, in half an hour.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This message was a welcome proof to me that my bluff had produced the
+desired effect. I accepted the invitation as if it was a matter of
+course.</p>
+
+<p>I dressed, and went to the cabin where Vassileffsky awaited me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are we friends or foes this morning?&#8221; I called out with a
+good-humored laugh, as I greeted him.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian looked dull and nervous.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I hope all will be well,&#8221; he muttered. &#8220;Let us have something to eat
+before we talk.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He might have said, something to drink, for his own breakfast was
+mainly of champagne. I, myself, made a point of eating heartily, and
+drank only coffee.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, Vassileffsky,&#8221; I said in authoritative tones, &#8220;to business.
+First of all, you want some money.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was a guess, but a fairly safe one. Without waiting for the
+astonished man to reply, I took out my pocket-book.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How much can you do with till the fleet sails?&#8221; I asked, still in
+the same matter-of-fact tone.</p>
+
+<p>Fairly nonplussed, the Captain blurted out,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should like two thousand.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I shook my head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can let you have only a thousand now, but you shall have the
+balance this day week.&#8221; I counted the thousand rubles, and handed
+them to him. &#8220;They are grumbling, rather, in Berlin over the
+expense.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was, of course, my object to give Vassileffsky no opening for a
+cross-examination, but to take it for granted that we were on
+confidential terms.</p>
+
+<p>At the word &#8220;Berlin&#8221; he opened his eyes pretty wide.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Does this money come from Germany?&#8221; he exclaimed, half-withdrawing
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p><p>I affected surprise in my turn.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have not received any information at all, apparently! My message
+must have miscarried. Didn&#8217;t the Princess see you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky looked still more surprised. His demeanor taught me a
+good deal. I saw that Petrovitch had not trusted him very far. The
+financier had evidently kept all the threads of the intrigue in his
+own hands, as far as possible.</p>
+
+<p>So much the better, I reflected. His removal would disorganize
+matters even more thoroughly than I had ventured to hope.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What Princess?&#8221; the Captain asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;, of course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He brightened up a little, as though this name, at all events, was
+familiar.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, she has not been here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One can never trust these women,&#8221; I muttered aloud. &#8220;She has not
+been at all the same since the death of her Englishman.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of Sterling, do you mean?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes. You heard of it, I suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky grinned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Rather sudden, wasn&#8217;t it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I smiled meaningly, as I retorted,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You remember he fainted rather unexpectedly that night he dined with
+me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A look of relief broke out on Vassileffsky&#8217;s face, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>I thus
+referred to an incident which he naturally supposed could be known
+only to Petrovitch.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My dear fellow, I beg a thousand pardons for my stupid conduct last
+night,&#8221; he burst out. &#8220;But you must admit that your disguise is
+extraordinary.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not a word!&#8221; I returned. &#8220;It is always better to err on the side of
+distrust. Besides, I wished to spend a night on your ship in any
+case. Your crew can be thoroughly depended on, if I am any judge.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They would bombard the Tower of London, if I gave the word,&#8221; boasted
+Vassileffsky.</p>
+
+<p>It is extraordinary how widely the belief prevails on the Continent
+of Europe that the London Tower is still a fortress, charged with the
+protection of the British capital.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At all events, they will not be frightened by the sight of the Union
+Jack?&#8221; I returned.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian officer gave me an alarmed glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You do not mean&mdash;you are not asking us to fire on the British
+fleet?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, no,&#8221; I reassured him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah, that is all right. For the moment I confess you frightened me.
+They say we shall have to pass Admiral Beresford!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are you prepared to do?&#8221; I asked, concealing my deep interest
+in the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky&#8217;s manner became slightly reproachful.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You did not bargain with me to attack an armed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>ship,&#8221; he said in
+the tone of one who reminds another of his agreement. &#8220;It was
+understood that we were to attack merchantmen, like the
+Vladivostockers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At last I had a direct confirmation of my suspicions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what is the tone of the fleet generally?&#8221; I inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have done my best to make them all of the same mind. They will do
+their best, depend on it. I think there will be a few English vessels
+mysteriously lost at sea during the next two or three months! The
+prize courts cannot always be depended on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>By an effort I restrained my indignation at these atrocious hints.
+The Baltic Fleet was about to seek the open sea, secretly intending
+to miss no chance of sinking a British merchantman that should be
+unlucky enough to cross its path.</p>
+
+<p>It was with a feeling of chagrin that I perceived it would be useless
+to send any message to Lord Bedale of what was in preparation. On
+certain subjects the British people are deaf and blind. They believe
+that all foreign statesmen are as high-minded as a Gladstone, and all
+foreign officials as scrupulous and truthful as the Chevalier Bayard
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Vassileffsky continued,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Our men are badly scared by reports of the Japanese plans. It is
+supposed that they have torpedo<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> boats lurking in the English ports.
+Hull is said to be full of them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, Hull?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky gave me a wink.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hull is the great fishing center. Whole fleets of traders come out
+from there to the fishing banks in the North Sea. We are going to
+stir them up a bit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The outlines of the plot became every moment more clear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On what pretext?&#8221; I asked.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian answered me without noticing that I was not so well
+informed as himself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, we shall find pretexts enough, you bet. For one thing, we shall
+signal them to clear out of the way, and when they have their trawl
+nets down and can&#8217;t move! That will be lively. There will be a
+collision or two, I shouldn&#8217;t wonder.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But isn&#8217;t that against the rule of the road?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Though not a seaman, I had always heard that a vessel in motion is
+bound to avoid one that is at rest. I knew, moreover, that a
+steamship was bound to make way for a sailing vessel.</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky cursed the rule of the road.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will be a question of evidence,&#8221; he exclaimed. &#8220;My word against a
+dirty fisherman&#8217;s. What do you say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I pretended to be thoroughly satisfied. Still, knowing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> what I did of
+the Russian character, I had some hope that the Captain was boasting
+in order to impress me, and that he would not really dare to run down
+a British vessel within reach of the shores of England.</p>
+
+<p>Our conversation was interrupted by a gun.</p>
+
+<p>As the report died away, a junior officer ran down the companionway,
+helter-skelter, and burst into the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Something&#8217;s up, sir,&#8221; he cried to his commander. &#8220;They are signaling
+from the Admiral&#8217;s ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Vassileffsky darted up the steps and on to the bridge, and I
+followed.</p>
+
+<p>The Baltic fleet presented a striking spectacle. Every vessel was
+busily reporting the signals from the flag ship, the launches were
+dashing to and fro, and there was every sign of bustle and activity.</p>
+
+<p>The signal officer read out Admiral Rojestvensky&#8217;s order:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The fleet will proceed to Libau to-day <i>en route</i> to the East.
+Anchors will be weighed at noon. By order of the Czar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>M. Auguste had failed me at last!</p>
+
+<p>With the frightful boasts of Vassileffsky still ringing in my ears, I
+felt that I must make one effort to stay its departure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This news compels me to return to Petersburg immediately,&#8221; I told
+the Captain. &#8220;Have the goodness to put me ashore at once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p><p>For a moment or two the Russian made no answer. I glanced at him
+curiously.</p>
+
+<p>His face had gone suddenly livid. His limbs were trembling. He gave
+me the dull look of a man stupefied by fear.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Japanese!&#8221; he ejaculated in a thick voice.</p>
+
+<p>I seized him by the arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you pretending?&#8221; I whispered.</p>
+
+<p>He gave me a savage glance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s true!&#8221; he said. &#8220;Those devils will be up to something. It&#8217;s all
+over with the fleet. No one believes we shall ever see Port Arthur.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Grave and pre-occupied, I went ashore and caught a fast train to
+Petersburg.</p>
+
+<p>It was late when I got to the little house on the Alexander Quay. The
+faithful Breuil received me with a serious face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fauchette is here,&#8221; he announced.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fauchette?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes. She has some news for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let me see her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I strode in front to my study, where I was immediately joined by the
+maid, who appeared not a little alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>I never like to see my assistants agitated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sit down, my good girl,&#8221; I said soothingly. &#8220;Do not be afraid; I
+know what pains you take to serve me. Now, what is it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Madame has dismissed me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I had feared as much.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On what grounds?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She gave none, except that she was leaving home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I pricked up my ears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Did she tell you where she was going?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, to her estates in the country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was a lie, I suppose. She had come to suspect you, had she not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Since Monsieur&#8217;s escape, I fear yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And have you ascertained&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess has left Petersburg by the midday train for&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For?&#8221; I broke in impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I rang the bell. Breuil appeared.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you got the tickets?&#8221; I asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And my dress as a pilot of the Kiel Canal?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is packed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what time does the next train leave?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In two hours from now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good. And now, my children, we will have supper.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2>
+
+<h3>ON THE TRACK</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>s the really exciting moment of the protracted struggle drew near, I
+summoned all my energies to meet it.</p>
+
+<p>I alighted in Berlin armed only with two weapons, the passport made
+out in the name of Petrovitch, and a fairly accurate knowledge of the
+schemes, or at all events the hopes, of the German Government.</p>
+
+<p>From the first beginning of my long investigation, all the clues I
+had picked up had led steadily in one direction.</p>
+
+<p>The great disorganized Empire of the Czar&#8217;s, with its feeble-willed
+autocrat, its insubordinate grand dukes, its rival ministers pulling
+different ways, and its greedy officials whose country was their
+pocket, had been silently and steadily enfolded in the invisible web
+of German statecraft.</p>
+
+<p>The brilliant personality of Wilhelm II had magnetized the
+vacillating, timorous Nicholas. Count B&uuml;low had courted the Russian
+Foreign Office with the assiduous arts of a lover, and his wooing had
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>been crowned by complete success. Through Petrovitch the grand dukes
+had been indirectly bribed, and the smaller fry like M. Auguste had
+been bought outright. Even the Army and Navy had been cajoled, or
+bought, or terrorized by pretended revelations of Japanese designs.</p>
+
+<p>Russia had become a supple implement in the hands of the German
+Kaiser, the sovereign who for nearly twenty years had been striving
+toward one goal by a hundred different crooked paths.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident that the unexplained disappearance of Petrovitch must
+have struck consternation into his employers. I suspected that the
+Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had been summoned to Berlin to throw light on the
+event, and possibly to be furnished with instructions which would
+enable her to take over the dead man&#8217;s work.</p>
+
+<p>My position was now peculiarly difficult. I wished to get in touch
+with the principals for whom Petrovitch had acted, but to avoid, if
+possible, meeting any one who had known him personally.</p>
+
+<p>Above all, I was determined not to risk an encounter with Sophia. She
+knew that I was still alive, and I feared that her feminine
+intuition, quickened by love, would penetrate through whatever
+disguise I might adopt.</p>
+
+<p>Under these circumstances I decided to begin by approaching Herr
+Finkelstein, the head of the imperial Secret Service in Berlin.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p><p>This man was an old crony of mine. While a magnificent organizer of
+espionage, he was a poor observer himself, and I had already
+succeeded on one occasion in imposing myself on him under a false
+identity.</p>
+
+<p>I had brought with me the papers which I had obtained by bribery from
+the police agent Rostoy, representing me as an inspector in the
+secret police of the Russian Empire.</p>
+
+<p>Wearing my pilot&#8217;s dress, but carrying these and other papers in my
+pocket, I presented myself at Finkelstein&#8217;s office, and asked to see
+him.</p>
+
+<p>I was shown in first, as I had expected, to Finkelstein&#8217;s secretary,
+who asked me my business.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can tell that only to the Herr Superintendent himself,&#8221; I said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you will let him know that I have just come from Petersburg, I am
+sure he will receive me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The secretary seemed to think so too. He went straight into his
+chief&#8217;s room and came out immediately to fetch me in.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I found myself alone with the head of the German service,
+I said quietly,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have brought you a message from M. Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Petrovitch!&#8221; exclaimed the Superintendent, surprised out of his
+usual caution. &#8220;But he is dead!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have been misinformed,&#8221; I replied in an assured tone.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p><p>Finkelstein looked at me searchingly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My informant does not often make mistakes,&#8221; he observed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess is deceived this time, however,&#8221; was my retort.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fresh surprise for the Superintendent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess! Then you know?&#8221; He broke off short, conscious that he
+was making an admission.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; having left Petersburg, it was natural to suppose
+that she had come here to consult you,&#8221; I answered modestly, not
+wishing to appear too well informed.</p>
+
+<p>Finkelstein frowned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have not yet told me who you are,&#8221; he reminded me.</p>
+
+<p>I produced the forged papers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am an inspector attached to the Third Section, as you will see. I
+must inform you, however, that I am not here with the knowledge of my
+superiors.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The German gave a glance at the papers, which were similar to others
+which he must have had presented to him from time to time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is all satisfactory,&#8221; he said, as he returned them to me. &#8220;But
+you say that you have a message from M. Petrovitch?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He had no opportunity of giving me any but this,&#8221; I responded,
+producing the passport.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p><p>This time Finkelstein seemed really satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is clear that you know something about him, at least,&#8221; he
+remarked. &#8220;I will listen to what you have to say.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;M. Petrovitch is confined in Schl&uuml;sselburg.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The name of the dreaded fortress, the last home of so many political
+prisoners, caused Finkelstein a shock.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Gott im Himmel!</i> You don&#8217;t say so! How did he get there? Tell me
+everything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He does not know from what quarter the blow came. The only person he
+can think of who might have denounced him is the Princess herself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The German looked incredulous.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But they were hand in glove. The Princess was his best agent.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;True. Unfortunately there is always one source of danger where a
+woman is concerned&mdash;she cannot control her affections. It appears
+that M. Petrovitch ordered her to remove a certain Englishman, a spy
+of some kind, who was giving trouble, and Madame Y&mdash;&mdash; was attached
+to the fellow. She carried out her orders, but M. Petrovitch fears
+that she has taken revenge on him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Finkelstein gave a superior smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can dispose of that suspicion,&#8221; he said confidently.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> &#8220;The
+Princess did <i>not</i> carry out her orders. The man you speak of&mdash;who is
+the most dangerous and unprincipled scoundrel in the world&mdash;has
+escaped, and we have lost all trace of him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was my turn to show surprise and alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you tell me is appalling! I ought to see the Princess as soon
+as possible. If what she says is true, it must be the Englishman who
+has brought about Petrovitch&#8217;s arrest.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is no Englishman,&#8221; the Superintendent returned. &#8220;He is an
+American, a Pole, a Frenchman, whatever you please. That man has been
+at the bottom of all the troubles in Europe for the last twenty
+years. I have employed him myself, sometimes, so I ought to know
+something about him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I listened with an interest that was not feigned to this character of
+myself. It was, all the same, a lie that Finkelstein had ever
+employed me; on the contrary, I had been called in by his imperial
+master to check his work.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then what is to be done?&#8221; I asked, as the German finished speaking.
+&#8220;M. Petrovitch sent me here to warn you against the Princess, and to
+demand your influence to secure his release.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will be a difficult matter. I shall have to consult the
+Minister. In the meantime, where can I find you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I mentioned the name of a hotel.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And the Princess Y&mdash;&mdash;? Where can I see her?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I expect that she has left for Kiel,&#8221; said the Superintendent. &#8220;She
+has volunteered to carry out the plan originally proposed by
+Petrovitch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then in that case you will not require my services?&#8221; I said, with an
+air of being disappointed. &#8220;M. Petrovitch thought you might find me
+useful in his place.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must consult others before I can say anything as to that,&#8221; was the
+cautious reply.</p>
+
+<p>He added rather grudgingly,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I did not know M. Petrovitch myself, you see. It was thought better
+that he should not come to Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This statement relieved me of a great anxiety. I now saw my way to
+take a bolder line.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So I understood, sir. But I did not venture to approach his majesty
+except through you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Finkelstein started again, and gave me a new look of curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who authorized you to mention the Emperor?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I tried to play the part of a man who has made an unintentional slip.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I spoke too quickly. Petrovitch informed me&mdash;that is to say, I
+supposed&mdash;&#8221; I broke down in feigned confusion.</p>
+
+<p>I knew inquisitiveness to be the Superintendent&#8217;s <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>besetting sin,
+and, up to a certain point, I had an interest in tempting him on.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You appear to be more in the confidence of M. Petrovitch than you
+are willing to admit,&#8221; he said sagely. &#8220;Up to the present you have
+not explained how he came to make you his messenger.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I leaned back with a faint smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I imagine you are quite astute enough to guess my secret, if you
+choose, Herr Finkelstein. But you must excuse me if I am a little
+careful whom I trust, especially after the behavior of Princess
+<span style="white-space: nowrap;">Y&mdash;&mdash;.&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are M. Petrovitch himself! Of course! I thought as much all
+along,&#8221; Finkelstein said with a smile of triumph. &#8220;Well, you are
+certainly right to be cautious; but, as you see, it is not easy to
+deceive an old hand like myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At all events you will be at least equally cautious, I hope. What
+you tell me about this international spy being still at large has
+disturbed me a good deal, I confess.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Make your mind easy,&#8221; the German returned with a patronizing air.
+&#8220;We are in Berlin here, not in Petersburg. This gentleman will not
+venture within my reach, I assure you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I professed every satisfaction with this guarantee, and took my
+leave.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX</h2>
+
+<h3>AN IMPERIAL FANATIC</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>&#160; was now to face Wilhelm II.</p>
+
+<p>It was solely for this purpose that I had come to Berlin. But I knew
+the great advantage of getting myself vouched for in advance by a
+third party, and therefore I had been anxious to convince Finkelstein
+of my identity in the first place, so that his master might accept me
+without inquiry as to whether I was the man I claimed to be.</p>
+
+<p>I dined quietly in my hotel, a small tavern in a back street. It was
+getting late, and I was on the point of going to bed, when I heard
+the noise of a motor rushing up and stopping suddenly outside the
+little inn.</p>
+
+<p>An aide-de-camp burst in upon me.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your name, sir?&#8221; he demanded in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Petrovitch,&#8221; I replied in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come this way, if you please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In less than a minute I was seated in the car, which was dashing at a
+really dangerous pace through the nearly deserted streets.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am taking you to Potsdam,&#8221; was all the explanation my companion
+thought necessary.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take us long to reach the famous palace of Frederick the
+Great, which the growth of Berlin has almost turned into a suburban
+residence.</p>
+
+<p>My conductor brought me past all the sentries and servants, and led
+me down some steps into what seemed to be a subterranean hall. It was
+decorated with statues and paintings of the ancestors of Wilhelm II.,
+together with weapons, suits of armor, and banners of the successive
+periods in which they lived.</p>
+
+<p>But the most striking object in the hall or crypt&mdash;for it might have
+been either&mdash;was a trophy erected on a species of altar at one end,
+exhibiting a variety of crowns.</p>
+
+<p>At the foot were a number of small coronets, representing those worn
+by the former Margraves of Brandenburg, in whom the Hohenzollern
+family took its rise. Above were ranged the crowns of the Kings of
+Prussia, that of Frederick the Great being in the center. Still
+higher rose the three imperial crowns of Germany, those of William
+I., Frederick III., and the present Emperor. And then, right on the
+summit, came a still more gorgeous object, whose like I had never
+seen before.</p>
+
+<p>It was a colossal miter, somewhat after the fashion of the Papal
+tiara, wrought out of pure gold, thickly studded with great pearls,
+and surmounted by a cross.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p><p>But I had barely time to notice this singular display. As my guide
+left me on the threshold of the hall, I was aware that I stood in the
+presence of the German Emperor.</p>
+
+<p>This extraordinary monarch, whose great and far-reaching views are
+combined with a type of extravagance which has long made him looked
+upon as the <i>enfant terrible</i> of Europe, was about to teach me a new
+side of his character.</p>
+
+<p>He received me seated in a small ivory chair like a throne, and
+attired in a garment of pontifical design.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Advance, M. Petrovitch,&#8221; he commanded in a loud voice.</p>
+
+<p>As I stood in front of him, he said theatrically,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I receive you in the Hall of the Hohenzollerns. You see around you
+the sacred memorials of the family which Providence has raised up to
+be the saviors of Europe, and the future rulers of the world.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In response to this invitation I took a longer and more comprehensive
+view of the various objects already described. The Kaiser
+condescended to point some of them out to me with a long two-handed
+sword which he held.</p>
+
+<p>I began to suspect seriously that the megalomania which has always
+formed one of Wilhelm&#8217;s characteristic traits, was overpowering his
+good sense.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;M. Petrovitch,&#8221; my august cicerone proceeded, &#8220;you see there the
+crowns which have been won and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>worn by my illustrious and
+never-to-be-forgotten ancestors. Can you guess the meaning of the
+diadem above&mdash;which I have designed myself?</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That,&#8221; declared the last and most remarkable of the Hohenzollerns,
+&#8220;is intended to be worn by that member of my Family who shall be
+called by the united voice of the other sovereigns to the supreme
+world monarchy. It is destined to be our Planetary Crown.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed in stupefaction. The Kaiser seemed pleased with the
+impression he had made.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And now,&#8221; he said, &#8220;since it is necessary that I should be sure of
+you before I trust you with my plans, kneel down.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I knelt, feeling as if I were in a dream. Wilhelm II. solemnly held
+out the hilt of his two-handed sword:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You swear to yield faith, loyalty and utter obedience now and
+henceforth to Almighty God, and the Head of the Hohenzollerns!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It being impossible to refuse the oath in the circumstances, I kissed
+the sword, with a mental reservation.</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. surprised me by thereupon laying it across my shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I dub thee knight of the Sacred Order of the Hohenzollerns! Arise.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I got up, thoroughly confused. The Emperor invited<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> me to be seated,
+and proceeded to deliver a harangue&mdash;for it was nothing less.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bismarck had not sufficient genius to see the destiny of the
+Hohenzollerns. With the vision of a mere German Junker, he looked on
+Russia as the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is I who have changed all that. I have taught the Czar to look to
+me for guidance and protection. Should the present revolutionary
+movement become dangerous, I shall march at the head of my army to
+the rescue, and reinstate the Romanoffs as my vassals.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The only obstacle in the path of the Hohenzollerns is an island
+which two of my Army Corps could subdue in a fortnight. But in order
+to invade it with safety, I must have France on my side.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is for this end that I have been working. France cherishes a
+grudge against me because of the glorious exploits of my immortal
+grandfather. Moreover, my uncle, Edward VII., has contrived to win
+the friendship of the Republicans.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But France is the ally of Russia, and if Russia is attacked, France
+must draw the sword on her behalf.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You understand?&mdash;with the first shot which is fired by a British
+warship on the Russian flag, I shall be able to invade England.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I understood indeed. Briefly and plainly Wilhelm II. had summed up
+the result of my own inquiries and reasonings.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It is you,&#8221; the Emperor proceeded, &#8220;who have undertaken to secure
+this result.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I bowed, intensely desirous to know exactly what it was that
+Petrovitch had pledged himself to do.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have just rewarded you for the services you have already rendered,
+by admitting you to my Family Order, an order which I intend shall
+take precedence of the Golden Fleece, and even the Garter. Should you
+carry out your present task to my satisfaction I shall consider no
+reward too great for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I trembled as I listened to this wild vaporing. If such were the
+private thoughts of the Kaiser, no wonder some of his public
+utterances smacked of the visionary.</p>
+
+<p>I could not doubt that he was thoroughly in earnest. Long brooding on
+the greatness of his ancestors, and his own importance as the sole
+European ruler who has kings for his satellites, had filled him with
+the fanatical spirit of a Mohammed or a Hildebrand. He believed,
+firmly and sincerely believed, that Providence had called him to the
+sovereignty of the globe, and authorized him to sweep every rival out
+of his path.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty overwhelms me,&#8221; I murmured. &#8220;Consider, sire, that to be
+your servant is in itself an honor so great that no other reward is
+necessary.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser smiled graciously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, now, M. <i>de</i> Petrovitch&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; his majesty emphasized<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> the
+particle by way of reminding me that I was now a knight of the
+important Order of Hohenzollern&mdash;&#8220;let us discuss your next step.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I seized the opportunity to obtain the information I was so anxious
+to secure.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should feel it presumptuous to enter into anything like a
+discussion with you, sire. If your majesty will be gracious enough to
+impart your criticism on my proposal?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. looked at me as though he found me to be a person of much
+good sense.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your idea, my dear de Petrovitch, as I understand it, is to provoke
+the British to reprisals by some outrage on the part of the Baltic
+Fleet during its passage to the Far East.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Unfortunately, as you must see, the British are determined not to be
+provoked. Remember what has been done already. You have captured and
+sunk their ships, in violation of international law; you have sent
+out volunteer cruisers from the Black Sea in defiance of treaties,
+and turned back their mail steamers with government stores on board.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What has been the result? The English Government has complained to
+yours; the Czar has ordered explanations to be given, and the thing
+has blown over.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This time there must be something more than that. There must be
+something which cannot be explained away. We must if possible place
+Nicholas <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>II., as well as Great Britain, in a position from which
+neither can retreat without loss of honor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To this end it is necessary that the Baltic Fleet should commit an
+act of war, and that the Czar should be convinced that the
+provocation has come from the English side. Do you understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I recalled the hints dropped by Captain Vassileffsky at Revel.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty has been informed perhaps that I have caused the
+officers and men of the Fleet to believe that they will find Japanese
+torpedo boats lying in wait for them among the English fishing
+vessels in the North Sea. In consequence, they will be ready to fire
+without waiting to see if the torpedo boats are really there,
+especially if the fishermen fail to retire as the Fleet approaches.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All that is leaving too much to chance, my good de Petrovitch. What
+is required is something more positive. In short, the torpedo boats
+must really be there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I lifted my eyes to his.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is not a Japanese torpedo boat within ten thousand miles of
+the North Sea, unfortunately.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. smiled a meaning smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If that is all, we must so far forget the duties of neutrality as to
+allow the friends of Japan to procure a craft suitable for the
+purpose from our dockyard at Kiel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STOLEN SUBMARINE</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>s the full extent of this audacious plot was laid bare before my
+eyes I had a difficulty in believing in its reality.</p>
+
+<p>I was obliged to remind myself of some of the maneuvres which have
+marked German statecraft in the recent past, of the forgeries and
+&#8220;reinsurance&#8221; treaties of Bismarck, of the patronage extended to
+Abdul Hamid, of the secret intrigue that brought about the disasters
+of Greece.</p>
+
+<p>If I had had any scepticism left, the Emperor would have dispelled it
+by the clear and business-like explanations which followed.</p>
+
+<p>His majesty produced a chart of the North Sea, showing the coasts of
+Great Britain and Germany, with the Kiel Canal and so forth. Half-way
+between the opposite shores a dotted outline marked the situation of
+the great shoals which attract the fish, and from which the harvests
+of the sea are gathered by the brave and industrious toilers of
+Grimsby, Hull, and many another port.</p>
+
+<p>From the northern point of Denmark, two lines in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>red ink were drawn
+right down the map to where the North Sea narrows into the Straits of
+Dover.</p>
+
+<p>The first of these lines was fairly direct, passing about thirty
+miles to the eastward of the great fishing grounds.</p>
+
+<p>The second line took a wide curve to the west, and crossed right over
+the center of a shoal marked &#8220;Dogger Bank.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser proceeded to explain.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is a duplicate of the charts used by the pilots of the North
+Sea. I have offered my brother Nicholas as a special favor the
+services of German pilots, and they will board the vessels of the
+Baltic Fleet as soon as it leaves Danish waters.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As you see, the right course would take the fleet a long way off the
+English fishing-boats. But the pilots who go on board will receive
+secret orders at the last moment to take the Russian ships over the
+Dogger Bank, and, if possible, into the very midst of any fishing
+fleet that may be there.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then all that is required is that you should be on the spot, and
+should fire the first shot from the midst of the fishing-boats.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I endeavored to preserve a calm demeanor.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;May I suggest to your majesty that the presence of a torpedo boat
+among them is likely to arouse suspicion beforehand. The English
+sailors have keen eyes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I have thought of that. It will be necessary for you to have a
+submarine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A submarine, sire!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly. I have had six submarine torpedo boats built by my own
+designs at Kiel since this war broke out, for use in defending the
+approaches to the Canal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;These boats are now lying in the inner harbor, all fitted out and
+ready for sea.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will take one, with a crew of your own, whom you must enlist
+secretly, and slip out through the Canal into the North Sea.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will proceed, keeping under the surface, till you reach the
+Dogger Bank, and find yourself among the trawl nets of the English
+fishermen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There you will wait till such time as the Russian ships come up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As soon as the right moment has arrived, you will rise to the
+surface and discharge a torpedo. As soon as you have drawn the fire
+of the Russians, and have seen an English fishing-boat struck, you
+can go beneath the surface again, and make the best of your way back
+to Kiel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your plan is perfection itself, sire!&#8221; I exclaimed with an
+admiration which was not wholly pretended, since the idea really was
+not lacking in cleverness.</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser nodded good-humoredly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Russians will never be persuaded they were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span>not attacked first,
+and the English will never pass over such an outrage in their own
+waters,&#8221; his majesty remarked complacently. &#8220;Lord Charles Beresford
+will do the rest.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am ready to carry out your orders, sire. All I require is an
+authority to take the submarine from Kiel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser frowned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you had any authority from me for anything you have done up to
+the present, sir?&#8221; he demanded harshly.</p>
+
+<p>As an answer in the negative was clearly expected, I gave it.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Understand me, M. de Petrovitch, I repose every confidence in you;
+but I should not have held this conversation with any man, even my
+Chancellor, if I thought it could ever be used against me. If I gave
+you the authority you ask for, I should not be able to deny that I
+had ever employed you, in case of trouble.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you propose, sire&mdash;&mdash;?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I intend you to take this vessel secretly, without authority from me
+or from any one else.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And if I am caught in the act of taking it? If any of the naval
+authorities question my movements?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will not be caught. Your movements will not be questioned. I can
+assure you of so much.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I thank you, sire. That is quite sufficient.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I retired from the imperial presence, though not, as I have had some
+reason to suspect, from the imperial observation. In other words, I
+felt pretty well convinced that there would be a watch on my
+movements till my task was over.</p>
+
+<p>The same aide-de-camp awaited me outside the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, and carried me back to my obscure hotel with the same
+speed and silence as he had brought me.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning I arose to find the papers filled with the news of
+the departure of the Baltic Fleet from Libau.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian Admiral, as if in obedience to the secret promptings of
+Berlin, was reported as having issued a preposterous and illegal
+warning that he should fire on any ship of any nation that presumed
+to venture within reach of his guns. I could not help wondering what
+would be thought of this proclamation in the British Admiralty.</p>
+
+<p>There being no more for me to do in Berlin, I took the first train to
+Kiel, the Portsmouth of Germany. Kiel itself, it will be remembered,
+stands at the Baltic end of the famous canal which the present Kaiser
+has had constructed for his warships to pass out to the North Sea
+without going around Denmark.</p>
+
+<p>It was late when I arrived, but I determined to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>lose no time in
+seeing how far the secret orders of the Kaiser extended.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, as soon as I had dined, I went out and took my way
+toward the government dockyard.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance to the dockyard was guarded by a sentry with fixed
+bayonet. Behind him I saw a large iron gate which appeared to be
+heavily barred, with a small postern at one side, which was also
+closed.</p>
+
+<p>I advanced toward the sentry, expecting every moment to hear a
+challenge ring out. To my genuine astonishment, nothing of the kind
+occurred. The sentry did not pay the slightest attention to me, but
+went on pacing to and fro as though I had been wearing a cap of
+invisibility.</p>
+
+<p>I went up to the postern door, and tried the handle. It opened at a
+touch, and I found myself alone in the deserted dockyard.</p>
+
+<p>For some time I groped my way forward by the light of the few
+scattered electric lights, till I reached the edge of a large basin
+which appeared to communicate with the outer harbor of Kiel.</p>
+
+<p>Turning the opposite way, I went along the edge of the wharf, picking
+my way among timber balks, stacks of iron sheeting, chains, ropes,
+and all the other things that are found scattered about a naval
+dockyard.</p>
+
+<p>At the head of the great basin I found a lock giving access to a
+small inner dock, in which a number of vessels were moored.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p><p>I made my way around, searching everywhere for the vessels I had been
+told I should find.</p>
+
+<p>At last, in the farthest and most secluded corner, I perceived a row
+of small craft, shaped much like a shark, with a long narrow tube or
+funnel rising up from the center of each.</p>
+
+<p>They lay low in the water, without being submerged. Alone among the
+shipping they carried no riding-lights. They appeared dark, silent,
+and deserted.</p>
+
+<p>Almost unconsciously I ran my eye along them, counting them as they
+lay. Suddenly I was aroused to keen attention.</p>
+
+<p>One&mdash;two&mdash;three&mdash;four&mdash;five. The Kaiser had assured me that I should
+find six submarines to choose from!</p>
+
+<p>I counted once more with straining eyes.</p>
+
+<p><i>One</i>&mdash;<i>two</i>&mdash;<i>three</i>&mdash;<i>four</i>&mdash;<i>five</i>.</p>
+
+<p>One of the mysterious craft had been taken away!</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI</h2>
+
+<h3>THE KIEL CANAL</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>t was impossible to resist the conclusion suggested by the absence
+of the sixth submarine.</p>
+
+<p>I was not the only person who had been authorized, or rather
+instructed, to carry out the design against the Baltic Fleet. My
+august employer had thought it better to have two strings to his bow.</p>
+
+<p>Who, then, was the person by whom I had been anticipated?</p>
+
+<p>To this question an answer suggested itself which I was tempted to
+reject, but which haunted me, and would not be dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Y&mdash;&mdash; had arrived in Berlin twelve hours before me. She
+had come, fully believing that Petrovitch was dead, and prepared to
+take his place.</p>
+
+<p>She had interviewed Finkelstein, as I knew. Was it not possible that
+she, also, had been received in the crypt at Potsdam, had been shown
+the chart of the North Sea, with its ominous red lines, and had
+accepted the task of launching one of the submarines on its fatal
+errand?</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p><p>In spite of all the stories which had been told me of Sophia&#8217;s daring
+and resource, in spite of my own experiences of her adventures and
+reckless proceedings, I did not go so far as to credit her with
+having proceeded to sea in the missing craft.</p>
+
+<p>But it struck me as altogether in keeping with her character that she
+should have arranged for the withdrawal of the boat, provided it with
+a crew, and despatched it fully instructed as to the work to be done.</p>
+
+<p>But whether these suspicions were well founded or otherwise, of one
+thing there could be no doubt. A submarine had been taken by some
+one, and was now on its way to the North Sea, to lie in wait for the
+ships of Admiral Rojestvensky.</p>
+
+<p>This discovery entirely changed the position for me.</p>
+
+<p>I had come down to Kiel intending to take a submarine out to sea, to
+watch for the approach of the Russian fleet, and to take whatever
+steps proved practicable to avert any collision between it and the
+fishing-boats on the Dogger Bank.</p>
+
+<p>I now saw that the chance of my preventing a catastrophe depended
+entirely on the movements of the boat which had left already. This
+boat had become my objective, to use a strategical phrase.</p>
+
+<p>Somewhere in the North Sea was a submarine boat, charged with the
+mission of provoking a world-wide war. And that boat I had to find.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span></p><p>There was no time to be lost. I hastened back by the most direct way
+I could find, to the dockyard gates. The little postern was still
+unlocked, and I passed out, the sentry again taking no notice of my
+passage.</p>
+
+<p>But at the first street corner I saw a man in seafaring dress who
+fixed a very keen gaze on me as I came up, and saluted me by touching
+his cap.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-night,&#8221; I said in a friendly voice, slowing down in my walk.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-night, sir. Beg pardon, Captain,&#8221;&mdash;he came and moved along
+beside me&mdash;&#8220;but you don&#8217;t happen to know of a job for a seafaring
+man, I suppose?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I stopped dead, and looked him straight in the eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How many men do you estimate are required to navigate a submarine?&#8221;
+I asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fifteen,&#8221; was the prompt answer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How soon can you have them here?&#8221; was my next question.</p>
+
+<p>The fellow glanced at his watch.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s half-past eleven now, Captain. I could collect them and bring
+them here by half-past one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do it, then,&#8221; I returned and walked swiftly away.</p>
+
+<p>The whole thing, it was evident, had been prearranged, and I did not
+choose to waste time in mock negotiations.</p>
+
+<p>I went back to my inn to wait, but there was nothing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>for me to do,
+except examine the cartridges in my revolver. I was not quite sure
+how much my crew had been told, and I thought it just possible that I
+might have some trouble with them when they found out the nature of
+my proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>Punctually at the hour fixed I returned to the street outside the
+dockyard, where I found fifteen men assembled.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing over them, I formed the opinion that they were picked men,
+on whom I could have relied thoroughly for the work I had been
+ordered to do, but who might be all the more likely to mutiny if they
+suspected that I was playing false.</p>
+
+<p>I stood in front of them in the silence of the street.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, my men, if there is any one of you who is not prepared to obey
+me, even if I order him to scuttle the ship, let him fall out before
+we start.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Not a man stirred. Not an eyelash quivered. The German discipline had
+done its work.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I give you notice that the first man who hesitates to carry out my
+orders will be shot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The threat was received with perfect resignation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Follow me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I turned on my heel, and led the way to the dockyard gates, the men
+marching after me with a regular tramp which could only have been
+acquired on the deck of a man-of-war.</p>
+
+<p>The sentry was, if possible, more indifferent to our <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>approach than
+he had been when I had been alone. I threw open the wicket, and bade
+the last man close it.</p>
+
+<p>Then we marched in the same order to the place where the five
+submarines were moored.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am going on board one of these boats,&#8221; I announced. &#8220;Find
+something to take us off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man whom I had engaged originally, taking on himself the part of
+mate, repeated my directions. A large whale-boat was found tied up in
+a convenient spot beside the wharf.</p>
+
+<p>We all got in, and I took the tiller. The mate, who answered to the
+Russian name of Orloff, though the only language I heard him speak
+was German, said nothing till I brought the whale-boat alongside of
+the nearest submarine.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I beg pardon, Captain, but I have a fancy that the boat at the far
+end is in better trim, if you have no choice.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why didn&#8217;t you tell me so at once?&#8221; I returned sharply, not too well
+pleased to find him so well informed.</p>
+
+<p>We boarded the submarine pointed out, and found it, of course,
+provided with everything necessary for an immediate departure,
+including provisions for a week.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You understand the navigation of the Canal, I suppose?&#8221; I inquired
+of Orloff.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I do, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very good. Take the boat through. And ascertain all that you can
+about another submarine which must have passed through yesterday.
+Wake me if you hear or see anything.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I lay down in the captain&#8217;s berth and tried to sleep. But the
+excitement and, I may say, the romantic interest of the adventure
+proved too strong for me.</p>
+
+<p>I rose again, and came to where my deputy was seated, carefully
+conning the boat out of the dockyard basin into the Baltic end of the
+great Canal.</p>
+
+<p>We were already submerged, only the tip of our conning staff being
+out of the water. But by an ingenious system of tiny mirrors the
+steersman was able to see his way as plainly as if he had been on
+deck above the surface.</p>
+
+<p>On approaching the lock by which the basin opened into the Canal, no
+signal appeared to be given. Silently, as if of their own accord, the
+huge sluices opened and shut, and we glided out into the great
+waterway which has made the German Navy independent of Danish
+good-will.</p>
+
+<p>The voyage along the Kiel Canal in the silence of the night was
+deeply interesting, and were I not obliged to restrict myself
+severely to the naked outline of such facts as bear directly on the
+catastrophe, I should like to attempt a description of the weird and
+picturesque scene.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p><p>Keeping steadily just under the surface, we proceeded swiftly past
+ports and villages and lonely wharves, till the stars paled and
+disappeared and a faint flush overspreading the sky in front warned
+us that day was breaking behind us.</p>
+
+<p>I searched the banks for anything resembling the craft of which I was
+in search, but in vain. We passed many other ships, chiefly
+merchantmen bound for Lubeck and Dantzig and other Baltic ports, but
+of course without being perceived ourselves.</p>
+
+<p>When we reached the mouth of the Canal, I ordered Orloff to stop.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must go ashore here, and inquire about the other boat,&#8221; I
+explained.</p>
+
+<p>I saw from the expression of his face that this step was not quite to
+his liking, but he did not venture on any remonstrance.</p>
+
+<p>He brought the boat alongside the bank, and raised her gently to the
+surface, to enable me to step on shore.</p>
+
+<p>But my quest proved useless, as perhaps I ought to have foreseen.</p>
+
+<p>The harbor-master, or port captain, to whom I addressed myself,
+affected the most entire ignorance of the exit of any submarine
+within the last week or more.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you suggest is impossible,&#8221; he assured me. &#8220;Every submarine is
+well known and carefully guarded, and if one had been permitted to
+leave Kiel <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span>by way of the Canal, I should have been notified in
+advance. No such notification has reached me, and therefore, as you
+will see, no such boat can possibly have left.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I suspected that he was lying, but I thought it unsafe to persist.</p>
+
+<p>It occurred to me too late that I had been guilty of some imprudence
+in showing so much anxiety on the subject. It was only too probable
+that my inquiries would be reported to the Kaiser, who would draw his
+own inferences in the event of anything going wrong.</p>
+
+<p>I returned on board my own boat, saying nothing to Orloff, and gave
+the order to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>Orloff had handed over the wheel to one of his subordinates, who
+steered the submarine out into the blue waters of the North Sea.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as we were well out of reach of the Slesvig shore, I said to
+the steersman,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now I will take the helm.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Instead of promptly relinquishing it to me, the man turned his head
+in search of Orloff, saying at the same time,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you understand the course, sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I saw that if I meant to be master of the vessel, I must prove that
+my words of the night before were spoken in earnest. I drew my
+revolver, and put a bullet through the mutineer&#8217;s head.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DOGGER BANK</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dct.jpg" title="T" height="70" width="70" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>he sound of the explosion reverberated through the little craft like
+thunder. Orloff and half a dozen more men came rushing up.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This man disobeyed me,&#8221; I said, quietly, slipping a fresh cartridge
+into the smoking chamber of my revolver. &#8220;Throw the body overboard,
+and return to your duties.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>What instructions Orloff and his men had received it was impossible
+for me to guess. But they clearly did not authorize any breach of
+discipline at this stage of the voyage.</p>
+
+<p>Without the slightest demur they lifted up the body, and carried it
+off. I had learned the way to manage the submarine by watching Orloff
+during the night, and I now pressed a lever which brought us swiftly
+to the surface. There was a sound of trampling feet overhead,
+followed by a splash, and I saw the mutineer&#8217;s body drift past.</p>
+
+<p>It would be idle to seek for words in which to describe the
+overpowering anxiety which racked my <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>nerves as we tore through the
+water. The peace of Europe, the safety of Japan and Great Britain,
+perhaps the future of the world, might be at stake.</p>
+
+<p>Everything depended on my finding the other submarine before it had
+launched its bolt against the great war fleet which was even now
+steaming through the Danish Belts, officered by men, some of whom I
+knew to be ready to take advantage of any pretext for outraging the
+peace of the seas.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take me long to decide that the neighborhood of the Dogger
+Bank was the most likely place, in fact the only place, for my
+search.</p>
+
+<p>I am not wholly unskilled in navigation, having given up a good deal
+of my spare time to yachting. With the aid of a chart which was on
+board, I had little difficulty in keeping a fairly straight course
+for the famous fishing ground.</p>
+
+<p>On the way I did not neglect the opportunity of acquiring a complete
+command over the movements of the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>It was driven by electricity, and so designed that by means of
+various knobs, one man could control it entirely, steering it,
+raising or lowering it in the water, increasing or slackening speed,
+stopping, backing, and even discharging the torpedo which was its
+only weapon of attack&mdash;with the exception of a small sharp ram at the
+bow.</p>
+
+<p>Having asserted my authority, and acquired the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>practical knowledge I
+needed, I at last called Orloff to me, and gave him the wheel.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Take me to the Dogger Bank. Warn me as soon as we get near any
+fishing-boats, and above all keep a careful lookout for our consort.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was by this name that I thought it most prudent to refer to the
+object of my search.</p>
+
+<p>Orloff took the wheel, and said immediately with an air of great
+respect,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have laid a marvelously straight course, Captain. I was not
+aware that you were familiar with these waters. The Dogger Bank is
+right ahead, and we shall reach it in less than an hour.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>An hour later I was conscious of a light shock as the submarine
+stopped.</p>
+
+<p>We had grounded on the sandy shoal of the Dogger, in twenty fathoms
+of water, and overhead I could see great black shadows sweeping
+slowly past.</p>
+
+<p>They were cast by the trawlers of the Gamecock fleet.</p>
+
+<p>It being still daylight I did not venture to let the submarine show
+itself on the surface of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Hugging the bottom, I steered in and out among the great trailing
+nets of the fisher fleet.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time I ordered my crew to keep a sharp watch for the
+first submarine, promising fifty marks<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> to the man who sighted her.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p><p>The rest of that day passed without anything happening.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as darkness fell I brought my boat up to the surface, partly
+in order to renew the air supply, and partly to scan the horizon in
+search of the oncoming Russian fleet.</p>
+
+<p>But thanks to the promptness with which I had gone out to sea I had
+anticipated Rojestvensky by twenty-four hours. The Baltic Fleet was
+still in Danish waters, waiting to pick up the German pilots who were
+to lure it from its course.</p>
+
+<p>Finding there were no signs of the Russians, I submerged the
+submarine, all except the little conning tube, which was invisible in
+the darkness, and ran in among the English smacks.</p>
+
+<p>As I heard the brave, hardy fishermen talking to one another, the
+temptation was a strong one to disclose myself, and warn them of the
+coming peril.</p>
+
+<p>Only my experience of the uselessness of such warnings restrained me.
+I knew that these simple, law-abiding citizens would laugh me in the
+face if I told them that they were in danger from the warships of a
+foreign Power.</p>
+
+<p>As my unseen vessel glided softly past the side of one fishing-boat,
+whose name I could just make as the <i>Crane</i>, I overheard a few scraps
+of conversation, which threw a pathetic light on the situation.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;We shall have the Rooshians coming along presently,&#8221; said one voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; answered another, &#8220;they won&#8217;t come anywhere near us. &#8217;Tis out
+of their course.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They do say the Rooshians don&#8217;t know much about seamanship,&#8221; a third
+voice spoke out. &#8220;Like as not we&#8217;ll see their search-lights going
+by.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, if they come near enough, we&#8217;ll give the beggars a cheer; what
+d&#8217;ye say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Aye, let&#8217;s. Fair play&#8217;s what I wishes &#8217;em, and let the best man
+win.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The words died away along the water, as I drew off and let my craft
+sink under once again.</p>
+
+<p>That night I slept soundly, making up for the vigil of the night
+before. The submarine rested on the sea floor, in a hollow of the
+undulating Bank, and one of the crew kept watch in case a &#8220;trawl&#8221;
+should come too close.</p>
+
+<p>But there was no sign of the mysterious companion which had come out
+of Kiel Harbor in front of me, and was even now prowling somewhere in
+the dark depths around.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII</h2>
+
+<h3>TRAFALGAR DAY</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dci.jpg" title="I" height="70" width="68" alt="I" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">I</span>n the morning I was conscious of a certain stir and display on board
+some of the fishing boats among which I continued to lurk.</p>
+
+<p>At first I supposed that the Baltic Fleet must have been sighted. But
+in the course of the day I gathered from various cries and shouts
+which were borne across the water, that the fishermen were keeping
+the anniversary of the most glorious day in the history of England,
+the day on which the immortal Nelson annihilated the united fleets of
+France and Spain, and shattered the dream of the great Napoleon that
+he could tame the haughty Island Power.</p>
+
+<p>As long as daylight lasted I scoured the sea for a distance of five
+miles all around the devoted fishing fleet, without coming on the
+slightest trace of the other submarine.</p>
+
+<p>A delusive hope assailed me that some accident might have overtaken
+it. But I did not relax my vigilance, and when night fell I took up a
+station <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>about a mile in front of the English smacks, in the
+direction from which I had reason to expect the approach of
+Rojestvensky.</p>
+
+<p>A few hours elapsed, then my watchfulness was rewarded.</p>
+
+<p>Away down on the horizon toward the northeast, there glittered out a
+row of twinkling lights, one behind the other, as though a lamp-lit
+thoroughfare had got afloat and drifted out to sea.</p>
+
+<p>The sinuous streak of lights, shifting as they approached like the
+coils of some great water-snake, glided toward us at what seemed a
+fearful speed, and as they drew near the white lights were
+interspread with green and crimson points, like rubies and emeralds
+set between rows of diamonds. And ever and anon the swift electric
+tongues of the search-lights spat forth and licked the dark face of
+the waters like hungry things.</p>
+
+<p>Keeping my upper deck just awash, I lay still and beheld at last the
+great black sides of the battleships tower up, pierced with
+illuminated windows.</p>
+
+<p>My heart began to throb wildly. If only the other submarine failed to
+appear; if only the English fishermen would realize their danger and
+flee in time, disaster might be averted.</p>
+
+<p>The hope had scarcely formed itself in my mind when Orloff, who had
+come to repose confidence in me, respectfully touched my arm and
+pointed ahead.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p><p>Not two hundred yards from me, stealing along about a mile in advance
+of the Russian fleet, I perceived a small dark object, showing hardly
+a foot above the surface of the waves.</p>
+
+<p>It was the rival submarine!</p>
+
+<p>Instead of proceeding direct to the Dogger Bank, as I had done, the
+other boat must have joined Admiral Rojestvensky&#8217;s squadron, and come
+on before it like a jackal pointing out the lion&#8217;s prey.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go forward,&#8221; I commanded the German mate. &#8220;Let no one disturb me
+till this business is over.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Orloff gave me a wondering look, but obeyed without an instant&#8217;s
+hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as his back was turned, I swung the wheel around, put on the
+full power of the engines, and went after the craft I had been
+searching for during the last forty-eight hours.</p>
+
+<p>Had the commander of the other submarine noticed mine, and did he
+suspect my intention to frustrate his design? It almost seemed so.
+His boat, scarcely visible in the gloom, fled in front of me to where
+the foremost fishing boats were riding lazily over the shoals,
+dragging their nets along the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>It was a weird chase. Neither of us showed a glint of light, or made
+the smallest sound. Like two great shadowing fish we darted through
+the depths of the sea, hunter and hunted.</p>
+
+<p>In between the sagging nets with their load of cod <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>and flounders,
+shot the phantom boat I was pursuing, and I followed, obliged to
+slacken speed as we twisted in and out under the keels of the
+unconscious fishermen.</p>
+
+<p>And all this time the huge warships in two lines astern were plunging
+through the seas, heading straight for the unfortunate smacks.</p>
+
+<p>The chase seemed to be aware that it was a case of now or never. I
+was catching up with it fast; I was able to mark its course by the
+broken water churned up by its propeller; when, all at once, I saw it
+rise with the swift motion of a bird.</p>
+
+<p>I had no alternative but to do the same.</p>
+
+<p>As I emerged upon the surface I found my boat in the very center of
+the full glare of a search-light which lit up the whole scene with
+dazzling radiance.</p>
+
+<p>Fresh from the depths below, where all had been dark, my eyes fairly
+blinked in the sudden splendor of light.</p>
+
+<p>Then, for what might have been from three to five seconds, I saw
+everything that passed.</p>
+
+<p>The foremost vessels of the Russian fleet had already gone past the
+group of drifting trawlers. One large cruiser was passing within a
+stone&#8217;s-throw of the nearest fishing-boat, and the English fishermen
+were playfully holding up some of their freshly-caught fish, as
+though offering it to the Russian sailors.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p><p>Another line of warships was coming up behind, with its search-lights
+thrown out in front.</p>
+
+<p>And then, right across the range of lights, and in a straight line
+between the Russian battleships and the English smacks, I saw the
+phantom torpedo boat pass deliberately, as high out of the water as
+she could show.</p>
+
+<p>What happened next took place so swiftly, and with such confusion
+that I cannot pretend to describe it with accuracy.</p>
+
+<p>Shouts rang out on some of the Russian ships, the submarine headed
+around as though to seek refuge among the trawlers, and then a gun
+was fired, and a cannon-ball struck the water within a few feet of
+me.</p>
+
+<p>All at once, it seemed to me, and as though by some preconcerted
+plan, half the ships of the Baltic Fleet opened fire on the English
+fishermen, who seemed too surprised and horrified to do anything. I
+saw ball after ball crash into one luckless smack, which quickly
+began to fill and sink. But, generally speaking, the marksmanship of
+the Russians was too wild for the firing to have serious effect.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I realized that I had become a mark for the Russian guns I
+sank beneath the surface. It is no doubt this voluntary move on my
+part which has given rise to the belief cherished by some of the
+officers of the Baltic Fleet, and indorsed by Admiral Rojestvensky,
+that a torpedo boat was sunk by their fire.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p><p>But I knew that the massacre&mdash;for it was nothing less&mdash;would go on as
+long as the other submarine remained on the surface, mixing among the
+luckless fishing boats with the deliberate intention of drawing on
+them the Russian fire.</p>
+
+<p>I marked her course, put my engines to their fullest speed one more,
+and rushed after her.</p>
+
+<p>This time my coming was not watched by the hostile commander. Like
+Admiral Rojestvensky, he may have believed that my boat had been sunk
+by the ball which had come so close. Or else, perhaps, in his
+exultation at having brought about an event which seemed to make war
+inevitable, he had forgotten his former fears.</p>
+
+<p>But the truth will never be known.</p>
+
+<p>I brought my own boat right under the demon craft, and then, tilting
+her up at a sharp angle, rammed the other in the center of her keel.</p>
+
+<p>There was a concussion, a muffled sound of tearing iron, and as I
+backed away at full speed astern, I saw the waters of the North Sea
+pour through a long jagged rent in the bottom of the doomed
+submarine, and watched her go down staggering like a wounded vulture
+through the air.</p>
+
+<p>The shock of the collision had brought Orloff and the rest of my crew
+running aft.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An accident,&#8221; I explained coolly. &#8220;I have sunk some boat or other in
+the dark.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p><p>The men exchanged suspicious glances.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was the other submarine, sir,&#8221; said Orloff, still preserving his
+respectful tone. &#8220;Will you permit us to see whether it is possible to
+save any of the crew?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do as you please,&#8221; I returned, leaving the helm. &#8220;My work here is
+done, and I am ready to go back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I intended them to think I referred to the attack on the
+fishing-boats. The cannonade died away as I spoke.</p>
+
+<p>We went down through the water to where the wrecked submarine was
+lying half over on her side. Some frightened faces peered at us out
+of the upper portholes, where a supply of air still lingered.</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible to do anything for them down there without being
+swamped ourselves. We could only invite them by signs to forsake
+their own craft and let us carry them up to the surface where it
+would be safe for us to take them inside.</p>
+
+<p>In order to receive them on our upper deck we circled slowly around
+to the opposite side of their vessel. And there I beheld a sight
+which will haunt me for years to come.</p>
+
+<p>The whole side of the submarine had been wrenched open, revealing the
+interior of the cabin. And on the floor, lying in the peaceful
+attitude of one who had just resigned herself to sleep, I beheld the
+drowned form of the beautiful, desperate, perhaps wicked, but
+unhappy, woman from whose mad love I had fled.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p><p>So, in the midst of the wild North Sea, in their strange coffin, the
+bones of Sophia, Princess Yernoloff, lie and rock on the incessant
+tides that sweep across the Dogger Bank.</p>
+
+<p><i>Requiescat in pace!</i></p>
+
+<p>As our boat, laden with the rescued survivors, shot up again to the
+surface, I felt a noosed rope drawn tightly around my throat and
+heard the voice of Orloff hiss in my ear,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I arrest you in the name of the Kaiser!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FAMILY STATUTE</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dcm.jpg" title="M" height="70" width="71" alt="M" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">M</span>y task is done. At last the reader knows all that ever will be
+known&mdash;all there is to know, in short&mdash;concerning the tragedy of the
+North Sea.</p>
+
+<p>My personal adventures can possess little interest after the
+all-important transactions I have had to describe. But in case there
+should be a reader here and there who is good enough to feel any
+curiosity as to my fate, I will briefly tell what followed on my
+arrest.</p>
+
+<p>My revolver was taken from me and I was conducted under a strict
+guard back to Kiel.</p>
+
+<p>Off the mouth of the Canal we were boarded by a despatch-boat flying
+the German naval ensign, and a police officer with three men took me
+off the submarine.</p>
+
+<p>The first proceeding of my new captor was to handcuff me. He then
+warned me,</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you speak a single word to me or any one else till you are in the
+imperial presence, my orders are to shoot you through the head.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I nodded. I had as little wish to speak as the Emperor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> could have to
+let me. My thoughts were busy with the memory of the woman of whose
+tragic death I had been the unwitting cause, and with the measures
+that remained to be taken to extenuate, so far as extenuation was
+possible, the fatal action of the Baltic fleet.</p>
+
+<p>As for myself, I can say truly that I had become almost indifferent
+to what was in store for me. My feeling toward the unfortunate
+Princess had not been such as that which makes a man desire a woman
+for his wife; it had not deserved the name of love, perhaps; and it
+was certainly free from any taint of a less noble passion.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless it had been a powerful sentiment, colored and
+strengthened by my knowledge of her love for me.</p>
+
+<p>Sophia had loved me. She had saved my life. And I had taken hers in
+return.</p>
+
+<p>Must I accuse myself of weakness for feeling as if happiness for me
+were over, and the best fate I could wish would be to lie there
+beside my victim on the lonely Dogger sands?</p>
+
+<p>When I came before Wilhelm II. he was not in the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, indulging his vein of extravagant romance, but in his
+private cabinet and in his most stern and business-like mood.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Give the prisoner a chair, and wait outside,&#8221; his majesty commanded
+briefly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span></p><p>I sat down, still handcuffed, and the guards withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now,&#8221; said the Kaiser, fixing me with an eagle glance, &#8220;be good
+enough to explain your proceedings.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>I met his look with a steadfast one in return.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have carried out your majesty&#8217;s orders scrupulously. I have taken
+out the submarine torpedo boat, engaged a crew, proceeded to the
+Dogger Bank, and drawn the fire of the Baltic Fleet on the
+fishing-boats from Hull. I have not seen a newspaper since, but I
+assume that the British Navy has already arrested Admiral
+Rojestvensky and his squadron, and that the two Powers are at war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser gnawed his moustache.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Things have not gone quite so well as you pretend, M. Petrovitch.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Russian cannonade ceased after a few minutes,&#8221; the Emperor
+resumed. &#8220;You did not remain on the surface after the first shot; you
+did not launch your torpedo, neither did you permit the other
+submarine to do so. In fact you sunk her.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had no orders with respect to another submarine, sire. I was
+entitled to treat it as an enemy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nonsense, you know that it had left Kiel before you, on the same
+errand.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On the contrary, sire, I could not possibly know anything of the
+kind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, you saw it had disappeared from the dock. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span>You inquired after
+it along the Canal. When you got out to the Dogger you were searching
+for it the whole time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And when I found it, sire, it was leading the Russian squadron, of
+which it appeared to form part. I had every right to assume that it
+was a Russian man-of-war.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A German boat!&#8221; thundered the Kaiser.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A boat not flying any flag must be presumed to belong to the country
+of those who are in control of it. I found this submarine under the
+control of a Russian subject.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Princess was my agent.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty had not told me so. On the contrary, I understood that
+you wished my own boat to be considered a Russian vessel, in case of
+any question. I shipped a Russian crew therefore.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. frowned angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do not play with me, M. Petrovitch. I know all about your crew.
+Explain why you, a Russian subject, should have attacked what you are
+pleased to pretend was a Russian ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I regret to have to say that your majesty is laboring under a
+mistake. I am not a Russian subject.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This time the Kaiser was fairly taken aback.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What subject are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A Japanese.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm looked thunderstruck.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Japanese!&#8221; was all he could say.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If your majesty pleases. That being so, as soon as I took possession
+of the submarine, with your permission, of course it became a
+Japanese ship.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What you tell me is monstrous&mdash;ridiculous. Your name is Russian,
+your face is at least European.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My name, sire, is Matsukata. I received it in Tokio at the
+commencement of the war, on being adopted into a Japanese family.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If your majesty doubts my statement, I ask to be confronted with the
+Japanese Ambassador in Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser looked as if he would have liked to doubt it, but found
+himself unable to do so.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then on your own showing you are a Japanese spy,&#8221; he pronounced
+slowly. &#8220;As such I am entitled to have you shot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pardon me again, sire. In Petersburg I admit, that was my character.
+In Germany I have been your majesty&#8217;s agent, and have literally
+fulfilled your commands.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a very acute quibbler, I see,&#8221; was the retort, &#8220;but quibbles
+will not save you. You have stolen one of my ships to sink another
+with, and at the very least you deserve to be hanged as a pirate.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I demand to be tried,&#8221; I said boldly, knowing that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span>this was the one
+step to which the Emperor, for his own sake, could not consent.</p>
+
+<p>As I expected, he frowned uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In this case I must exercise my right of refusing a civil trial, in
+the interest of the State. I will give you a court-martial with
+closed doors.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That would be illegal, sire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You dare to tell me so!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your majesty will find I am right. The case falls within the
+Hohenzollern Family Statute.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser appeared stupefied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Family Statute?&#8221; he repeated slowly, as if unable to believe his
+ears. &#8220;What has the Statute to do with you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is provided in the Statute, if I recollect rightly, sire, that a
+member of the Imperial Family can be tried only by his peers, that is
+to say, by a court composed of members of your majesty&#8217;s House.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, and what then?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By another clause in the Statute&mdash;I regret that the number has
+escaped my memory&mdash;the privileges of a Hohenzollern in that respect
+are extended to members of other reigning Houses.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are you going to tell me?&#8221; Wilhelm II. demanded in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Only that I have the honor to be the adopted son of his imperial
+highness Prince Yorimo, cousin to his majesty the Emperor of Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span></p><p>The German monarch sat still, unable to parry this unexpected blow.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Japanese Ambassador&mdash;&#8221; he began to mutter.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will confirm my statement, sire. I have already asked to be
+confronted with him. Before going to Kiel, I sent him information of
+my plans, so that he is already expecting to hear from me, I have no
+doubt.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. saw that he had come to the end of his tether. Lying back
+in his chair, he <span style="white-space: nowrap;">ejaculated&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I believed there was only one man in the two hemispheres who could
+do things like this!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am flattered to think you may be right, sire,&#8221; I responded in my
+natural voice, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor bounded from his seat.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&mdash;are&mdash;Monsieur V&mdash;&mdash;!&#8221; he fairly gasped out.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was, sire. Permit me to repeat that I am now called Prince
+Matsukata of Japan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II. made an effort, and came out of it with his best manner.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, in that case, you will stay and lunch with the Empress and
+myself, my dear Prince.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the handcuffs had been removed, I told the whole story to
+the Kaiser, who was immensely interested, and decidedly touched by
+the part which related to the drowned Princess.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p><p>Before leaving the Palace, I asked permission of my imperial host to
+make use of his private wire for a message to London, in the interest
+of peace.</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II., who began to see that he had been betrayed into going a
+little farther than was altogether desirable, consented in the
+friendliest spirit, merely stipulating that he should be allowed to
+see the message.</p>
+
+<p>He was rather surprised when he found it was addressed to Lord Bedale
+at Buckingham Palace, and comprised a single word, &#8220;Elsinore.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And so, although some of the newspapers in the two capitals of
+England and Russia continued to breathe war for some days longer, I
+felt no more anxiety after reading the paragraph which stated that
+the British Prime Minister, at the close of the decisive Cabinet
+Council, had driven to the Palace to be received in private audience
+by her majesty Queen Alexandra.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="EPILOGUE" id="EPILOGUE"></a>EPILOGUE</h2>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/dca.jpg" title="A" height="70" width="69" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>s I write these lines the war which has cost so many brave lives,
+and carried so much desolation through the fields and cities of
+Manchuria is still raging.</p>
+
+<p>The great fleet of Admiral Rojestvensky, from which the stains of the
+innocent fisherman&#8217;s blood have not yet been washed, is plowing its
+way to meet a terrible retribution at the hands of the victorious
+Togo.<a name="FNanchor_C_3" id="FNanchor_C_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a> A curse is on that fleet, and it may be that the British
+Government foresaw that they could punish the crime of the Dogger
+Bank more terribly by letting it proceed, than by bringing it into
+Portsmouth to await the result of the international trial.</p>
+
+<p>In the great affairs of nations it is not always wise to exact strict
+justice, or to expose the actual truth.</p>
+
+<p>I, too, am a lover of peace. Not of that hysterical, sentimental
+horror of bloodshed which would place a great civilized nation at the
+mercy of more barbarous <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>powers, which would stay the wheels of
+progress, and be indistinguishable from cowardice in the face of
+wrong.</p>
+
+<p>But I am a friend of the peace which is the natural result of a
+better understanding between peoples, of respect for one another&#8217;s
+character and aims, of a wise recognition of facts, and an honorable
+determination not to play the part of the aggressor.</p>
+
+<p>It is in the hope of promoting such a peace on earth, and such
+good-will toward men, that I have allowed myself to publish the
+foregoing narrative.</p>
+
+<p>In order to soften the character of this revelation I have endeavored
+to impart to it a character of romance.</p>
+
+<p>So far as my abilities extend, I have sought to give the reader the
+impression that he has been reading an allegory rather than a dry,
+business record. I have tried to cover certain incidents with a
+discreet veil. I have as much as possible refrained from using real
+names.</p>
+
+<p>I trust that my narration will be accepted in the spirit in which it
+has been written and that no reader will allow his feelings of
+curiosity to lead him into going further, or raising questions which
+it might be indiscreet on my part to answer.</p>
+
+<p>But there is one part of the story to which the foregoing remarks do
+not apply.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever else be mythical, there is nothing mythical<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> about the
+bright figure whose portrait has accompanied me through so many
+perils. There is a home for me in far-off Tokio, and when the
+blood-begrimed battalions of Asia sheathe their swords, I shall go
+thither to claim my reward.</p>
+
+<h3>THE END</h3>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2>POPULAR AND ATTRACTIVE<br />
+CLOTH BOUND BOOKS</h2>
+
+<p>Printed on superior paper; clear type; multi-color jackets. A
+carefully selected list of titles of the World&#8217;s Best Authors;
+embracing absorbing love stories, baffling detective and mystery
+stories, and the most fascinating romantic stories of the West. Many
+of them have been dramatized and filmed&mdash;you will enjoy reading every
+title on this list:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="FIRSTADBOOKSLIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Ball, Eustace Hale</b></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Marshall, Edward</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Traffic In Souls</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">In Old Kentucky</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Barrett, Alfred Wilson</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Bat</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Silver King</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Raleigh, Cecil</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Dane, John Collin</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Sins of Society</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Champion</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Roberts, Theodore Goodrich</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Drummond, A. L.</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Brothers in Peril</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">True Detective Stories</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Captain Love</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Ferguson, W. B. M.</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Cavalier of Virginia</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">A Man&#8217;s Code</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Wasp</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Gallon, Tom</b></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Scarborough, George</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Rogue&#8217;s Heiress</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Lure</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Harding, John W.</b></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Sinclair, Bertrand W.</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Chorus Lady</span></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Land of the Frozen Suns</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Heyn, Cutliffe</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Raw Gold</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Adventures of Captain Kettle</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Sutton, Margaret Doris</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Kent, Oliver</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Goddess of The Dawn</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Her Heart&#8217;s Gift</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Upward, Allen</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Lewis, Alfred Henry</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The International Spy</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Apaches of New York</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Varnardy, Varick</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Macvane, Edith</b></td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Return of The Night Wind</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">The Thoroughbred</span></td>
+<td align="left"><b>Way, L. N.</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1em;">Call of The Heart</span></td></tr>
+
+</table></div>
+
+<p>You have enjoyed this book&mdash;Read every title listed above&mdash;you may
+procure them at the store where this book was purchased at the same
+price per copy, or sent postpaid to any address for 75c per volume by
+the Publishers.</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="FIRSTAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">701-733 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<p class="center adfont3">FAMOUS BOOKS IN REBOUND EDITIONS</p>
+
+<h3>HEIDI</h3>
+
+<h4>A Child&#8217;s Story of Life in the Alps</h4>
+
+<h4>By Johanna Spyri</h4>
+
+<p class="center">395 pages&mdash;illustrated. Printed from new plates; neatly bound in<br />
+cloth.</p>
+
+<h3>PINOCCHIO</h3>
+
+<h4>A Tale of a Puppet&mdash;By C. Collodi</h4>
+
+<p>Printed from new plates on a good grade of paper; neatly bound
+in cloth; illustrated.</p>
+
+<h3>ELSIE DINSMORE</h3>
+
+<h4>By Martha Finley</h4>
+
+<p>Beautiful edition of this popular book. Printed from new plates,
+covers stamped in four colors from original design.</p>
+
+<h3>BROWNIES AND OTHER STORIES</h3>
+
+<h4>Illustrated by Palmer Cox</h4>
+
+<p>320 pages and containing an illustration on nearly every page,
+printed from new plates from large, clear type, substantially bound
+in cloth.</p>
+
+<h3>HELEN&#8217;S BABIES</h3>
+
+<h4>By John Habberton</h4>
+
+<p>This amusing and entertaining book, printed from new plates,
+cloth binding.</p>
+
+<h3>HANS BRINKER; or, The Silver Skates</h3>
+
+<h4>By Mary Mapes Dodge</h4>
+
+<p>A popular edition of this well-known story of life in Holland.</p>
+
+<h3>RAINY DAY DIVERSIONS</h3>
+
+<h4>By Carolyn Wells</h4>
+
+<h3>PLEASANT DAY DIVERSIONS</h3>
+
+<h4>By Carolyn Wells</h4>
+
+<p>Printed on a good grade of paper from new plates, bound in a
+superior grade book binders&#8217; cloth. These volumes have never
+before been offered for less than $1.25; for sale now at the special
+price of 75 cents each.</p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center">For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSHOWTOAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-733 So. Dearborn Street,</td>
+<td align="right">Chicago</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<h3>ALWAYS <i>ASK FOR THE</i> DONOHUE</h3>
+<h5>COMPLETE EDITIONS&mdash;THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY</h5></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&#160;</p>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="SOUTHWORTHBOOKS">
+
+<tr><td align="right"><i>BOOKS</i><br />
+<i>BY</i></td>
+<td align="left" style="font-size: 18pt">
+MRS. E. D. E. N.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><span class="adfont2 smcap"><span style="font-size: 160%; font-weight: bold;">Southworth</span></span></td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p class=" adfont2"></p>
+
+<p class="center">AN ATTRACTIVE LIST OF THE<br />
+WORKS OF THIS POPULAR AUTHOR</p>
+
+<p class="double">&#160;</p>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:40px;line-height:25px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>he first eighteen titles with brackets are books
+with sequels, &#8220;Victor&#8217;s Triumph,&#8221; being a sequel
+to &#8220;Beautiful Fiend.&#8221; etc. They are all printed
+from large, clear type on a superior quality of flexible
+paper and bound in English vellum cloth, assorted colors,
+containing charming female heads lithographed in
+twelve colors, as inlays; the titles being stamped in
+harmonizing colors of ink or foil. Cloth, 12mo size.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="SOUTHWORTHBOOKS">
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">1 Beautiful Fiend, A</span></td>
+<td>24 Curse of Clifton</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">2 Victor&#8217;s Triumph</span></td>
+<td>25 Deserted Wife, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">3 Bride&#8217;s Fate</span></td>
+<td>26 Discarded Daughter, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">4 Changed Brides</span></td>
+<td>27 Doom of Deville, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">5 Cruel as the Grave</span></td>
+<td>28 Eudora</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">6 Tried for Her Life</span></td>
+<td>29 Fatal Secret, A</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">7 Fair Play</span></td>
+<td>30 Fortune Seeker</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">8 How He Won Her</span></td>
+<td>31 Gypsy&#8217;s Prophecy</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">9 Family Doom</span></td>
+<td>32 Haunted Homestead</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>10 Maiden Widow</td>
+<td>33 India; or, The Pearl on Pearl River</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td>11 Hidden Hand, The</td>
+<td>34 Lady of the Isle, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>12 Capitola&#8217;s Peril</td>
+<td>35 Lost Heiress, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td>13 Ishmael</td>
+<td>36 Love&#8217;s Labor Won</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>14 Self Raised</td>
+<td>37 Missing Bride, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td>15 Lost Heir of Linlithgow</td>
+<td>38 Mother-in-Law</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>16 Noble Lord, A</td>
+<td>39 Prince of Darkness, and Artist&#8217;s Love</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right" style="white-space: nowrap; font-size: 24pt" rowspan="2">
+      {</td>
+<td>17 Unknown</td>
+<td>40 Retribution</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>18 Mystery of Raven Rocks</td>
+<td>41 Three Beauties, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>19 Bridal Eve, The</td>
+<td>42 Three Sisters, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>20 Bride&#8217;s Dowry, The</td>
+<td>43 Two Sisters, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>21 Bride of Llewellyn, The</td>
+<td>44 Vivian</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>22 Broken Engagement, The</td>
+<td>45 Widow&#8217;s Son</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&#160;</td>
+<td>23 Christmas Guest, The</td>
+<td>46 Wife&#8217;s Victory</td></tr>
+
+</table></div>
+
+<p>All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postpaid at 75c each by the publishers.</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSHOWTOAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-727 So. Dearborn Street,</td>
+<td align="right">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h3>THE &#8220;HOW-TO-DO-IT&#8221; BOOKS</h3>
+
+<p class="center">By J. S. ZERBE</p>
+
+<h2>Carpentry for Boys</h2>
+
+<p>A book which treats, in a most practical and fascinating manner all
+subjects pertaining to the &#8220;King of Trades&#8221;; showing the care and use
+of tools; drawing; designing, and the laying out of work; the
+principles involved in the building of various kinds of structures,
+and the rudiments of architecture. It contains over two hundred and
+fifty illustrations made especially for this work, and includes also
+a complete glossary of the technical terms used in the art. The most
+comprehensive volume on this subject ever published for boys.</p>
+
+<h2>Electricity for Boys</h2>
+
+<p>The author has adopted the unique plan of setting forth the
+fundamental principles in each phase of the science, and practically
+applying the work in the successive stages. It shows how the
+knowledge has been developed, and the reasons for the various
+phenomena, without using technical words so as to bring it within the
+compass of every boy. It has a complete glossary of terms, and is
+illustrated with two hundred original drawings.</p>
+
+<h2>Practical Mechanics for Boys</h2>
+
+<p>This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series of
+practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the structure
+and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how they are utilized
+to perform the work, and the manner in which all dimensional work is
+carried out. Every subject is illustrated, and model building
+explained. It contains a glossary which comprises a new system of
+cross references, a feature that will prove a welcome departure in
+explaining subjects. Fully illustrated.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo, cloth. Price $1.00 each.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+<p class="center"><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSHOWTOAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">711 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2>GIRLS&#8217; LIBERTY SERIES</h2>
+
+<p>Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for
+girls by standard and favorite authors. The books are printed
+on a good quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is
+complete and unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on
+the sides and back with attractive illustrative designs and the
+title stamped on front and back.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo, clothene. Price 50c each.</i></p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="LIBERTYLIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">1. Camp Fire Girls on a Long Hike, or,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Lost in the Great Northern Woods</span></td>
+<td align="right">Stella M. Francis</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">2. Daddy&#8217;s Girl</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">3. Ethel Hollister&#8217;s First Summer as</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">a Camp Fire Girl</span></td>
+<td align="right">Irene Elliott Benson</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">4. Ethel Hollister&#8217;s Second Summer</span></td>
+<td align="right">Irene Elliott Benson</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">5. Flat Iron for a Farthing</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. Ewing</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">6. Four Little Mischiefs</span></td>
+<td align="right">Rose Mulholland</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">7. Girls and I</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. Molesworth</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">8. Girl from America</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: .5em;">9. Grandmother Dear</span></td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. Molesworth</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">10. Irvington Stories</td>
+<td align="right">Mary Mapes Dodge</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">11. Little Lame Prince</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. Muloch</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">12. Little Susie Stories</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. H. Prentiss</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">13. Mrs. Over the Way</td>
+<td align="right">Julianna Horatio Ewing</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">14. Naughty Miss Bunny</td>
+<td align="right">Rose Mulholland</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">15. Sweet Girl Graduate</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">16. School Queens</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">17. Sue, A Little Heroine</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">18. Wild Kitty</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. L. T. Meade</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+<p class="center"><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50c</i></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="MEADEAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">711 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<h3>ALWAYS <i>ASK FOR THE</i> DONOHUE</h3>
+<h5>COMPLETE EDITIONS&mdash;THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY</h5></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&#160;</p>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<p class="center adfont2">Mrs. L. T. Meade<br />
+<i>====SERIES====</i></p>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/adsdca.jpg" title="T" height="55" width="48" alt="A" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">A</span>n excellent edition of the works of this very popular author of
+books for girls. Printed from large type on an extra quality of
+paper, cover design stamped in three colors, large side title
+letterings, each book in glazed paper printed wrapper. Each book with
+a beautiful colored frontispiece. Printed wrapper, 12 mo, cloth.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="MEADELIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">1 Bad Little Hannah</span></td>
+<td align="left">18 Little Mother to Others</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">2 Bunch of Cherries, A</span></td>
+<td align="left">20 Merry Girls of England</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">4 Children&#8217;s Pilgrimage</span></td>
+<td align="left">21 Miss Nonentity</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">5 Daddy&#8217;s Girl</span></td>
+<td align="left">22 Modern Tomboy, A</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">6 Deb and the Duchess</span></td>
+<td align="left">23 Out of Fashion</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">7 Francis Kane&#8217;s Fortune</span></td>
+<td align="left">24 Palace Beautiful</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">8 Gay Charmer, A</span></td>
+<td align="left">25 Polly, A New-Fashioned Girl</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">9 Girl of the People, A</span></td>
+<td align="left">26 Rebels of the School</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">10 Girl in Ten Thousand, A</td>
+<td align="left">27 School Favorite</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">11 Girls of St. Wodes, The</td>
+<td align="left">28 Sweet Girl Graduate, A</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">12 Girls of the True Blue</td>
+<td align="left">29 Time of Roses, The</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">13 Good Luck</td>
+<td align="left">30 Very Naughty Girl, A</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">14 Heart of Gold, The</td>
+<td align="left">31 Wild Kitty</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">15 Honorable Miss, The</td>
+<td align="left">32 World of Girls</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">17 Light of the Morning</td>
+<td align="left">33 Young Mutineer, The</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p>All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postage prepaid to any address at 75c by the
+publishers</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. Donohue &amp; Co.,</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="MEADEAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-727 South Dearborn St.,</td>
+<td align="right">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2>THE BOYS&#8217; ELITE SERIES</h2>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo, cloth. Price 75c each.</i></p>
+
+<p>Contains an attractive assortment of books for boys by standard and
+favorite authors. Printed from large, clear type on a superior
+quality of paper, bound in a superior quality of binders&#8217; cloth,
+ornamented with illustrated original designs on covers stamped in
+colors from unique and appropriate dies. Each book wrapped in
+attractive jacket.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSLIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left">1. Cudjo&#8217;s Cave</td>
+<td align="right">Trowbridge</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">2. Green Mountain Boys</td>
+<td align="right">&#160;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">3. Life of Kit Carson</td>
+<td align="right">Edward L. Ellis</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">4. Tom Westlake&#8217;s Golden Luck</td>
+<td align="right">Perry Newberry</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">5. Tony Keating&#8217;s Surprises</td>
+<td align="right">Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy)</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">6. Tour of the World in 80 Days</td>
+<td align="right">Jules Verne</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<h2>THE GIRLS&#8217; ELITE SERIES</h2>
+
+<p class="center"><i>12mo, cloth. Price 75c each.</i></p>
+
+<p>Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls by
+standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="GIRLSLIST">
+
+<tr><td align="left">1. Bee and the Butterfly</td>
+<td align="right">Lucy Foster Madison</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">2. Dixie School Girl</td>
+<td align="right">Gabrielle E. Jackson</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">3. Girls of Mount Morris</td>
+<td align="right">Amanda Douglas</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">4. Hope&#8217;s Messenger</td>
+<td align="right">Gabrielle E. Jackson</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">5. The Little Aunt</td>
+<td align="right">Marion Ames Taggart</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">6. A Modern Cinderella</td>
+<td align="right">Amanda Douglas</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p class="center"><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c</i></p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSELITEAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">711 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<h3>ALWAYS <i>ASK FOR THE</i> DONOHUE</h3>
+<h5>Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money</h5></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&#160;</p>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+
+<h2>THERE IS MONEY<br />
+IN POULTRY</h2>
+
+<h3>AMERICAN STANDARD PERFECTION<br />
+POULTRY BOOK, <i>By</i> I. K. FELCH.</h3>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="BOYSELITEAD">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><div class="figleft" style="width: 68px;">
+<img src="images/adsbookimage1.jpg" class="jpg" width="68" height="100" alt="Poultry Culture." title="" />
+</div></td>
+<td>&#160;</td>
+<td><div class="figleft"><img src="images/adsdcy2.jpg" title="Y" height="50" width="45" alt="Y" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">Y</span>ET many old-fashion farmers are inclined to discredit the statement.
+Why? Because they are not up to the new and improved ideas in poultry
+management. A little trial of the rules laid down in these books will
+soon dispel all misgivings in this direction and tend to convince the
+most skeptical that there is money in poultry-keeping. It contains a
+complete description of all the varieties of fowls, including
+turkeys, ducks and geese.</p></td></tr></table></div>
+
+<p>This book contains double the number of illustrations found
+in any similar work. It is the best and cheapest poultry
+book on the market Paper covers, 25c. Cloth, prepaid, <b>50c</b></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h4>POULTRY CULTURE</h4>
+
+<h5><i>By</i> I. K. FELCH</h5>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 71px;">
+<img src="images/adsbookimage2.jpg" class="jpg" width="71" height="100" alt="Poultry Culture." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>How to raise, manage, mate and judge thoroughbred fowls, by I. K.
+Felch, the acknowledged authority on poultry matters. Thorough,
+comprehensive and complete treatise on all kinds of poultry. Cloth,
+438 pages, large 12mo, and over 70 full-page and other illustrations.
+Printed from clear type on good paper, stamped on side and back from
+ornate, appropriate designs.</p>
+
+<p class="right">Price, prepaid, <b>$1.00</b></p>
+
+<p>For sale by all book and newsdealers, or will send to any
+address in the United States, Canada or Mexico, postage
+prepaid, on receipt of price, in currency, money order or
+stamps.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="POULTRYADBOTTOM">
+
+<tr><td align="center" rowspan="2"><span style="font-size: 160%; font-weight: bold;">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; CO.</span></td>
+<td align="right">701-727 S. DEARBORN</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="right">STREET :: CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2><span class="u">OUR YOUNG FOLKS&#8217;<br />
+ILLUSTRATED BOOKS</span></h2>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:40px;line-height:25px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>his series contains those books for young folks that are without
+question conceded to be the most popular of this class. Each title
+has a distinctive cover design. Each volume contains twenty to sixty
+illustrations.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>The following books are ready for delivery</i>:</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 7em;">Andersen&#8217;s Fairy Tales</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Alice in Wonderland</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Arabian Nights</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Black Beauty</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Mother Goose</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Rip Van Winkle</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Robinson Crusoe</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Story of the Bible</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Wood&#8217;s Natural History</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 7em;">Through the Looking Glass</span></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center"><i>Sent postpaid at twenty cents each or six for one dollar.</i></p>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</p>
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="YOUNGFOLKSAD">
+<tr><td align="left" style="width: 50%;">711 S. DEARBORN STREET</td>
+<td align="center" style="width: 15%;">::</td>
+<td align="right" style="width: 35%;">CHICAGO</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+<h3>ALWAYS <i>ASK FOR THE</i> DONOHUE</h3>
+<h5>Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money</h5></div>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&#160;</p>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox3">
+
+<h3><i>SELECTED WORKS OF</i></h3>
+
+<h2>EUGENE FIELD</h2>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 67px;">
+<img src="images/adsbookimage3.jpg" class="jpg" width="61" height="100" alt="IN WINK-A-WAY LAND." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:40px;line-height:25px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">A</span> very attractive selection of popular books by this favorite and
+gifted author. Each book contains a carefully selected and classified
+list of poems that have endeared the author to millions and given him
+a place among the immortals. These books should be in every library,
+both public and private.</p>
+
+<p class="center">In Four Volumes. Boxed. Cloth Binding.</p>
+
+<p class="center">Price, <b>$3.00</b> per set.</p>
+
+<p class="center">Single Volumes <b>75c</b> each, postpaid.</p>
+
+<h4>IN WINK-A-WAY LAND</h4>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:30px;line-height:20px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>he contents of this volume is especially selected and arranged for
+the little folks. All are suitable for use in school exercises and on
+&#8220;Eugene Field Day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<h4>HOOSIER LYRICS</h4>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:30px;line-height:20px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>his is a series of pathetic, amusing and entertaining poems rendered
+in Indiana dialect on notable Hoosier scenes with parodies on poems
+by James Whitcomb Riley.</p>
+
+<h4>JOHN SMITH, U. S. A.</h4>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:30px;line-height:20px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">T</span>he romantic story of John Smith, also includes many other poems, all
+of which afford suitable material for &#8220;Field Readings&#8221; and general
+school and church entertainments.</p>
+
+<h4>THE CLINK OF THE ICE and other poems</h4>
+
+<p class="n"><span style="float:left;font-size:40px;line-height:25px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:1px;">E</span>dition containing portraits and autographs. Stories of inimitable
+wit and humor with lullabies and sketches of every day scenes that
+made Eugene Field famous. All worth while.</p>
+
+<p>Printed from new plates on good paper, uniformly and neatly bound in
+cloth; gold titles on front and back.</p>
+
+<p>For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address
+upon receipt of price in stamps, currency, postal or express money
+order, by the publishers.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="FIELDSADBOTTOM">
+
+<tr><td align="center" rowspan="2"><span style="font-size: 160%; font-weight: bold;">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; CO.</span></td>
+<td align="right">701-727 S. Dearborn St.</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center">Chicago</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h2>BOYS&#8217; COPYRIGHTED BOOKS</h2>
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<p>Printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of paper,
+embellished with original illustrations by eminent artists, and bound
+in a superior quality of book binders&#8217; cloth, ornamented with
+illustrated covers, stamped in colors from unique and appropriate
+dies, each book wrapped in a glazed paper wrapper printed in colors.</p>
+
+<h3>MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center">By Louis Arundel</p>
+
+<p>1.&mdash;The Motor Club&#8217;s Cruise Down the Mississippi; or, The<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dash for Dixie.</span><br />
+<br />
+2.&mdash;The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or, Adventures<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Among the Thousand Islands.</span><br />
+<br />
+3.&mdash;The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or, Exploring the Mystic<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Isle of Mackinac.</span><br />
+<br />
+4.&mdash;Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or, The Struggle<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">for the Leadership.</span><br />
+<br />
+5.&mdash;Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or, Through Storm and<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Stress.</span><br />
+<br />
+6.&mdash;Motor Boat Boys&#8217; River Chase.</p>
+
+<h3>THE BIRD BOYS SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center">By John Luther Langworthy</p>
+
+<p>1.&mdash;The Bird Boys; or, The Young Sky Pilots&#8217; First Air Voyage.<br />
+<br />
+2.&mdash;The Bird Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Tropics.</span><br />
+<br />
+3.&mdash;The Bird Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Wreck.</span><br />
+<br />
+4.&mdash;Bird Boys&#8217; Flight; or, A Hydroplane Round-up.<br />
+<br />
+5.&mdash;Bird Boys&#8217; Aeroplane Wonder; or, Young Aviators on a<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Cattle Ranch.</span></p>
+
+<h3>CANOE AND CAMPFIRE SERIES</h3>
+
+<p class="center">By St. George Rathborne</p>
+
+<p>1.&mdash;Canoe Mates in Canada; or, Three Boys Afloat on the<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Saskatchewan.</span><br />
+<br />
+2.&mdash;Young Fur Takers; or, Traps and Trails in the Wilderness.<br />
+<br />
+3.&mdash;The House Boat Boys; or, Drifting Down to the Sunny South.<br />
+<br />
+4.&mdash;Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise in the Motor Boat.<br />
+<br />
+5.&mdash;Camp Mates in Michigan; or, With Pack and Paddle in the<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Pine Woods.</span><br />
+<br />
+6.&mdash;Rocky Mountain Boys; or, Camping in the Big Game<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Country.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c</p>
+
+<p class="center adfont">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; CO.</p>
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="DOWNSAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-733 So. Dearborn Street,</td>
+<td align="right">Chicago</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h4>By</h4>
+
+<h2>Mrs. George Sheldon Downs</h2>
+
+<p class="adfont">Katherine&#8217;s Sheaves</p>
+
+<p class="center">A Great Novel With a Great Purpose</p>
+
+<p>Katherine&#8217;s Sheaves is altogether delightful, a charming piece of
+fiction, a beautiful romance. One must admire the book for its
+characterization, its brilliant pictures of life, and its dramatic
+situations, but still more for its philosophy and wisdom.</p>
+
+<p>The story is a dramatic one, abounding in strong situations.</p>
+
+<p>The plot is well conceived and carried out, the style easy and the
+characters likable.</p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,</p>
+
+<p class="adfont">Step by Step</p>
+
+<p>Judged as a story pure and simple, &#8220;STEP BY STEP&#8221; is altogether
+delightful. But it is not merely a charming piece of fiction. Ethical
+in its nature, the underlying thought shows throughout the lofty
+purpose and high ideals of the author, and exhales a wholesome
+atmosphere, while the element of romance pervading it is both
+elevated and enriched by its purity and simplicity.</p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,</p>
+
+<p class="adfont">Gertrude Elliot&#8217;s Crucible</p>
+
+<p>It is a readable story, clean, wholesome, and high in moral
+tone&mdash;optimistic and constructive.</p>
+
+<p>It has an alluring plot, and is well and skillfully worked out. The
+incidents are dramatic, and therefore always striking, and the entire
+romance will hold the attention of the reader.</p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,</p>
+
+<p class="adfont">Redeemed</p>
+
+<p>Dealing with divorce&mdash;the most vital problem in the world
+to-day&mdash;this book tells how a pure-minded woman is divorced from her
+husband, upon a flimsy pretext, because he wishes to marry again. How
+he suffers when he learns that he has thrown away the true
+disinterested love of a noble woman, and how he craves that love
+again, makes a vivid, forceful story of an intensely modern
+significance.</p>
+
+<p class="center">12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,</p>
+
+<p class="center">For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of<br />
+$1.00</p>
+
+<p class="center">M. A. DONOHUE &amp; CO.</p>
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="DOWNSAD">
+<tr><td align="left">701-733 So. Dearborn Street,</td>
+<td align="right">Chicago</td></tr></table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h2>The American Boy&#8217;s<br />
+Sports Series</h2>
+
+<h3>BY MARK OVERTON</h3>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="AMERICANBOYSAD">
+<tr><td align="left">12 Mo, Cloth.</td>
+<td align="center">Illustrated.</td>
+<td align="right">Price 60c Each.</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<div class="double">&#160;</div>
+
+<div class="figleft"><img src="images/adsdct.jpg" title="T" height="55" width="48" alt="T" /></div>
+<p><span class="cap">T</span>hese stories touch upon nearly every sport in which the active boy
+is interested. Baseball, rowing, football, hockey, skating,
+ice-boating, sailing, camping and fishing all serve to lend interest
+to an unusual series of books. There are the following four titles:</p>
+
+<p><b>1. Jack Winters&#8217; Baseball Team; or, The</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><b>Mystery of the Diamond.</b></span><br />
+<br />
+<b>2. Jack Winters&#8217; Campmates; or, Vacation</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><b>Days in the Woods.</b></span><br />
+<br />
+<b>3. Jack Winters&#8217; Gridiron Chums; or, When</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><b>the Half-back Saved the Day.</b></span><br />
+<br />
+<b>4. Jack Winters&#8217; Iceboat Wonder; or, Leading</b><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;"><b>the Hockey Team to Victory.</b></span></p>
+
+<div class="double">&#160;</div>
+
+<h2>M. A. DONOHUE &amp; COMPANY</h2>
+
+<h3>CHICAGO</h3></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h3><span class="smcap">Footnotes:</span></h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> The author desires to state that this history should be
+read as a work of imagination simply, and not as authentic.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> A silver mark is about twenty cents of our money.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_C_3" id="Footnote_C_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_3"><span class="label">[C]</span></a> These words, which have been proven prophetic, were
+written last March, when Admiral Rojestvensky&#8217;s fleet was still a
+very formidable fact to be reckoned with.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Editor.</span></p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h3><span class="smcap">Transcriber&#8217;s Note:</span></h3>
+
+<p>Minor changes have been made to correct typesetter errors; otherwise,
+every effort has been made to remain true to the author&#8217;s words and
+intent.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
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+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The International Spy
+       Being the Secret History of the Russo-Japanese War
+
+Author: Allen Upward
+
+Release Date: November 16, 2009 [EBook #30482]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INTERNATIONAL SPY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ The
+
+ International Spy
+
+ BEING THE SECRET HISTORY
+ OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR
+
+ BY
+
+ ALLEN UPWARD
+
+ ("_Monsieur A. V._")
+
+ AUTHOR OF "UNDERGROUND HISTORY," ETC.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+
+ CHICAGO  NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1904, 1905, BY
+
+ THE PEARSON PUBLISHING CO.
+
+ COPYRIGHT, 1905, BY
+
+ G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY.
+
+ _Entered at Stationers' Hall._
+
+ The International Spy.
+
+ Made in U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                               PAGE
+
+         PROLOGUE--THE TWO EMPRESSES                     9
+
+      I. THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----             17
+
+     II. THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT                      24
+
+    III. THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE           36
+
+     IV. THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH                           45
+
+      V. A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY                        54
+
+     VI. DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED                          63
+
+    VII. THE RACE FOR SIBERIA                           71
+
+   VIII. THE CZAR'S MESSAGE                             76
+
+     IX. THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH                       87
+
+      X. THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO                       96
+
+     XI. WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND               107
+
+    XII. THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN                   113
+
+   XIII. HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS                         123
+
+    XIV. THE SUBMARINE MINE                            130
+
+     XV. THE ADVISOR OF NICHOLAS II                    139
+
+    XVI. A STRANGE CONFESSION                          145
+
+   XVII. A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT                       159
+
+  XVIII. THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN                        169
+
+    XIX. THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY                180
+
+     XX. THE DEVIL'S AUCTION                           192
+
+    XXI. THE FUNERAL                                   199
+
+   XXII. A PERILOUS MOMENT                             210
+
+  XXIII. A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST                    217
+
+   XXIV. A SECRET EXECUTION                            224
+
+    XXV. A CHANGE OF IDENTITY                          233
+
+   XXVI. TRAPPED                                       240
+
+  XXVII. THE BALTIC FLEET                              246
+
+ XXVIII. ON THE TRACK                                  256
+
+   XXIX. AN IMPERIAL FANATIC                           264
+
+    XXX. THE STOLEN SUBMARINE                          272
+
+   XXXI. THE KIEL CANAL                                279
+
+  XXXII. THE DOGGER BANK                               287
+
+ XXXIII. TRAFALGAR DAY                                 292
+
+  XXXIV. THE FAMILY STATUTE                            300
+
+         EPILOGUE                                      308
+
+
+
+
+The International Spy
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE[A]
+
+THE TWO EMPRESSES
+
+[Footnote A: The author desires to state that this history should be
+read as a work of imagination simply, and not as authentic.]
+
+
+"Look!"
+
+A fair, delicately-molded hand, on which glittered gems worth a
+raja's loyalty, was extended in the direction of the sea.
+
+Half a mile out, where the light ripples melted away into a blue and
+white haze upon the water, a small black smudge, like the back of a
+porpoise, seemed to be sliding along the surface.
+
+But it was not a porpoise, for out of it there rose a thin, black
+shaft, scarcely higher than a flag-staff, and from the top of this
+thin shaft there trickled a faint wreathing line of smoke, just
+visible against the background of sky and sea.
+
+"It is a submarine! What is it doing there?"
+
+The exclamation, followed by the question, came from the second,
+perhaps the fairer, of two women of gracious and beautiful presence,
+who were pacing, arm linked in arm, along a marble terrace
+overlooking a famous northern strait.
+
+The terrace on which they stood formed part of a stately palace,
+built by a king of the North who loved to retire in the summer time
+from his bustling capital, and gather his family around him in this
+romantic home.
+
+From here, as from a watch-tower, could be seen the fleets of
+empires, the crowded shipping of many a rich port and the humbler
+craft of the fisherman, passing and repassing all day long between
+the great inland sea of the North and the broad western ocean.
+
+Along this narrow channel had once swept the long ships of the
+Vikings, setting forth on those terrible raids which devastated half
+Europe and planted colonies in England and France and far-off Italy.
+But to-day the scene was a scene of peace. The martial glory of the
+Dane had departed. The royal castle that stood there as if to guard
+the strait had become a rendezvous of emperors and queens and
+princes, who took advantage of its quiet precincts to lay aside the
+pomp of rule, and perhaps to bind closer those alliances of
+sovereigns which serve to temper the fierce rivalries of their
+peoples.
+
+The pair who stood gazing, one with curiosity and wonder, the other
+with an interest of a more painful character, at the sinister object
+on the horizon, were imperial sisters. Born in the tiny sea kingdom,
+they had lived to wear the crowns of the greatest two realms the
+world has ever seen, two empires which between them covered half the
+surface of our planet, and included one-third of its inhabitants.
+
+But though sundered in interests they were not divided in affection.
+As they stood side by side, still linked together, it was evident
+that no common sympathy united them.
+
+The one who had been first to draw attention to the mysterious craft,
+and whose dress showed somber touches which spoke of widowhood,
+answered her sister's question:
+
+"I never see one of those vessels without a shudder. I have an
+instinct which warns me that they are destined to play a dangerous,
+perhaps a fatal, part in the future. What is that boat doing here, in
+Danish waters?--I do not know. But it can be here for no good. If a
+war ever broke out in which we were concerned, the Sound would be our
+first line of defense on the west. It would be mined, by us, perhaps;
+if not, by our enemy. Who can tell whether that submarine has not
+been sent out by some Power which is already plotting against peace,
+to explore the bed of the strait, with a view to laying down mines
+hereafter?"
+
+The other Empress listened with a grave countenance.
+
+"I hope your fears are not well founded. I can think of no Power that
+is ever likely to attack you. It is my nephew, or rather those who
+surround him, from whom the signal for war is likely to come, if it
+ever does come."
+
+The widowed Empress bowed her head.
+
+"You know what my hopes and wishes are," she answered. "If my son
+listened to me there would be no fear of his departing from the
+peaceful ways of my dear husband. But there are secret influences
+always at work, as stealthy in their nature as that very craft----"
+
+The speaker paused as she glanced 'round in search of the black
+streak and gray smoke-wreath which had attracted her notice a minute
+before. But she looked in vain.
+
+Like a phantom the submarine had disappeared, leaving no trace of its
+presence.
+
+The Empress uttered an ejaculation of dismay, which was echoed by her
+sister.
+
+"Where is it now? Where did it go? Has it sunk, or has it gone back
+to where it came from?"
+
+To these questions there could be no answer. The smooth waters
+glistened in the sunlight as merrily as if no threatening craft was
+gliding beneath the surface on some errand fraught with danger to the
+world.
+
+"Perhaps they saw they were observed, and dived under for
+concealment," suggested the second Empress.
+
+Her sister sighed gently.
+
+"I was telling you that that submarine was a type of the secret
+dangers which beset us. I know, beyond all doubt, that there are men
+in the innermost circle of the Court, men who have my son's ear, and
+can do almost what they like with him, who are at heart longing for a
+great war, and are always working underground to bring it about. And
+if they succeed, and we are taken unprepared by a stronger foe, there
+will be a revolution which may cost my son his throne, if not his
+life."
+
+There was a brief silence. Then the Empress who had listened to this
+declaration murmured in a low voice:
+
+"Heaven grant that the war is not one between you and us!"
+
+"Heaven grant it!" was the fervent reply. And then, after a moment's
+reflection, the widowed Empress added in an eager voice:
+
+"But we--cannot we do something to avert such a fearful calamity?"
+
+Her sister pressed her arm as though to assure her of sympathy.
+
+"Yes, yes," the other continued. "We can do much if we will. Though
+my son does not always take my advice, he has never yet refused to
+listen to me. And in moments of grave stress he sometimes consults
+me of his own accord. And I know that you, too, have influence. Your
+people worship you. Your husband----"
+
+The Western Empress interrupted gently:
+
+"I cannot play the part that you play. I do not claim the right to be
+consulted, or to give direct advice. Do not ask me to step outside my
+sphere. I can give information; I can be a channel sometimes between
+your Court and ours, a channel which you can trust as I fear you
+cannot always trust your ministers and diplomatic agents. More than
+that I should not like to promise."
+
+"But that is very much," was the grateful response. "That may be
+quite enough. Provided we can arrange a code by which I can always
+communicate with you safely and secretly, it may be possible to avert
+war at any time."
+
+"What do you propose?"
+
+"It is very simple. If any crisis comes about through no fault of my
+son's--if the party who are conspiring to make a war arrange some
+unexpected _coup_ which we could not foresee or prevent--and if I am
+sure that my son sincerely desires peace, I can send you a
+message--one word will be enough--which you can take as an assurance
+that we mean to put ourselves right with you, and to thwart the
+plotters."
+
+The Western Empress bowed her head.
+
+"I accept the mission. And the word--what shall it be?"
+
+The other glanced 'round the horizon once more, and then, bending her
+lips to her imperial sister's ear, whispered a single word.
+
+The two great women who had just exchanged a pledge for the peace of
+the world were moving slowly along the terrace again, when the
+Western sister said, thoughtfully,
+
+"I think I know another way to aid you."
+
+The Eastern Empress halted, and gazed at her with eagerness.
+
+"I know the difficulties that surround you," her sister pursued, "and
+that the greatest of them all is having no one in your service whom
+you can entirely and absolutely trust."
+
+"That is so," was the mournful admission.
+
+"Now I have heard of a man--I have never actually employed him
+myself, but I have heard of him from those who have, and they tell me
+he is incorruptible. In addition, he is a man who has never
+experienced the sensation of fear, and his abilities are so great
+that he has been called in to solve almost every problem of
+international politics that has arisen in recent years."
+
+"But this man--how can he be obtained?"
+
+"At present he is retained in our secret service. I must not conceal
+from you that he is partly a Pole by descent, and as such he has no
+love for your Empire. But if it were made clear to him that in
+serving you he was serving us, and defeating the designs of the
+anti-popular and despotic clique at your Court, I feel sure he would
+consent to place himself at your disposal."
+
+The Eastern Empress listened intently to her sister's words. At the
+close she said,
+
+"Thank you. I will try this man, if you can prevail on him to come to
+me. What is his name?"
+
+"I expect you must have heard of him already, It is----"
+
+"_Monsieur V----?_"
+
+The second Empress nodded.
+
+No more was said.
+
+The two imperial figures passed away along the terrace, silhouetted
+against the red and stormy sunset sky, like two ministering spirits
+of peace brooding over a battleground of blood.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MONSIEUR V----
+
+
+The great monarch by whose gracious command I write this narrative
+has given me his permission to preface it with the following
+remarkable document:
+
+      _Minute_: It is considered that it cannot but promote the
+      cause of peace and good understanding between the British
+      and Russian Governments if Monsieur V---- be authorized to
+      relate in the columns of some publication enjoying a wide
+      circulation, the steps by which he was enabled to throw
+      light on the occurrences in the North Sea.
+
+                         _By the Cabinet._
+
+In addition, I desire to state for the benefit of those who profess
+to see some impropriety in the introduction of real names into a
+narrative of this kind, that objections precisely similar to theirs
+were long ago raised, and long ago disposed of, in the case of
+Parliamentary reports, newspaper articles, society papers, and comic
+publications of all kinds; and, further, that I have never received
+the slightest intimation that my literary methods were displeasing to
+the illustrious personages whom my narratives are intended to honor.
+
+With this apology I may be permitted to proceed.
+
+On a certain day in the winter which preceded the outbreak of war
+between Russia and Japan, I received a summons to Buckingham Palace,
+London, to interview the Marquis of Bedale.
+
+I am unable to fix the precise date, as I have forsworn the dangerous
+practice of keeping a diary ever since the head of the French police
+convinced me that he had deciphered a code telegram of mine to the
+Emperor of Morocco.
+
+The Marquis and I were old friends, and, anticipating that I should
+find myself required to start immediately on some mission which might
+involve a long absence from my headquarters in Paris, I took my
+confidential secretary with me as far as the British capital,
+utilizing the time taken by the journey in instructing him how to
+deal with the various affairs I had in hand.
+
+I had just finished explaining to him the delicate character of the
+negotiation then pending between the new King of Servia and Prince
+Ferdinand of Bulgaria, when the train rolled into Charing Cross.
+
+Not wishing any one, however high in my confidence, to know too much
+of my movements, I ordered him to remain seated in the railway
+carriage, while I slipped out of the station and into the closed
+brougham for which I had telegraphed from Dover.
+
+I had said in the wire that I wished to be driven to a hotel in
+Piccadilly. It was not till I found myself in Cockspur Street that I
+pulled the check-string, and ordered the coachman to take me to
+Buckingham Palace.
+
+I mention these details in order to show that my precautions to
+insure secrecy are always of the most thorough character, so that, in
+fact, it would be quite impossible for any one to unveil my
+proceedings unless I voluntarily opened my lips.
+
+The instructions which I received from Lord Bedale were brief and to
+the point:
+
+"You are aware, of course, Monsieur V----, that there is a
+possibility of war breaking out before long between Russia and
+Japan."
+
+"It is more than a possibility, I am afraid, my lord. Things have
+gone so far that I do not believe it is any longer possible to avert
+war."
+
+His lordship appeared gravely concerned.
+
+"Do you tell me that it is too late for you to interfere with
+effect?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Even for me," I replied with firmness.
+
+Lord Bedale threw at me a glance almost imploring in its entreaty.
+
+"If you were to receive the most ample powers, the most liberal
+funds; if you were to be placed in direct communication with one of
+the most exalted personages in the Court of St Petersburg--would it
+still be impossible?"
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"Your lordship should have sent for me a fortnight ago. We have lost
+twelve days, that is to say, twelve battles."
+
+The Marquis of Bedale looked more and more distressed.
+
+"At least you can try?" he suggested.
+
+"I can try. But I am not omnipotent, my lord," I reminded him.
+
+He breathed a sigh of relief before going on to say:
+
+"But that is only the preliminary. Great Britain is bound to come to
+the assistance of Japan in certain contingencies."
+
+"In the event of her being attacked by a second Power," I observed.
+
+"Precisely. I rely on you to prevent that contingency arising."
+
+"That is a much easier matter, I confess."
+
+"Then you undertake to keep the war from extending to us?"
+
+"I undertake to keep a second Power from attacking Japan," I answered
+cautiously.
+
+Lord Bedale was quick to perceive my reservation.
+
+"But in that case we cannot be involved, surely?" he objected.
+
+"I cannot undertake to keep you from attacking Russia," I explained
+grimly.
+
+"But we should not dream of attacking her--without provocation," he
+returned, bewildered.
+
+"I fancy you will have a good deal of provocation," I retorted.
+
+"Why? What makes you think that?" he demanded.
+
+I suspected that Lord Bedale was either sounding me, or else that he
+had not been taken into the full confidence of those for whom he was
+acting.
+
+I responded evasively:
+
+"There are two personages in Europe, neither of whom will leave one
+stone unturned in the effort to involve you in war with Russia."
+
+"And they are?"
+
+Even as he put the question, Lord Bedale, as though acting
+unconsciously, raised one hand to his mustache, and gave it a
+pronounced upward twirl.
+
+"I see your lordship knows one of them," I remarked. "The other----"
+
+He bent forward eagerly.
+
+"Yes? The other?"
+
+"The other is a woman."
+
+"A woman?"
+
+He fell back in his chair in sheer surprise.
+
+"The other," I repeated in my most serious tone, "is a woman, perhaps
+the most formidable woman now living, not even excepting the Dowager
+Empress of China."
+
+"And her name?"
+
+"Her name would tell you nothing."
+
+"Still----"
+
+"If you really wish to hear it----"
+
+"I more than wish. I urge you."
+
+"Her name is the Princess Y----."
+
+Scarcely had the name of this dangerous and desperate woman passed my
+lips than I regretted having uttered it.
+
+Had I foreseen the perils to which I exposed myself by that single
+slip I might have hesitated in going on with my enterprise.
+
+As it was I determined to tell the Marquis of Bedale nothing more.
+
+"This business is too urgent to admit of a moment's unnecessary
+delay," I declared, rising to my feet. "If your lordship has no
+further instructions to give me, I will leave you."
+
+"One instant!" cried Lord Bedale. "On arriving in Petersburg you will
+go straight to report yourself to her majesty the Empress Dagmar."
+
+I bowed my head to conceal the expression which might have told his
+lordship that I intended to do nothing of the kind.
+
+"Your credentials," he added with a touch of theatricality, "will
+consist of a single word."
+
+"And that word?" I inquired.
+
+He handed me a sealed envelope.
+
+"I do not myself know it. It is written on a piece of paper inside
+that envelope, and I have to ask you to open the envelope, read the
+word, and then destroy the paper in my presence."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I proceeded to break the seal. But no
+sooner did my eyes fall on the word within, and above all on the
+handwriting in which that word was written, than I experienced a
+sensation of admiring pleasure.
+
+"Tell the writer, if you please, my lord, that I am grateful for this
+mark of confidence, which I shall endeavor to deserve."
+
+I rolled up the paper into a tiny pellet, swallowed it, and left the
+room and the Palace without uttering another word.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE PRINCESS Y----'S HINT
+
+
+I never use the same stratagem more than once. It is to this rule
+that I attribute my success.
+
+On previous missions to Russia I assumed the disguises of a French
+banker, of the private secretary to Prince Napoleon, of an emissary
+from an Indian Maharaja, and of an Abyssinian Maduga.
+
+I now decided to go thither as an Englishman, or rather--for there is
+a distinction between the two--as a Little Englander.
+
+It appeared to me that no character could be more calculated to gain
+me the confidence of the Anglophobes of the Russian Court. I
+anticipated that they would smother me with attentions, and that from
+their hypocritical professions I should stand a good chance of
+learning what was actually in their minds.
+
+No sooner had I taken this decision, which was while the brougham was
+being driven along the Mall, than I gave the order "---- House."
+
+I was driven to the office of a well known review conducted by a
+journalist of boundless philanthropy and credulity. Mr. Place--as I
+will call him--was within, and I at once came to business.
+
+"I am a Peace Crusader," I announced. "I have devoted myself to the
+sacred cause of which you are the foremost champion. At present war
+is threatened in the Far East. I am going to Russia to persuade the
+war party to abandon their designs. I have come here to ask you for
+your aid and countenance in this pious enterprise."
+
+The editor gave me a doubtful glance.
+
+"If it is a question of financial aid," he said not very
+encouragingly, "I must refer you to the treasurer of the World's
+Peace League. I am afraid our friends----"
+
+"No, no," I interrupted him. "It is not a question of funds. I am a
+wealthy man, and if you need a subscription at any time you have only
+to apply to me. What I desire is your moral support, your valuable
+advice, and perhaps a few introductions to the friends of peace in
+the Russian capital."
+
+The editor's face brightened.
+
+"Of course!" he exclaimed in cordial tones. "I will support you with
+all my heart. I will write up your mission in the _Review_, and I
+will give you as many introductions as you need. What is your name,
+again?"
+
+"Sterling. Mr. Melchisadek Sterling."
+
+The philanthropist nodded and touched a bell on his table.
+
+"I will give you a letter," he said, as his secretary came in and
+seated herself at the typewriter, "to the noblest creature I have
+ever met, a woman of high birth and immense fortune who has devoted
+herself to the cause."
+
+And turning 'round in his chair he dictated to the attentive
+secretary:
+
+"_My dear Princess Y_----"
+
+It needed all that command over my features which it has taken me
+twenty years to acquire to conceal the emotion with which I heard
+this name. Less than half an hour had passed since I had warned Lord
+Bedale that the Princess would be the most formidable enemy in my
+path, and now, on the very threshold of my enterprise, her name
+confronted me like an omen.
+
+I need not repeat the highly colored phrases in which the
+unsuspecting philanthropist commended me to this artful and
+formidable woman as a fellow-worker in the holy cause of human
+brotherhood.
+
+Not content with this service, the editor wanted to arrange a meeting
+of his league or brotherhood, or whatever it was, to give me a public
+send-off. As I understood that the meeting would partake of a
+religious character I could not bring myself to accept the offer.
+
+In addition to the letter to the Princess Y----, he gave me another
+to a member of the staff of the Russian Embassy in London, a M.
+Gudonov. He also urged me to call upon a member of Parliament, a
+rising politician who is not unlikely to have a ministerial post in
+the next government, and who has made himself known as an apologist
+of the Czar's. But as I had good reason to know that this gentleman
+was by no means a disinterested dupe, like Mr. Place, I prudently
+left him alone.
+
+On going to the Russian Embassy to have my passport vised I inquired
+for M. Gudonov.
+
+The moment he entered the room I recognized him as one of the most
+unscrupulous agents of the notorious Third Section, one of the gang
+who drugged and kidnapped poor Alexander of Bulgaria. My own
+disguise, it is hardly necessary to say, was impenetrable.
+
+This precious apostle of peace greeted me with unction, on the
+editor's introduction.
+
+"You are going to our country on a truly noble errand," he declared,
+with tears in his eyes. "We Russians have reason to feel grateful to
+worthy Englishmen like you, who can rise above national prejudices
+and do justice to the benevolent designs of the Czar and his
+advisers."
+
+"I hope that I may be instrumental in averting a great catastrophe,"
+I said piously.
+
+"Even if you fail in preventing war," the Russian replied, "you will
+be able to tell your countrymen when you return, that it was due to
+the insane ambition of the heathen Japanese. It is the 'Yellow
+Peril,' my friend, to which that good Emperor William has drawn
+attention, from which we are trying to save Europe."
+
+I nodded my head as if well satisfied.
+
+"Whatever you and your friends in Petersburg tell me, I shall
+believe," I assured him. "I am convinced of the good intention of
+your Government."
+
+The Russian fairly grinned at this simplicity.
+
+"You cannot find a more trustworthy informant than the Princess
+Y----," he said gravely. "And just now she is in a position to know a
+very great deal."
+
+"How so?" I asked naturally--not that I doubted the statement.
+
+"The Princess has just been appointed a lady-in-waiting to her
+imperial majesty the Dowager Empress Dagmar."
+
+This was a serious blow. Knowing what I did of the past of Princess
+Y----, I felt that no ordinary pressure must have been brought to
+bear to secure her admission into the household of the Czaritza. And
+with what motive? It was a question to which there could be only one
+answer. The War Party had guessed or suspected that the Czar's mother
+was opposed to them, and they had resolved to place a spy on her
+actions.
+
+Inwardly thankful to Mr. Place for having been the means of procuring
+me this important information in advance, I received my passport and
+quitted the Embassy with the heartfelt congratulations of the
+ex-kidnapper.
+
+Forty-eight hours later I had crossed the Russian frontier, and my
+life was in the hands of the Princess.
+
+My first step on arriving in the capital of the North was to put up
+at the favorite hotel of English visitors. The coupons of a
+celebrated tourist agency were credentials in themselves, and I had
+not forgotten to provide myself with the three articles indispensable
+to the outfit of every traveling Briton--a guide book, a prayer book,
+and a bath sponge.
+
+At the risk of incurring the suspicions of the police agent stationed
+in the hotel, I mingled some hot water in the bath which I took on
+the first morning after my arrival. Then, having made my toilet and
+eaten the heavy breakfast provided for English visitors, I set out,
+suffering sadly from indigestion, to present my letter of
+introduction to the Princess.
+
+As this woman, the most brilliant recruit ever received into the
+Russian secret service, and a foe of whom I am not ashamed to confess
+that I felt some fear, has never been heard of by the public of Great
+Britain, I shall say a word concerning her.
+
+The Princess, whose Christian name was Sophia, was the daughter of a
+boyar of Little Russia. Her extraordinary beauty, while she was still
+a very young girl, attracted the attention of the governor of the
+province, Prince Y----, who was one of the wealthiest nobles in the
+Empire, and a widower. He made proposals for her hand which were
+accepted by her father, without the girl herself being asked to
+express an opinion in the matter, and at the age when an English girl
+would be leaving home for a convent or "high-school," Sophia became
+the Governor's wife.
+
+Almost immediately the Prince resigned his government and went to
+live in his splendid palace on the Nevsky Prospect, in Petersburg.
+Before very long, society in the Russian capital was startled to hear
+of the sudden deaths in rapid succession of both the Prince's
+children by his former wife, a son and a daughter. Then, after a
+brief interval, followed the tragic death of the Prince himself, who
+was found in bed one morning by his valet, with his throat cut.
+
+The almost satanic beauty and fascination of the youthful Princess
+had made her from the very first one of the most conspicuous
+personages at the Imperial Court. These three deaths, following on
+the heels of one another, roused the most dreadful suspicions, and
+the Czar Alexander III. personally charged his minister of justice
+to see that the law was carried out.
+
+Accordingly the police took possession of the palace while the corpse
+of its late owner still lay where it had been found. The most
+searching investigations were made, the servants were questioned and
+threatened, and it was rumored that the widow herself was for a short
+time under arrest.
+
+Suddenly a great change took place. The police withdrew, professing
+themselves satisfied that no crime had been committed. The deaths of
+the son and daughter were put down to natural causes, and that of the
+Prince was pronounced a suicide, due to grief at the loss of his
+children. Some of the servants disappeared--it was said into
+Siberia--and in due course the Princess resumed her place in society
+and at Court, as though nothing were amiss.
+
+Nevertheless, from that hour, as I have every reason to know, her
+life was really that of a slave to the head of the secret police. She
+appeared to go about unfettered, and to revel in the enjoyment of
+every luxury; but her time, her actions, and the vast wealth
+bequeathed to her by her husband, were all at the disposal of her
+tyrant.
+
+Time after time, in half the capitals of Europe, but more especially,
+of course, in that of Russia, I had come on traces of this terrible
+woman, not less terrible if it were true that she was herself the
+most miserable victim of the system of which she formed part.
+
+But singularly enough, though I had heard so much of the Princess I
+had never actually found myself pitted against her. And, more
+singularly still, I had never met her.
+
+From this it will be gathered that I experienced a sensation of more
+than ordinary curiosity and even apprehension as I presented myself
+at the house in the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to be admitted to the
+presence of its mistress.
+
+"Her highness is on duty at the Palace to-day," I was told by the
+chamberlain who received me in the inner hall. "Her carriage is just
+ordered to take her there. However, I will take up your letter, and
+inquire when her highness can see you."
+
+I sat down in the hall, outwardly a calm, stolid Briton, but inwardly
+a wrestler, wound up to the highest pitch of excitement and impatient
+for the sight of his antagonist.
+
+To pass the time suitably, I took my guide-book out of my pocket and
+began to read. The book opened at Herr Baedaker's description of the
+gloomy fortress of the Schluesselburg, the dreaded prison of the foes
+of the Czar.
+
+The description did not tend to soothe my nerves, conscious as I was
+that the woman I was about to meet could consign me to the most
+noisome dungeon in the fortress by merely lifting her little finger.
+
+I was just closing the book with an involuntary shudder when I heard
+a light, almost girlish, laugh from above. I looked hastily, and saw
+the woman I had come to measure myself against standing poised like a
+bird on the top of the grand staircase.
+
+As I rose hurriedly to my feet, taking in every detail of her superb
+yet delicate figure, her complexion like a blush-rose, her lustrous
+eyes--they were dark violet on a closer view--and the cloud of
+rippling gold that framed her brow, I was moved, yes, positively
+carried away for a moment, by a sentiment such as few women have been
+able to inspire in me.
+
+Perceiving, no doubt, that she had produced the desired impression,
+the Princess ran lightly down the stairs and came toward me holding
+out two tiny hands, the fingers of which were literally gloved in
+diamonds.
+
+"My friend! My noble Englishman!" she exclaimed in the purest French.
+"And since when have you known that dear Monsieur Place?"
+
+I checked myself on the point of replying, pretended to falter, and
+then muttered in the worst French I could devise on the spur of the
+moment:
+
+"_Parlez-vous Anglais, s'il vous plait, Madame?_"
+
+The Princess shook her head reproachfully.
+
+"You speak French too well not to understand it, I suspect," she
+retorted in the same language. Then dropping it for English, marred
+only by a slight Slavonic accent, she repeated:
+
+"But tell me,--dear Mr. Place, he is a great friend of yours, I
+suppose?"
+
+"I can hardly claim the honor of his personal friendship," I replied,
+rather lamely. "But I have always known and admired him as a public
+man."
+
+"Ah! He is so good, is he not? So generous, so confiding, so great a
+friend of our dear Russia. You know Mr. ----?"
+
+The name she uttered was that of the politician referred to above.
+She slipped it out swiftly, with the action of a cat pouncing.
+
+I shook my head with an air of distress.
+
+"I am afraid I am not important enough to know such a great man as
+that," I said with affected humility.
+
+The Princess hastened to relieve my embarrassment.
+
+"What is that to us!" she exclaimed. "You are an Englishman, you are
+benevolent, upright, truthful, and you esteem our country. Such men
+are always welcome in Russia. The Czaritza is waiting for me; but you
+will come back and dine with me, if not to-night, then to-morrow, or
+the next day. I will send an invitation to your hotel. My friends
+shall call on you. You are staying at the----?"
+
+I mentioned the name of the hotel, murmuring my thanks.
+
+"That is nothing," the beautiful woman went on in the same eager
+strain. "I shall have good news for you when we meet again, believe
+me. Yes--" she lowered her voice almost to a whisper--"our dear Czar
+is going to take the negotiations into his own hands. So it is said.
+His majesty is determined to preserve peace. The odious intrigues of
+the War group will be defeated, I can assure you. You will not be
+disappointed, my dear Mr.----" she snatched the editor's letter from
+her muff and glanced at it--"Mr. Sterling, if I tell you that you are
+going to have your journey for nothing. You will have a good time in
+Petersburg, all the same. But believe me when I tell you so, your
+journey will fortunately be for nothing!"
+
+And with the repetition of these words, and another bright bow and
+look which dazzled my senses, the wonderful creature swept past me to
+where the chamberlain stood ready to hand her into her carriage.
+
+For nothing?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HEAD OF THE MANCHURIAN SYNDICATE
+
+
+No reader can have failed to notice one remarkable point in the
+interview between the Princess Y---- and myself. I refer of course to
+her invitation to me to dine with her in the course of a day or two.
+
+Unless the etiquette of the Russian Court differed greatly from that
+of most others in Europe, it would be most indecorous for a
+lady-in-waiting, during her turn of service, to give entertainments
+at her private house.
+
+I felt certain that this invitation concealed some trap, but I
+puzzled myself uselessly in trying to guess what it could be.
+
+In the meantime I did not neglect certain other friends of mine in
+the city on the Neva, from whom I had some hope of receiving
+assistance.
+
+Although I have never gone so far as to enroll myself as an active
+Nihilist, I am what is known as an Auxiliary. In other words, without
+being under the orders of the great secret committee which wages
+underground war with the Russian Government, I have sometimes
+rendered it voluntary services, and I have at all times the privilege
+of communicating with it, and exchanging information.
+
+While waiting for the next move on the part of the Princess,
+therefore, I decided to get in touch with the revolutionists.
+
+I made my way on foot to a certain tavern situated near the port, and
+chiefly patronized by German and Scandinavian sailors.
+
+The host of the Angel Gabriel, as the house was called, was a
+Nihilist of old standing, and one of their most useful agents for
+introducing forbidden literature into the empire.
+
+Printed mostly in London, in a suburb called Walworth, the
+revolutionary tracts are shipped to Bergen or Lubeck, and brought
+thence by these sailors concealed in their bedding. At night, after
+the customs officers have departed, a boat with a false keel puts off
+from a quay higher up the Neva, and passes down the river to where
+the newly arrived ship is lying; the packages are dropped overboard
+as it drifts past the side and hidden under the bottom boards; and
+then the boat returns up the river, where its cargo is transferred to
+the cellars of the tavern.
+
+The host, a namesake of the Viceroy of Manchuria, was serving in the
+bar when I came in. I called for a glass of vodka, and in doing so
+made the sign announcing myself as an Auxiliary.
+
+Alexieff said nothing in reply, but the sailors lounging in the bar
+began to finish off their drinks and saunter out one by one, till in
+a short time the place was empty.
+
+"Well?" said the tavern-keeper, as soon as we were alone.
+
+It was not my first visit to the Angel Gabriel, and I lost no time in
+convincing Alexieff of my identity. As soon as he recognized me, I
+said:--
+
+"You know the Princess Y----?"
+
+The expression of rage and fear which convulsed his features was a
+sufficient answer.
+
+"You know, moreover, that she is at present working her hardest to
+bring about a war between Russia and Japan, with the hope of
+ultimately involving Great Britain?"
+
+He nodded sullenly.
+
+"How does that affect your friends?" I asked cautiously. Something in
+the man's face warned me not to show my own hand just then.
+
+"We hate her, of course," he said grudgingly, "but just now we have
+received orders that she is not to be interfered with."
+
+I drew a deep breath.
+
+"Then you regard this war----?"
+
+"We regard it as the beginning of the revolution," he answered. "We
+know that the Empire is utterly unprepared. The Viceroy Alexieff is a
+vain boaster. Port Arthur is not provisioned. The Navy is rotten. The
+Army cannot be recruited except by force. The taxes are already
+excessive and cannot be increased. In short, we look forward to see
+the autocracy humiliated. The moment its prestige is gone, and the
+moujik feels the pinch of famine, our chance will come."
+
+I saw that I had come to the wrong quarter for assistance.
+
+"Then you will do nothing against this woman at present?" I remarked,
+anxious to leave the impression that she was the only object of my
+concern.
+
+"No. At least not until war is definitely declared. After that I
+cannot say."
+
+"And you think the war sure to come?"
+
+"We are certain of it. One of our most trusted members is on the
+board of the Manchurian Syndicate."
+
+"The Syndicate which has obtained the concessions in Korea?"
+
+"Against which Japan has protested, yes."
+
+I felt the full force of this announcement, having watched the
+proceedings of the Syndicate for some months for reasons of my own.
+
+Every student of modern history has remarked the fact that all recent
+wars have been promoted by great combinations of capitalists. The
+causes which formerly led to war between nation and nation have
+ceased to operate. Causes, or at least pretexts, for war continue to
+occur, but whether they are followed up depends mainly on commercial
+considerations. A distant Government is oppressing its subjects, it
+may be in Turkey, it may be in Cuba, it may be in Africa. No matter,
+some great Power suddenly discovers it is interested; the drums are
+beaten, the flag is unfurled, and armies are launched on their path.
+The next year, perhaps, the same Power sees its own subjects
+massacred wantonly off its own coasts by a foreign fleet. Nothing
+happens; a few speeches are made, and the whole incident is referred
+to arbitration, and forgotten.
+
+It is the consideration of money which decides between peace and war.
+
+Perceiving it was useless to ask any assistance of the Nihilists in
+my forlorn enterprise, I returned sadly to my hotel.
+
+Hardly had I finished the immense lunch on which I was compelled to
+gorge myself, when a waiter brought me a card, the name on which gave
+me an electric shock.
+
+"_M. Petrovitch._"
+
+Every one has heard of this man, the promoter of the Manchurian
+Syndicate, and, if report spoke truly, the possessor of an influence
+over the young Czar which could be attributed only to some occult
+art.
+
+I could not doubt that this powerful personage had been instigated to
+call on me by the Princess Y----.
+
+What then? Was it likely that she would have sent the most
+influential man in the imperial circle to wait upon a traveling
+fanatic, a visionary humanitarian from Exeter Hall?
+
+Impossible! Somehow something must have leaked out to rouse the
+suspicions of this astute plotter, and make her guess that I was not
+what I seemed.
+
+It was with the sensations of a man struggling in the meshes of an
+invisible net that I saw M. Petrovitch enter the room.
+
+The celebrated wire-puller, whose name was familiar to every
+statesman and stock-broker in Europe, had an appearance very unlike
+his reputation.
+
+He was the court dandy personified. Every detail of his dress was
+elaborated to the point of effeminacy. His hands were like a girl's,
+his long hair was curled and scented, he walked with a limp and spoke
+with a lisp, removing a gold-tipped cigarette from his well-displayed
+teeth.
+
+As the smoke of the cigarette drifted toward me, I was conscious of
+an acute, but imperfect, twinge of memory. The sense of smell, though
+the most neglected, is the most reliable sense with which we are
+furnished. I could not be mistaken in thinking I had smelt tobacco
+like that before.
+
+"I have come to see you without losing a moment, Mr. Sterling," he
+said in very good English. "My good friend Madame Y---- sent me a
+note from the Palace to beg me to show you every attention. It is too
+bad that an ambassador of peace--a friend of that great and good man,
+Place, should be staying in a hotel, while hundreds of Russians would
+be delighted to welcome him as their guest. My house is a poor one,
+it is true, and I am hardly of high enough rank, still----"
+
+The intriguer was asking me to transfer myself to his roof, to become
+his prisoner, in effect.
+
+"I cannot thank you enough," I responded, "but I am not going to
+stay. The Princess has convinced me that the war-cloud will blow
+over, and I think of going on to Constantinople to intercede with the
+Sultan on behalf of the Armenians."
+
+"A noble idea," M. Petrovitch responded warmly. "What would the world
+do without such men as you? But at all events you will dine with me
+before you go?"
+
+It was the second invitation to dinner I had received that day. But,
+after all, I could hardly suspect a trap in everything.
+
+"Do you share the hopes of the Princess?" I asked M. Petrovitch,
+after thanking him for his hospitality.
+
+The syndicate-monger nodded.
+
+"I have been working night and day for peace," he declared
+impudently, "and I think I may claim that I have done some good. The
+Japanese are seeking for an excuse to attack us, but they will not
+get it."
+
+"The Manchurian Syndicate?" I ventured to hint, rising to go to the
+bell.
+
+"The Syndicate is wholly in favor of peace," he assured me, watching
+my movement with evident curiosity. "We require it, in fact, to
+develop our mines, our timber concessions, our----"
+
+A waiter entered in response to my ring.
+
+"Bring me some cigarettes--your best," I ordered him.
+
+As the man retreated it was borne in on my guest that he had been
+guilty of smoking in my room without offering me his case.
+
+"A thousand pardons!" he exclaimed. "Won't you try one of mine?"
+
+I took a cigarette from the case he held out, turned it between my
+fingers, and lit it from the end farthest from the maker's imprint.
+
+"If I am satisfied that all danger is removed I should be inclined to
+apply for some shares in your undertaking," I said, giving the
+promoter a meaning look.
+
+From the expression in his eyes it was evident that this precious
+scoundrel was ready to sell Czar, Russia and fellow-promoters all
+together.
+
+While he was struggling between his natural greed and his suspicion
+the waiter reentered with some boxes of cigarettes.
+
+I smelt the tobacco of each and made my choice, at the same time
+pitching the half-smoked cigarette given to me by M. Petrovitch into
+the fireplace, among the ashes.
+
+"Your tobacco is a little too strong for me," I remarked by way of
+excuse.
+
+But the Russian was wrapped up in the thought of the bribe at which I
+had just hinted.
+
+"I shall bear in mind what you say," he declared, as he rose.
+
+"Depend upon it, if it is possible for me to meet your wishes, I
+shall be happy to do so."
+
+I saw him go off, like a fish with the bait in its mouth. Directly
+the door closed behind him I sprang to the fireplace, rescued the
+still burning cigarette and quenched it, and then, carefully brushing
+away the dust, read the maker's brand once more.
+
+An hour later simultaneous messages were speeding over the wires to
+my correspondents in London, Amsterdam and Hamburg:
+
+      Ascertain what becomes of all cigarettes made by
+      Gregorides; brand, Crown Aa.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE CZAR'S AUTOGRAPH
+
+
+The next morning at breakfast I found the two invitations already
+promised. That of the head of the Manchurian Syndicate was for the
+same night.
+
+Resolved not to remain in the dark any longer as to the reason for
+this apparent breach of etiquette, I decided to do what the Marquis
+of Bedale had suggested, namely, approach the Dowager Empress in
+person.
+
+Well accustomed to the obstacles which beset access to royalty, I
+drove to the Palace in a richly appointed carriage from the best
+livery stable in Petersburg, and sent in my card to the chamberlain
+by an equerry.
+
+"I have a message to the Czaritza which I am instructed to give to
+her majesty in person," I told him. "Be good enough to let her know
+that the messenger from the Queen of England has arrived."
+
+He went out of the room, and at the end of ten minutes the door
+opened again and admitted--the Princess Y----!
+
+Overpowered by this unlucky accident, as I at first supposed it to
+be, I rose to my feet, muttering some vague phrase of courtesy.
+
+But the Princess soon showed me that the meeting did not take her by
+surprise.
+
+"So you have a message for my dear mistress?" she cried in an accent
+of gay reproach. "And you never breathed a word of it to me. Mr.
+Sterling, I shall begin to think you are a conspirator. _How_ long
+did you say you had known that good Mr. Place? But I am talking while
+her majesty is waiting. Have you any password by which the Czaritza
+will know whom you come from?"
+
+"I can tell that only to her majesty, I am afraid," I answered
+guardedly.
+
+"I am in her majesty's confidence."
+
+And bringing her exquisite face so near to mine that I was oppressed
+by the scent of the tuberoses in her bosom, she whispered three
+syllables in my ear.
+
+Dismayed by this proof of the fatal progress the dangerous police
+agent had already made, I could only admit by a silent bow that the
+password was correct.
+
+"Then come with me, Mr. Sterling," the Princess said with what
+sounded like a malicious accent on the name.
+
+The reception which I met from the Dowager Empress was gracious in
+the extreme. I need not recount all that passed. Her imperial majesty
+repeated with evident sincerity the assurances which had already
+been given me in a different spirit by the two arch-intriguers.
+
+"There will be no war. The Czar has personally intervened. He has
+taken the negotiations out of the hands of Count Lamsdorff, and
+written an autograph letter to the Mikado which will put an end to
+the crisis."
+
+I listened with a distrust which I could not wholly conceal.
+
+"I trust his majesty has not intervened too late," I said
+respectfully, my mind bent on framing some excuse to get rid of the
+listener. "According to the newspapers the patience of the Japanese
+is nearly exhausted."
+
+"No more time will be lost," the Czaritza responded. "The messenger
+leaves Petersburg to-night with the Czar's letter."
+
+I stole a cautious glance in the direction of the Princess Y----. She
+was breathing deeply, her eyes fixed on the Czaritza's lips, and her
+hands tightly clenched.
+
+I put on an air of great relief.
+
+"In that case, your majesty, I have no more to do in Petersburg. I
+will wire the good news to Lord Bedale, and return to England
+to-morrow or the next day. I beg your pardon, Princess!" I pretended
+to exclaim by a sudden afterthought, "_after_ the next day." And
+turning once more to the mother of the Czar, I explained:
+
+"The Princess has honored me with an invitation to dinner."
+
+The Dowager Empress glanced at her attendant in evident surprise.
+
+"I must implore your pardon, Madam," the Princess stammered, in real
+confusion. "I am aware I ought to have solicited your leave in the
+first place, but knowing that this gentleman came from----"
+
+She broke off, fairly unable to meet the questioning gaze of her
+imperial mistress.
+
+I pretended to come to her relief.
+
+"I have a private message," I said to the Empress.
+
+"You may leave us, Princess," the Empress said coldly.
+
+As soon as the door had closed on her, I gave a warning look at the
+Czaritza.
+
+"That woman, Madam, is the most dangerous agent in the secret service
+of your Empire."
+
+I trusted to the little scene I had just contrived to prepare the
+mind of the Czaritza for this intimation. But she received it as a
+matter of course.
+
+"Sophia Y---- has been all that you say, Monsieur V----. I am well
+acquainted with her history. The poor thing has been a victim of the
+most fiendish cruelty on the part of the Minister of Police, for
+years. At last, unable to bear her position any longer, she appealed
+to me. She told me her harrowing story, and implored me to receive
+her, and secure her admission to a convent. I investigated the case
+thoroughly."
+
+"Your majesty will pardon me, I am sure, if I say that as a man with
+some experience of intrigue, I thoroughly distrust that woman's
+sincerity. She is intimate with M. Petrovitch, to my knowledge."
+
+"But M. Petrovitch is also on the side of peace, so I am assured."
+
+I began to despair.
+
+"You will believe me, or disbelieve me as your majesty pleases. But I
+am accustomed to work for those who honor me with their entire
+confidence. If the Princess Y---- is to be taken into the secret of
+my work on your majesty's behalf, I must respectfully ask to be
+released."
+
+As I offered her majesty this alternative in a firm voice, I was
+inwardly trembling. On the reply hung, perhaps, the fate of two
+continents.
+
+But the Dowager Empress did not hesitate.
+
+"What you stipulate for shall be done, Monsieur V----. I am too well
+aware of the value of your services, and the claims you have on the
+confidence of your employers, to dispute your conditions."
+
+"The messenger who is starting to-night--does the Princess know who
+he is?"
+
+"I believe so. It is no secret. The messenger is Colonel Menken."
+
+"In that case he will never reach Tokio."
+
+Her majesty could not suppress a look of horror.
+
+"What do you advise?" she demanded tremulously.
+
+"His majesty the Czar must at once write a duplicate of the despatch,
+unknown to any living soul but your majesty, and that despatch must
+be placed by you in my hands."
+
+The Dowager Empress gazed at me for a moment in consternation.
+
+But the soundness of the plan I had proposed quickly made itself
+manifest to her.
+
+"You are right, Monsieur V----," her majesty said approvingly. "I
+will communicate with the Czar without delay. By what time do you
+want the despatch?"
+
+"In time to catch the Siberian express to-night, if your majesty
+pleases. I purpose to travel by the same train as Colonel Menken--it
+is possible I may be able to avert a tragedy.
+
+"And since your majesty has told me that the Princess Y---- is aware
+of the Colonel's errand, let me venture to urge you most strongly not
+to let her out of your sight on any pretense until he is safely on
+his way."
+
+I need not go into the details of the further arrangements made with
+a view to my receiving the duplicate despatch in secrecy.
+
+I came away from the Palace fully realizing the serious nature of my
+undertaking. I understood now all that had worried me in the
+proceedings of the Princess. It was clear to me that Lord Bedale, or
+the personage on whose behalf he instructed me, had wired to the
+Dowager Empress, notifying her majesty of my coming, and that she had
+shown the message to her lady-in-waiting.
+
+Blaming myself bitterly for not having impressed the necessity for
+caution on the Marquis, I at once set about providing myself with a
+more effectual disguise.
+
+It is a proverb on the lips of every moujik in Petersburg that all
+Russia obeys the Czar, and the Czar obeys the Tchin. Ever since the
+bureaucracy deliberately allowed Alexander II. to be assassinated by
+the Nihilists out of anger at his reforming tendencies, the Russian
+monarchs have felt more real dread of their own police than of the
+revolutionists. The _Tchin_, the universally-pervading body of
+officials, who run the autocracy to fill their pockets, and indulge
+their vile propensities at the expense of the governed, is as
+omnipotent as it is corrupt. Everywhere in that vast Empire the word
+of the Tchinovink is law--and there is no other law except his word.
+
+Taking the bull by the horns, I went straight to the Central Police
+Bureau of the capital, and asked to see a certain superintendent
+named Rostoy.
+
+To this man, with whom I had had some dealings on a previous
+occasion, and whose character was well understood by me, I explained
+that I had accepted a mission from a friendly Power to travel along
+the Siberian Railway and report on its capacity to keep the Army of
+Manchuria supplied with food and ammunition in the event of war.
+
+He expressed no surprise when I told him it was essential that I
+should leave Petersburg that night, and accordingly it did not take
+us long to come to terms.
+
+The service which I required of him was, of course, a fresh passport,
+with a complete disguise which would enable me to pass anywhere along
+the railway or in Manchuria without being detected or interfered with
+by the agents of the Government.
+
+After some discussion we decided that the safest plan would be for me
+to travel in the character of a Russian police officer charged with
+the detection of the train thieves and card-sharpers who abound on
+every great route of travel. I could think of no part which would
+serve better to enable me to watch over the safety of the Czar's
+envoy without exciting suspicion.
+
+I placed in Rostoy's hands the first instalment of a heavy bribe, and
+arranged to return an hour before the departure of the Moscow
+express to carry out my transformation.
+
+It was only as I left his office that I remembered my unlucky
+engagement to dine that very night with the head of the Manchurian
+Syndicate.
+
+I perceived that these hospitalities were well devised checks on my
+movements, and it was with something of a shock that I realized that
+when I went to dinner that evening with the most active promoter of
+the war I should be carrying the Czar's peace despatch in my pocket!
+
+If the enemies of peace had foreseen every step that I was to take in
+the discharge of my mission, their measures could not have been more
+skilfully arranged.
+
+And as this reflection occurred to me I turned my head nervously, and
+remarked a man dressed like a hotel porter lounging carelessly in my
+track.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A DINNER WITH THE ENEMY
+
+
+Readers of that prince of romancers, Poe, will recollect a celebrated
+story in which he describes the device employed by a man of uncommon
+shrewdness to conceal a stolen letter from the perquisitions of the
+police, and the elaborate argument by which the writer proves that
+the highest art of concealment is to thrust the object to be hidden
+under the very nose of the searcher.
+
+But that argument is one of the many mystifications in which the
+weird genius of Poe delighted. It is easy to see, in short, that the
+theory was invented to suit the story, and not the story to suit the
+theory. I now had before me the practical problem of concealing a
+document of surpassing importance, from enemies who were already on
+my scent, and keeping it concealed during a journey of some thousands
+of miles.
+
+The ordinary hiding-places of valuable papers, such as the lining of
+clothes, or a false bottom to a trunk, I dismissed without serious
+consideration. My luggage would probably be stolen, and I might be
+drugged long before I reached Dalny.
+
+The problem was all the more difficult for me because I have
+generally made it a rule to avoid charging myself with written
+instructions. I am sufficiently well known by reputation to most
+European sovereigns to be able to dispense with ordinary credentials.
+But in approaching the Mikado of Japan, a ruler to whom I was
+personally unknown, it was clearly necessary for me to have something
+in writing from the Russian Emperor.
+
+All at once an idea flashed on my mind, so simple, and yet so
+incapable of detection (as it seemed to me), that I almost smiled in
+the face of the man who was dogging my steps along the street, no
+doubt under instructions from the War Syndicate.
+
+That afternoon I was closeted with the Emperor of All the Russias in
+his private cabinet for nearly an hour.
+
+It is not my habit to repeat details of private conversations, when
+they are not required to illustrate the progress of public events,
+and therefore I will say merely that the Czar was evidently in
+earnest in his desire to avoid war, but greatly hampered and
+bewildered by the difficult representations made to him by, or on
+behalf of, those to whose interests war was essential.
+
+It was melancholy to see the destinies of half Europe and Asia, and
+the lives of scores of thousands of brave men, hanging on the will of
+an irresolute young man, depressed by the consciousness of his own
+infirmity, and desperately seeking for some stronger mind on which to
+lean. Had I not been placed by my Polish sentiment in a position of
+antagonism to the Czardom, perhaps--but it is useless to indulge in
+these reflections.
+
+One thing in the course of the interview struck me as having great
+significance for the future. I found that his majesty, who had
+entertained at one time a strong dislike of the German Emperor, a
+dislike not untinged with jealousy, had now completely altered his
+opinion. He spoke to me of Wilhelm II. in terms of highest praise,
+declared that he was under the greatest obligations to him for useful
+warnings and advice, said that he believed he had no truer or more
+zealous friend.
+
+When I drove to the house of M. Petrovitch that evening I carried,
+carefully sewn between the inner and outer folds of my well-starched
+shirt-front, where no sound of crackling would excite remark, a sheet
+of thin note-paper covered in a very small handwriting with the text
+of the Czar's letter to the ruler of Japan.
+
+M. Petrovitch was not alone. Around his hospitable board he had
+gathered some of the highest and proudest personages of the Russian
+Court, including the Grand Duke Staniolanus, generally believed to be
+the heart and soul of the War Party. His imperial highness was
+well-known to be a desperate gambler, up to the neck in debts
+contracted at the card-table, and bent on recouping himself out of
+the wealth of Korea and Manchuria.
+
+I was duly presented to this royal personage (whom I had met once
+before under widely different circumstances) in the character of a
+Peace Crusader, an emissary of the philanthropists of Great Britain.
+
+At the dinner-table, where I found myself placed on my host's left
+hand, while the Grand Duke was on his right, the conversation
+continued to be in the same strain. That Petrovitch believed me to be
+an English peace fanatic I did not believe any longer, but I could
+not tell if any, or how many, of the others were in his confidence.
+
+As soon as the solid part of the feast was disposed of, Petrovitch
+rose to his feet, and after a bow to the Grand Duke, launched out
+into a formal speech proposing my health.
+
+He commenced with the usual professions in favor of peace, spoke of
+the desire felt by all Russians to preserve the friendship of
+England, eulogized the work done by my friend the editor, and by
+other less disinterested friends of Russia in London, and wound up by
+asking all the company to give me a cordial welcome, and to send a
+message of congratulation and good-will to the British public.
+
+Knowing as I did, that the man was a consummate rogue, who had
+probably invited me to his house in order to keep me under
+observation, and possibly to prevent my getting scent of the
+intrigues pursued by his friend and ally, Princess Y----, I was still
+at a loss to understand the reason for this performance.
+
+I have learned since that an account of the proceedings, with
+abstracts from this hypocritical speech, was telegraphed to England,
+and actually found its way into some of the newspapers under the
+heading, "Peace Demonstration in St. Petersburg: No Russian Wants
+War."
+
+There was one of the guests, however, who made no pretense of
+listening with pleasure to the smooth speech of M. Petrovitch. This
+was a dark young man of about thirty, in a naval uniform. He sat
+scowling while his host spoke, and barely lifted his glass from the
+table at the conclusion.
+
+A minute or two later I took an opportunity to ask the promoter the
+name of this ungracious officer.
+
+"That?" my host exclaimed, looking 'round the table, "Oh, that is
+Captain Vassileffsky, one of our most distinguished sailors. He is a
+naval aide-de-camp to the Czar."
+
+I made a note of his name and face, being warned by a presentiment
+which I could not resist that I should come across him again.
+
+The champagne now began to flow freely, and as it flowed the tongues
+of many of the company were unloosed by degrees. From the subject of
+peace the conversation passed rapidly to the possibilities of war,
+and the Japanese were spoken of in a way that plainly showed me how
+little those present understood the resolution and resources of the
+Island Empire.
+
+"The Japanese dare not fire the first shot and, since we will not,
+there will be no war," declared my left-hand neighbor.
+
+"The war will be fought in Japan, not in Manchuria," affirmed the
+Grand Duke with a condescending air. "It will be a case of the Boers
+over again. They may give us some trouble, but we shall annex their
+country."
+
+M. Petrovitch gave me a glance of alarm.
+
+"Russia does not wish to add to her territory," he put in; "but we
+may find it necessary to leave a few troops in Tokio to maintain
+order, while we pursue our civilizing mission."
+
+I need not recount the other remarks, equally arrogant.
+
+Abstemious by habit, I had a particular reason for refraining from
+taking much wine on this night. It was already past nine o'clock, the
+train for Moscow, which connected there with the Siberian express,
+started at midnight, and I had to be at the police bureau by eleven
+at the latest to make the changes necessary for my disguise.
+
+I therefore allowed my glass to remain full, merely touching it with
+my lips occasionally when my host pressed me to drink. M. Petrovitch
+did not openly notice my abstinence, but presently I heard him give
+an order to the butler who waited behind his chair.
+
+The butler turned to the sideboard for a moment, and then came
+forward bearing a silver tray on which stood a flagon of cut-glass
+and silver with a number of exquisite little silver cups like
+egg-shells.
+
+"You will not refuse to taste our Russian national beverage, Mr.
+Sterling," the head of the War Syndicate said persuasively, as the
+butler began filling the tiny cups.
+
+It was a challenge which I could not refuse without rudeness, though
+it struck me as rather out of place that the vodka should be offered
+to me before to the imperial guest on my host's right.
+
+The butler filled two cups, M. Petrovitch taking the second from the
+tray as I lifted the first to my lips.
+
+"You know our custom," the financier exclaimed smilingly. "No
+heeltaps!"
+
+He lifted his own cup with a brave air, and I tossed off the contents
+of my own without stopping.
+
+As the fiery liquor ran down my throat I was conscious of something
+in its taste which was unlike the flavor of any vodka I had ever
+drunk before. But this circumstance aroused no suspicion in my mind.
+I confess that it never occurred to me that any one could be daring
+enough to employ so crude and dangerous a device as a drugged draft
+at a quasi-public banquet, given to an English peace emissary, with a
+member of the imperial family sitting at the board.
+
+I was undeceived the next moment. Petrovitch, as soon as he saw that
+my cup had been emptied, sat down his own untasted, and, with a
+well-acted movement of surprise and regret, turned to the Grand Duke.
+
+"I implore your pardon, sir. I did not ask if you would not honor me
+by taking the first cup!"
+
+The Grand Duke, whom I readily acquitted of any share in the other's
+design, shrugged his shoulders with an indifferent air.
+
+"If you wish your friends to drink vodka, you should not put
+champagne like this before us," he said laughing.
+
+Petrovitch said something in reply; he turned and scolded the butler
+as well, I fancy. But my brain was becoming confused. I had just
+sufficient command of my faculties left to feign ignorance of the
+true situation.
+
+"I am feeling a little faint. That _pate_"--I contrived to murmur.
+
+And then I heard Captain Vassileffsky cry out in an alarm that was
+unmistakably genuine--"Look out for the Englishman! He is
+swooning"--and I knew no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+DRUGGED AND KIDNAPPED
+
+
+My first thought, as my senses began to come back to me, was of the
+train which was due to leave Petersburg for Moscow at midnight.
+
+I clutched at my watch, and drew it forth. The hands marked the time
+as 9.25. Apparently I had not been unconscious for more than a few
+seconds.
+
+My second glance assured me that my clothes were not disarranged. My
+shirt-front, concealing the Czar's autograph letter, was exactly as
+when I sat down to the table.
+
+Only after satisfying myself on these two points did I begin to take
+in the rest of my surroundings.
+
+I was resting on a couch against the wall in the room where we had
+dined. My host, the head of the Manchuria Syndicate, was standing
+beside me, watching my recovery with a friendly and relieved
+expression, as though honestly glad to see me myself again. A
+servant, holding in his hand a bottle which appeared to contain sal
+volatile, was looking on from the foot of the bed, in an attitude of
+sympathetic attention. The other guests had left the room, and the
+state of the table, covered with half-filled glasses and hastily
+thrown down napkins, made it evident that they had cleared out of the
+way to give me a chance to come to.
+
+The cold air blowing over my forehead told me that a window had been
+opened. A Russian January is not favorable to much ventilation. As a
+rule the houses of the well-to-do are provided with double windows,
+which are kept hermetically sealed while the rooms are in use. The
+fact that the dining-room was still warm was sufficient proof that
+the window could not have been opened for more than the briefest
+time.
+
+It was a singular thing that, in spite of these assurances that my
+swoon had been an affair of moments only, I was seized by an
+overmastering desire to get away from the house immediately.
+
+I heard M. Petrovitch exclaim--
+
+"Thank Heaven--you are better! I began to be afraid that your seizure
+was going to last. I must go and reassure my guests. The Grand Duke
+will be delighted to hear your are recovering. He was most distressed
+at the attack."
+
+I sat upright with an effort, and staggered to my feet.
+
+"I am ashamed to have given you so much trouble," I said. "I can't
+remember ever fainting like this before. Please make my excuses to
+his imperial highness and the rest of the company."
+
+"But what are you doing?" cried M. Petrovitch in dismay. "You must
+not attempt to move yet."
+
+"I shall be better in bed," I answered in a voice which I purposely
+strove to render as faint as possible. "If you will excuse me, I will
+go straight to my hotel."
+
+The promoter's brow wrinkled. I saw that he was trying to devise some
+pretext to detain me, and my anxiety to find myself clear of his
+house redoubled.
+
+"If you will do me a favor, I should be glad if you would let one of
+your servants come with me as far as the hotel," I said. "I am
+feeling rather giddy and weak."
+
+The secret chief of the War Party caught eagerly at the suggestion.
+It was no doubt exactly what he desired.
+
+"Mishka," he said, turning to the servant, and speaking in Russian,
+"this gentleman asks you to accompany him to his hotel, as he has not
+yet recovered. Take great care of him, and do not leave him until he
+is safe in his own bed."
+
+The man nodded, giving his master a look which said--I understand
+what you want me to do.
+
+Thanks to this request on my part, M. Petrovitch raised no further
+objection to my departure. I stumbled out of the room, pretending to
+cling to the servant's arm for support, and let him help me on with
+my furs, while the porter was summoning a sleigh.
+
+There was a hurried consultation in low tones between my host and the
+porter. Rather to my surprise the carriage, when it appeared, was a
+closed one, being a species of brougham on runners instead of wheels.
+I allowed myself to be carried down the steps like a child, and
+placed inside; the door was closed, with the windows carefully drawn
+up, and the jailer--for such he was to all intents and purposes--got
+on the box.
+
+The sleigh swept out of the courtyard and across the city. Directly
+it was in the street, I very softly lowered one of the windows and
+peered out. The streets seemed to me more deserted than usual at such
+an hour. I was idly wondering whether the imminence of war could
+account for this when I heard a church clock beginning to strike.
+
+Once--twice--the chimes rang out. And then, as I was preparing to
+close the window, they went on a third time--a fourth!
+
+I held my breath, and listened with straining ears, as the great
+notes boomed forth from the distant town across the silent streets
+and houses.
+
+One--two--three--four--five--six--seven--eight--nine--ten--ELEVEN!
+
+I understood at last. That drugged sleep had lasted an hour and a
+half, and before I came to myself my watch had been deliberately set
+back to the minute at which I lost consciousness, in order to prevent
+me from suspecting that I had been searched, or that there was
+anything wrong about the affair.
+
+Had I taken time for reflection I should probably have made up my
+mind to lose the Moscow express. In order to lull the suspicions of
+the conspirators, by making them believe I was their dupe, I should
+have let myself be taken to the hotel and put to bed in accordance
+with the kind instructions of my late host. In that case, no doubt,
+my watch would have been secretly put right again while I was asleep.
+
+But I could not bear the idea of all my carefully planned
+arrangements being upset. Above all things, I desired to keep up my
+prestige with the superintendent of police, Rostoy, who regarded me
+as an invincible being possessed of almost magical powers. At the
+moment when the clock was striking I ought to have been walking into
+his room in the bureau of the Third Section.
+
+Grinding my teeth with vexation, I very gently opened the door of
+the carriage, which was traveling noiselessly over the snow, and
+slipped out.
+
+I had taken care to ascertain that no onlooker was near. As soon as
+the sleigh was 'round the corner of the street I hailed a public
+conveyance and directed the driver to take me to the police office.
+
+I was only five minutes late in keeping my appointment. Detecting a
+look of slight surprise on the face of the superintendent, I
+apologized for keeping him waiting.
+
+"It is my habit to be punctual, even in trifling matters like this,"
+I remarked carelessly. "But the fact is I have been drugged and
+kidnapped since I saw you, and it took me five minutes to dispose of
+the rascals."
+
+Rostoy stared at me with stupid incredulity.
+
+"You are joking, Monsieur V----, I suppose," he muttered. "But,
+however, since you have arrived, there is your disguise. You will
+find everything in the pockets complete, including a handkerchief
+marked with the initials of the name you have chosen."
+
+"Monsieur Rostoy, you are an able man, with whom it is pleasure to do
+business," I responded heartily.
+
+The Russian swelled with pride at this compliment. I hastily changed
+clothes, shifting nothing from my discarded costume except a
+cigarette case which I had filled with the hotel cigarettes. My
+inquiry as to the Gregorides brand smoked by M. Petrovitch had not
+yet been answered.
+
+"Surely you are not going to wear that linen shirt of yours right
+across Siberia!" exclaimed Rostoy, who never took his eyes off me.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders.
+
+"It is a whim of mine always to wear linen," I responded. "I am not a
+rheumatic subject. And, besides, I have no time to lose."
+
+The superintendent threw a regretful look at the flannel shirt he had
+provided for me.
+
+As soon as I had finished my preparations I handed a thick bundle of
+ruble notes to the superintendent.
+
+"As much more when I come back safe," was all I said.
+
+Rostoy snatched at his pay, his eyes sparkling with greed.
+
+"Good-by and a good journey!" he cried as I strode out.
+
+Once in the street, I had no difficulty in finding a sleigh, this
+time an open one, to convey me to the railway station. I glanced at
+my watch, which I had set by the church clock, and calculated that I
+should have a few minutes to spare.
+
+But I had not allowed for Russian ideas as to time. As the sleigh
+drew up at the great terminus, and I came in view of the station
+clock, I saw that it was on the stroke of midnight.
+
+Flinging the driver his fare I rushed toward the barrier.
+
+"Moscow!" I shouted to the railway official in charge.
+
+"The train has just left," was the crushing reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE RACE FOR SIBERIA
+
+
+The unnatural strain I had put on my strength, undermined as it had
+been by the drugged vodka, gave way under this depressing failure,
+and for an instant I seriously thought of abandoning my effort to
+catch the Czar's messenger.
+
+I could leave Colonel Menken to pursue his journey, taking care of
+himself as best he could, while I followed by a later train. But I
+had little thought of that, as to adopt such a course would be to
+abandon the gallant officer to his fate. Whatever the War Syndicate
+might or might not know or suspect about myself, there could be no
+doubt that they knew all there was to know about Menken, and that the
+Colonel would never be allowed to reach Dalny with his despatch,
+alive.
+
+"Show me the passenger list," I demanded sternly, determined to use
+to the full the advantages conferred on me by my uniform.
+
+The station inspector hastened to obey. He took me into the booking
+office, opened a volume, and there I read the name and destination of
+every passenger who had left for Moscow that night. It is by such
+precautions that the Russian police are enabled to control the
+Russian nation as the warders control the convicts in an English
+prison.
+
+At the very head of the list I read the name of Colonel Menken,
+passenger to Dalny, on his imperial majesty's service.
+
+It was incredible folly thus publicly to proclaim himself as an
+object of suspicion to the powerful clique engaged in thwarting the
+policy of their nominal ruler.
+
+I glanced my eye down the list in search of some name likely to be
+that of an emissary of the Syndicate. It was with something like a
+shock that I came upon the conspicuous entry--
+
+"The Princess Y----, lady-in-waiting to H. I. M. the Dowager Empress,
+passenger to Port Arthur, on a visit to her uncle, commanding one of
+the forts."
+
+Stamping my foot angrily, in order to impress the railway official, I
+said--
+
+"Order a pilot engine immediately to take me to Moscow. Tell the
+driver he is to overtake the express, and enter the Moscow station
+behind it."
+
+There was some demur, of course, and some delay. But I wore the
+livery of the dreaded Third Section, and my words were more powerful
+than if I had been the young man who wears the Russian crown.
+
+By dint of curses, threats, blows and an occasional ruble note, I got
+my way. Indeed, I managed things so well that the railway officials
+did not even ask me for my name. I showed them my official badge; but
+when they made their report in the morning they would only be able to
+say that an inspector of the Secret Police had ordered a pilot engine
+to take him to Moscow in pursuit of the midnight express.
+
+The impression which I was careful to convey, without putting it into
+words, was that I was on the track of an absconding Nihilist.
+
+Within half an hour of my arrival at the terminus a light but
+powerful locomotive drew up on the main line of rails, with
+everything in readiness for an immediate start.
+
+I leaped into the driver's cab, where I found the driver himself and
+two stokers hard at work increasing the head of steam, and gave the
+order to go.
+
+The driver touched the tap, the whistle rang out once, and the wheels
+began to revolve. Ten seconds later we were beyond the station lights
+and facing the four hundred miles of frozen plain that lay between us
+and Moscow.
+
+Every one has heard the story of this famous piece of road. The
+engineers of the line, accustomed to map out their routes in other
+countries with reference to the natural obstacles and the convenience
+of commerce, waited upon the great autocrat, Nicholas I., a very
+different man from his descendant, and asked him for instructions as
+to laying out the first railway in the Russian Empire.
+
+The Czar called for a map of his dominions, and then, taking a ruler
+in his hand, drew a straight line between the old and new capitals.
+
+And so the line has been made, a symbol to all who travel on it of
+the irresponsible might of the Russian Czardom.
+
+It was not till we were fairly on our way, and the speed had risen to
+something like fifty miles an hour, that I realized what I had done
+in entering on this furious race.
+
+I had never traveled on a detached engine before, and the sensation
+at first was quite unnerving.
+
+Unlike a motor car, in which the hand of the driver has to be
+perpetually on the steering-gear, and his eye perpetually on the
+alert, the pilot engine seemed to be flung forward like a missile,
+guided by its own velocity, and clinging to the endless rails with
+its wheels as with iron claws. With the rush as of wind, with the
+roar as of a cataract, with the rocking as of an earthquake, the
+throbbing thing of iron sprang and fled through the night.
+
+Hour after hour we rushed across the blinding desert of snow, in
+which nothing showed except the flying disk of light cast by the
+engine lamps, and the red and white balls of fire that seemed to
+start, alight, and go out again as we frantically dashed past some
+wayside station.
+
+As the speed increased the light pilot engine, not steadied by a
+long train of coaches, almost rose from the rails as it raced along.
+Over and over again I thanked my stars that there were no curves to
+be taken, and I blessed the memory of that famous ruler wielded by
+the hand of Nicholas I. Here and there, at some slight rise in the
+ground, the engine literally did leave the rails and skim through the
+air for a few yards, alighting with a jar that brought my teeth
+together like castanets, and rushing forward again.
+
+I clung to a small brass hand-rail, and strained my eyes through the
+darkness. I could not have sat down, even had there been a seat
+provided for me--the pace was too tremendous. I was tired and unwell,
+and a slight feeling of headache and sickness began to gain on me,
+engendered by the vibration of the engine, the smell of oil, and the
+fearful heat of the furnace.
+
+It was some hours since we had started, but it was still pitch dark,
+with the wintry blackness of a northern night. I leaned and gazed
+forward with dull eyes, when I was aware of two red sparks that did
+not grow and rush toward us as I expected.
+
+Were we slackening speed by any chance? I turned to the engine
+driver, and pointed with my hand.
+
+The grimy toiler nodded. Then making a trumpet of his hands he
+shouted above the rattle of the wheels--
+
+"The rear-lights of the express!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE CZAR'S MESSENGER
+
+
+I drew out my watch and glanced at it by the light of the flaring
+stoke-hole. It was just half-past eight.
+
+The time taken up on the journey between Petersburg and Moscow varies
+greatly according to the state of the weather and the amount of snow
+on the line. But even in the summer the best trains are allowed
+twelve hours, while the slow ones take nearly twenty-four. The
+special Siberian express was timed to reach the ancient capital of
+the czars at ten o'clock in the morning, and we had overtaken it with
+rather more than an hour to spare.
+
+I ordered the driver to creep up gradually, but not to approach too
+near the hindmost coach of the train in front until Moscow was in
+sight.
+
+Obedient to my instructions, he slackened speed by degrees, till we
+were rolling along at the same rate as the express, with a space of
+three or four hundred yards between us.
+
+Presently a red flag was thrust out from a side window at the rear
+of the last coach and waved furiously. The driver of my engine
+responded with first a green and then a white signal, indication that
+there was no danger though caution was desirable.
+
+The express perceptibly quickened its speed, but of course without
+our allowing it to get farther ahead. At last the spires of the
+Kremlin, and the green copper domes gleamed out across the waste, and
+I nodded to the driver to close up.
+
+He managed the maneuver with the skill of an artist. Inch by inch we
+neared the guard's van in front, and our buffers were actually
+touching as the engine in front blew off steam and we slowed
+alongside the Moscow station.
+
+Before the wheels of the express had ceased to move I was out on the
+platform, and running up to the guard of the express.
+
+"I have come on the pilot engine from Petersburg," I told him
+hurriedly. "Tell no one of my arrival. Do not report the chase. If
+you are questioned, say that you have orders to say nothing. And now
+tell me which is the train for Dalny and Port Arthur, and when does
+it leave?"
+
+The guard, thoroughly cowed, promised implicit obedience. He showed
+me a long corridor train with handsome sleeping cars and dining
+saloons, which was drawn up ready at another platform.
+
+"That is the train which goes to Baikal," he told me. "If the ice on
+the lake will bear, rails may be laid right across it; if not, there
+will be sleighs to transport the passengers to a train on the other
+side. The train leaves at noon."
+
+I thanked him and strolled off down the platform, glancing into the
+carriages of the newly-arrived train as I passed in search of the
+Czar's messenger.
+
+I did not anticipate that any harm could have happened to him so soon
+after leaving Petersburg. The object of the conspirators would be
+defeated if Nicholas II. learned of any accident to his messenger in
+time to send another despatch. It was more likely, at least so I
+argued, that the Princess Y---- would accompany her victim across
+Siberia, gradually worming her way into his confidence, and that only
+at the last moment would she show her hand.
+
+It was with a slight start that I encountered the face of the fair
+emissary of M. Petrovitch, as she came to the door of her sleeping
+compartment and looked out.
+
+I was delighted to observe that this time she did not suspect me. In
+fact, she evidently mistook me for one of the ordinary station
+officials, for she gave me a haughty command:
+
+"Go and see if there is a telegram for the Princess Y----."
+
+Making a respectful salute I hastened off in the direction of the
+telegraph office. On the way I interrupted a man in uniform carrying
+an envelope in his hand.
+
+"For the Princess Y----?" I demanded.
+
+The man scowled at me and made as if to conceal the telegram. I saw
+that it was a case for a tip and handed him a ruble note, on which he
+promptly parted with his trust.
+
+I turned around, and as soon as the messenger had moved off, I tore
+open the envelope and read the message. Fortunately, it was not in
+cipher, the rules against any such use of the wires, except by the
+Government, being too strict.
+
+This is what I read:
+
+     "Our friend, who is now an inspector, will join you at
+     Moscow. Look out for him. He has left his luggage with us,
+     but does not know it."
+
+Accident, which had hitherto opposed my designs, was favoring them at
+last. It was clear that Rostoy had betrayed me, and that Petrovitch
+had sent this wire to the Princess to put her on her guard. But what
+was the "luggage" which I was described as having left in the hands
+of M. Petrovitch?
+
+I thought I knew.
+
+Crumpling up the tell-tale message in my pocket, I darted into the
+telegraph office, and beckoned to the clerk in charge.
+
+"On his majesty's secret service," I breathed in his ear, drawing him
+on one side. I showed him my police badge, and added, "An envelope
+and telegram form, quick!"
+
+Overwhelmed by my imperative manner, he handed me the required
+articles. I hastily scribbled:
+
+     "Our friend has parted with his luggage, though he does not
+     know it. He has been unwell, but may follow you next week.
+     To save trouble do not wire to us till you return."
+
+Slipping this into the envelope, I addressed it to the Princess, and
+hastened back to the carriage where I had left her.
+
+I found her fuming with impatience and scolding her maid, who looked
+on half awake. I handed her the bogus telegram with a cringing
+gesture. She snatched at it, tore off the cover and read, while I
+watched her furtively from under my lowered eyelashes.
+
+The first part of the message evidently gave her the greatest
+pleasure. The second part, it was equally evident, puzzled and
+annoyed her.
+
+"Fool! What is he afraid of now?" she muttered beneath her breath.
+
+She stood gnawing her rose-red lips for a moment--even a night passed
+in the train could not make her look less charming--and then turned
+to me.
+
+"That will do. No answer. Here, Marie, give this man a couple of
+rubles."
+
+I received the gratuity with a look of satisfaction which must have
+surprised the tired waiting maid. In reality I had scored a most
+important point. Thanks to my suppression of the first message and my
+addition to the second, I had completely cut off communication
+between the agent of the Syndicate and its head in Petersburg, for a
+time; while I had lulled the beautiful plotter into a false security,
+by which I was likely to benefit.
+
+My anxieties considerably lightened for the time being, I now renewed
+my search for Colonel Menken.
+
+The train from Petersburg had emptied by this time, so I moved across
+the station to where the luxurious Manchurian express was being
+boarded by its passengers.
+
+I got in at one end, and made my way slowly along the corridors,
+stepping over innumerable bags and other light articles. In a corner
+of the smoking car I came at last upon the man I sought.
+
+Colonel Menken was a young man for his rank, not over thirty, with a
+fine, soldierly figure, handsome face and rather dandified air. He
+wore a brilliant uniform, which looked like that of some crack
+regiment of Guards. A cigar was in his mouth, and he was making a
+little nest for himself with rugs and books and papers, and a box of
+choice Havanas. A superb despatch box, with silver mounts, was
+plainly marked with his initials, also in silver.
+
+I did not dare to choose a seat for myself in the same part of the
+train as the man whom I was anxious to guard. The oppressive powers
+wielded by the police of Russia are tolerated only on one condition,
+namely, that they are never abused to the disparagement of the social
+importance of the aristocracy.
+
+Bearing this in mind, I proceeded to the coach set aside for the
+servants of the rich passengers, and contrived to secure a place
+close to that occupied in the day-time by the maid of the Princess.
+
+Having more than an hour to spare, I now laid in a large stock of
+Turkish tobacco and cigarette papers, so as to have some means of
+beguiling the time on the long, wearisome run across Asia. I also
+bought a second-hand valise, and stocked it modestly with clothes.
+Finally I made a hearty breakfast in the station restaurant, and
+boarded the train a few minutes before it rolled out of Moscow.
+
+Needless to say, I had introduced myself to the superintendent of the
+train, an official of great dignity and importance. As a police
+agent, of course I traveled free on the Government lines. The
+superintendent was good enough to offer me a spare bed in his private
+cabin at the end of the train, and during the run we became the best
+of friends.
+
+But I must be excused from dwelling on the details of the journey,
+not the first I had taken on the great transasiatic line. My whole
+energies were absorbed in two tasks. In the first place, I had to
+gain the confidence of the maid, Marie, and in the second to prevent
+her mistress gaining the confidence of the messenger of the Czar.
+
+"I hope that message I brought to the Princess did not contain any
+bad news?" I said to Marie as soon as I got a chance of addressing
+her.
+
+This was when we were fairly on the way.
+
+After first attending to her mistress, and seeing that she was
+comfortably settled, the maid was at liberty to look after herself,
+and I had seized the opportunity to render her a few trifling
+services with her luggage.
+
+"I don't know, I'm sure," was the answer to my question. "The
+Princess tells me nothing of her secrets."
+
+"Perhaps the Princess Y----"
+
+"Oh, let's call her Sophy," the maid interrupted crossly.
+
+Needless to say I welcomed these symptoms that Marie was no great
+friend of her employer.
+
+"Perhaps she has no secrets," I continued. "Have you been with her
+long?"
+
+"Only six months," was the answer. "And I don't think I shall stay
+much longer. But you're quite mistaken if you think Sophy is one of
+the innocent ones. She's always up to some mischief or other, though
+what it is, I don't know."
+
+"If you stay with her a little longer, you may find out. And then,
+if it is anything political, you may make a good deal of money out of
+her."
+
+The girl's eyes brightened.
+
+"Keep your eyes open," I said. "Look out for any scraps of paper you
+see lying about. Keep a diary of the places Sophy goes to, and the
+people she sees. And when you have anything to tell, let me know. I
+will give you my address in Petersburg. And you may trust me to see
+that you come off well."
+
+Marie readily agreed to all I asked of her. The understanding thus
+arrived at was destined to be of the greatest assistance to me.
+Indeed, it is not too much to say that to this young Russian girl it
+is due that the two greatest Powers in the Old World are not at this
+moment battling on the Afghan frontier.
+
+We had hardly been an hour under way before I saw the two objects of
+my watchfulness seated side by side in the drawing-room car,
+apparently on the friendliest terms.
+
+Dismayed by this rapid progress, as it seemed, on the part of the
+Princess, I reproached myself for not having warned Colonel Menken
+before we started.
+
+I resolved to put him on his guard at the earliest possible moment,
+and with that view I hung about the smoking-car, waiting till I saw
+him return to his corner.
+
+This was not for some hours. Fortunately, owing to the universal
+expectation of war, there were not many passengers proceeding to the
+Far East. The train was practically empty, and so when Colonel Menken
+had seated himself once more in the snug corner he had prepared for
+himself, I was able to approach him without fear of being overheard.
+
+He was just lighting a cigar as I came up, and took no notice of my
+respectful salute till he had inhaled the tobacco smoke two or three
+times and expelled it through his nostrils to test the flavor.
+
+At last he turned to me.
+
+"Well?" he said with some sharpness. "What is the matter?"
+
+"I have seen in the passenger list that you are traveling on the
+service of the Czar," I answered, "and I venture to place myself at
+your orders."
+
+Colonel Menken scowled at me haughtily.
+
+"Does that mean that you want a tip?" he sneered. "Or has some fool
+ordered you to shadow me?"
+
+"Neither, Colonel," I replied. "I am a servant of the Czar, like
+yourself, as you may see from my uniform, and as I have reason to
+fear that there is an enemy of his majesty on the train, I wish to
+put you on your guard."
+
+Menken gave a self-confident smile.
+
+"I am pretty well able to take care of myself, I believe," he said
+boastfully. "As for the Nihilists, I no longer believe in their
+existence. You may point out the man you suspect, if you like, of
+course."
+
+"It is not a man, Colonel, it is a woman."
+
+"In that case the adventure promises to be interesting. I do not know
+any of the women on board except the Princess Y----."
+
+"You know her!" I allowed a note of surprise to appear in my voice.
+
+"The Princess is related to me," the Czar's messenger declared, with
+a rebuking frown. "I presume she is not the object of your
+suspicions?"
+
+"And if she were?"
+
+"If she were, I should tell you that you had made a very absurd
+mistake, my good fellow. The Princess is in the confidence of the
+Dowager Empress; she is perfectly aware of the object of my mission,
+and she has just promised me that if I carry it out successfully she
+will become my wife."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE BETROTHAL OF DELILAH
+
+
+Colonel Menken regarded me with ironical contempt as I tried to
+apologize for my hinted distrust of his betrothed.
+
+"That will do, my man. I shall tell the Princess of your blunder, and
+I can assure you she will be heartily amused by it."
+
+"At least you will remember that I wear his imperial majesty's
+uniform," I ventured. "And, however much I have been misled as to the
+intentions of her highness, I submit that I am entitled to secrecy on
+your part."
+
+"Am I to understand that some one has given you orders referring to
+the Princess? I thought this was simply some idle suspicion of your
+own?"
+
+"My instructions were to watch over your safety, without letting you
+perceive it, and to take particular note of any one who seemed to be
+trying to form your acquaintance on the journey. If you now denounce
+me to her highness, she will be annoyed, and in any case I shall be
+of no further use to you."
+
+"So much the better," the Colonel said rudely. "I consider your
+being here at all as an act of impertinence. If I engage to say
+nothing to the Princess--who, as you say, might be annoyed--will you
+undertake to leave me alone for the future?"
+
+"I will undertake to leave the train at Tomsk," I replied.
+
+Colonel Menken closed with this offer, which was meant as a delusive
+one. I had selected the first important stopping-place at which the
+train waited sufficiently long for me to procure the materials of a
+fresh disguise.
+
+I took the train superintendent into my confidence, as far as to say
+that I wished to assume a false character for the remainder of the
+journey in order to be better able to play the spy on the object of
+my suspicion. We agreed that one of the train attendants should be
+put off at Tomsk, and that I should take his place.
+
+After my scene with the Colonel, I could not venture to do much in
+the way of overlooking them. But I made the best use of my friendship
+with Marie, and she reported to me regularly what she observed of the
+doings of her mistress.
+
+"It is my belief that Sophy is going to marry that stupid Colonel,"
+she informed me, not long after I had heard of the engagement. "Why?
+I can't think. He has no brains, not much money, and I am certain she
+is not in love with him."
+
+"There has been a quarrel of some kind between those two," she
+reported later on. "Colonel Menken has been questioning Sophy about
+her reason for going to Port Arthur just now, when it may be attacked
+by the Japanese."
+
+All this time the Princess had made no move to possess herself of the
+despatch which Menken was carrying--the real object of her presence
+on board the train.
+
+When Tomsk was reached, I went off into the town and procured
+different hair and beard so as to effect a complete change in my
+appearance. The disguise was clumsy enough, but, after all, neither
+the Colonel nor his companion had had many opportunities of studying
+my personal appearance.
+
+In the little cabin of my friend the superintendent I carried out the
+transformation, and finished by donning the livery of the railway
+restaurant service.
+
+Thus equipped, I proceeded to lay the table at which the betrothed
+pair usually took their meals together.
+
+As soon as the next meal, which happened to be dinner, was ready, I
+proceeded to wait upon them. They noticed the change of waiters, and
+asked me what had become of my predecessor.
+
+"He got off at Tomsk," I told them. This was true--the getting rid of
+the waiter whose place I wished to take had been a simple matter. It
+must be remembered that I found myself everywhere received as an
+inspector attached to the secret police, the dreaded Third Section,
+and, in consequence, my word was law to those I had to deal with.
+
+I added with an assumed air of mysterious consequence, "The Inspector
+of Police also left the train at Tomsk. It is asserted that he is
+going to make an important arrest."
+
+Colonel Menken laughed. Then turning to the beautiful woman who sat
+facing him across the small table, he said smilingly,
+
+"It is lucky the inspector did not arrest you, my dear."
+
+"Why, what do you mean?" she demanded.
+
+"Simply that this officer, according to his own account, was charged
+to watch over and protect your devoted servant, and in the exercise
+of his functions he was good enough to hint to me that you were a
+suspicious character, of whom I should do well to be on my guard."
+
+"Infamous! The wretch! Why didn't you tell me this before?"
+
+"I promised the fellow not to. He was afraid of getting into trouble,
+and as he had only blundered out of zeal, I let him off."
+
+"And he has left the train. Why, I wonder?"
+
+"I ordered him to."
+
+The Princess Y---- looked less and less pleased. A minute later, I
+caught her stealthily glancing in my direction, and realized that her
+keen wits were already at work, connecting my appearance on the scene
+with the disappearance of the inspector.
+
+The next day, Colonel Menken and his betrothed took their seats at a
+different table in the restaurant of the train.
+
+I saw the meaning of this maneuver. It was of course a test by which
+the Princess Y---- sought to learn if I was a spy, appointed to
+replace the inspector. I took care not to assist her by following
+them to the new table; on the contrary, I refused the offer of my
+brother waiter, who was honest enough not to wish to take my tips
+from me.
+
+When we reached Irkutsk, I had another proof that the Princess was
+beginning to feel uneasy. Marie informed me that her mistress had
+ordered her to go into the town and send off a telegram, as she would
+not trust the railway officials.
+
+The message, which my ally faithfully reported to me, was addressed
+to Petrovitch himself and ran as follows:
+
+      Received wire from you at Moscow reporting our friend ill,
+      and telling me not to wire you again till my return. I now
+      fear some mistake. All going well otherwise.
+
+We were carried across the frozen Baikal amid a furious snowstorm.
+Huddled up in thick furs, and fighting to keep our blood circulating
+under the leaden pressure of the cruel frost, there was no time to
+think of conspiracies.
+
+But on resuming the journey on the other side of the lake, I saw that
+the cunning agent of the War Party was maturing some decisive attempt
+on the messenger of peace. The talks of the lovers became closer and
+more confidential, the manner of Colonel Menken grew daily more
+devoted and absorbed, and Marie described her mistress as laboring
+under an extraordinary excitement.
+
+At last, on the very day the train crossed the Chinese frontier on
+the way to Mukden, Marie came to me with a decisive report.
+
+"Sophy has won!" she declared. "I overheard them talking again last
+night. Ever since they left Tomsk they have been having a dispute,
+Sophy declaring that the Colonel did not love her, because he
+suspected her, and he, the stupid creature, swearing that he trusted
+her entirely. It appears she had got out of him that he was carrying
+a paper of some kind, and so she said that unless he gave her this
+paper to keep till they reached Dalny or Port Arthur, she would not
+believe in him, nor have anything more to say to him.
+
+"In the end, she was too many for him. Last night he gave her the
+paper in a sealed envelope, and I saw her take it from her breast
+before she undressed last night."
+
+"Where is it? What has she done with it?" I demanded anxiously.
+
+"I can't tell you that. She had it in her hand when she dismissed me
+for the night. It looked to me as though she meant to break the seal
+and read it."
+
+Full of the gravest forebodings, I hurried to the rear of the train,
+got out my inspector's uniform, though without effecting any change
+in my facial appearance, and made my way to the smoking-car.
+
+Colonel Menken, who had just finished breakfast, was settling himself
+down to a cigar and an illustrated magazine.
+
+He gazed up at me in astonishment, as he perceived the change in my
+costume.
+
+"So the Princess was right!" he exclaimed angrily. "You are another
+policeman."
+
+I bowed.
+
+"And charged, like the last, to protect me from my cousin and future
+wife!"
+
+"From the person who has robbed you of the Czar's autograph letter to
+the Emperor of Japan, yes!"
+
+Menken recoiled, thunderstruck.
+
+"You knew what I was carrying?"
+
+"As well as I know the contents of the telegram which the Princess
+sent from Irkutsk to the head of the Manchurian Syndicate--the man
+who has sworn that the Czar's letter shall never be delivered."
+
+Colonel Menken staggered to his feet, bewildered, angry, half induced
+to threaten, and half to yield.
+
+"You must be lying! Sophy never left my sight while we were at
+Irkutsk!"
+
+"We can discuss that later. Will you, or will you not, reclaim his
+majesty's letter--the letter entrusted to your honor?"
+
+Menken turned white.
+
+"I--I will approach the Princess," he stammered, obviously divided
+between fear of losing her, and dread of myself and any action I
+might take.
+
+"That will not do for me," I said sternly. "I can only make you this
+offer: Come with me at once to this lady's sleeping berth and regain
+the despatch, and I will agree to say no more about it; refuse, and I
+shall report the whole affair to his majesty personally."
+
+"Who are you?" inquired the dismayed man.
+
+"That is of no consequence. You see my uniform--let that be enough
+for you."
+
+He staggered down the car. I followed, and we reached the car where
+the Princess was at the moment engaged, with Marie's aid, in putting
+the last touches to her toilet.
+
+She looked up at our appearance, gave an interrogative glance first
+at Menken and then, at me, and evidently made up her mind.
+
+"What is it, gentlemen?"
+
+"The--the paper I gave--that you offered to--that--in short, I want
+it immediately," faltered my companion.
+
+"I have no paper of yours, and I do not know what you are talking
+about, my friend," said the Princess Y---- with the calmest air in
+the world.
+
+Menken uttered a cry of despair.
+
+"The letter, the letter I gave you last night--it was a letter from
+the Czar," he exclaimed feebly.
+
+"I think you must have dreamed it," said the Princess with extreme
+composure. "Marie, have you seen any letter about?"
+
+"No, your highness," returned the servant submissively.
+
+"If you think there is anything here, you are welcome to look," her
+mistress added with a pleasant smile. "As for me, I never keep
+letters, my own or anybody else's. _I always tear them up._"
+
+And with these words, and another smile and a nod, she stepped
+gracefully past us, and went to take her seat in the part of the
+train reserved for ladies.
+
+Somewhere, doubtless, on the white Manchurian plain we had crossed in
+the night, the fragments of the imperial peacemaker's letter were
+being scattered by the wind.
+
+Menken's face had changed utterly in the last minute. He resembled an
+elderly man.
+
+"Tell the Czar that I alone am to blame," were his last words.
+
+Before I could prevent him, he had drawn a revolver from his pocket,
+and put two bullets through his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE ANSWER OF THE MIKADO
+
+
+A week later, that is to say, on the 8th of February, 1904, I was in
+Tokio.
+
+The behavior of the Princess Y---- on hearing of the death of her
+victim had been a strange mixture of heartlessness and hysterical
+remorse.
+
+At the first sound of the fatal shots, she came rushing to the scene
+of the tragedy, and cast herself on the floor of the corridor beside
+the dead man, seizing his hands, crying his name aloud, and weeping
+frantically.
+
+When I tried to raise her, so that the body might be removed, she
+turned on me fiercely.
+
+"This is your fault!" she cried. "Who are you, and how dared you
+interfere with me?"
+
+"As you see by my uniform, I am an inspector of police attached to
+the Third Section."
+
+She gazed at me searchingly for a moment, and then, lowering her
+voice, and bringing her lips to my ear, she said with intense energy:
+
+"It is a lie. I am here by the orders of the Minister himself, as you
+must know well. You are acting against us, whoever you are."
+
+"I am acting by order of the Czar," I responded.
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"I expect that is another lie. You could not have got so far as you
+have unless you had some one else behind you. Poor Nicholas!--Every
+one knows what he is, and that he has less power than any other man
+in Russia. Are you Witte's man, I wonder?"
+
+"You are a bold woman to question me," I said. "How do you know that
+I am not going to arrest you for stealing and destroying the Czar's
+letter?"
+
+"I should not remain long under arrest," was the significant answer.
+She gave me another searching look, and muttered to herself, "If I
+did not know that he was safe in the hands of my friends in
+Petersburg I should think you must be a certain Monsieur ----"
+
+She broke off without pronouncing my name, and turned away.
+
+At Mukden, the next stopping place, the Princess Y---- left the
+train, no doubt intending to travel back to Russia and report her
+success.
+
+In the meantime, I had reason to think she had notified her friends
+in Manchuria to keep an eye on me.
+
+All the way to Dalny I felt by that instinct which becomes second
+nature to a man of my profession that I was under surveillance.
+I detected a change in the manner of my friend the train
+superintendent. My trifling luggage was carefully searched. In the
+night when I was asleep some one went through my pockets. I was able
+to see that even the contents of my cigarette case, which I had not
+opened since leaving Petersburg, had been turned out and put back
+again.
+
+As the train neared Dalny I began to feel a little nervous. I had a
+dread of being stopped on my way to embark on board the steampacket
+which was still running to Tokio.
+
+The train drew up at last, at the end of its five-thousand-mile-run,
+and I stepped off it to the platform, carrying my valise in my hand.
+
+The platform was literally swarming with spies, as it was easy for a
+man of my experience to detect. I walked calmly through them to the
+cab-stand, and hailed a droshky.
+
+The driver, before starting off, exchanged a signal almost openly
+with a stout man in plain clothes, who dogged me from the railway
+carriage.
+
+Presently I sighted the steamer, alongside the principal wharf, with
+the smoke pouring out of its funnel, all ready to start.
+
+The cabman whipped his horse and drove straight past the steamer.
+
+"Where are you going?" I shouted.
+
+"To the Custom House first; it is the regulation," was the answer.
+
+Taking out my long neglected case, I placed a cigarette between my
+lips, and asked the driver for some matches.
+
+He passed me a wooden box. I struck several, but each went out in the
+high wind before igniting the tobacco.
+
+I was making another attempt as the droshky drew up outside the steps
+of the Custom House. I dismounted negligently, while one of the
+officials came and clutched my luggage. Then I walked slowly up the
+steps, pausing in the porch to strike a fresh match.
+
+A porter snatched the box from my hand. "Smoking is forbidden," he
+said roughly. "Wait till you are out again."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders, pinched the burning end of the cigarette,
+which I retained in my mouth, and sauntered with an air of supreme
+indifference after the man who was carrying my bag.
+
+He led me into a room in which a severe-looking official was seated
+at a desk.
+
+"Your papers," he demanded.
+
+I produced the papers with which I had been furnished by Rostoy.
+
+The customs official scrutinized them, evidently in the hope of
+discovering some flaw.
+
+"On what business are you going to Tokio?" he demanded.
+
+I smiled.
+
+"Since when have the police of the Third Section been obliged to
+render an account of themselves to the officers of the customs?" I
+asked defiantly.
+
+"How do I know that you are not a Japanese spy?"
+
+I laughed heartily.
+
+"You must be mad. How do I know that you are not a Nihilist?" I
+retorted.
+
+The customs officer turned pale. I saw that my chance shot had gone
+home. The Russian imperial services are honeycombed by revolutionary
+intrigues.
+
+"Well, I shall detain your luggage for examination," he declared.
+
+This time I pretended the greatest agitation. Of course, the more I
+resisted the more he insisted. In the end he allowed me to depart
+without my person being searched. The fact is I had convinced him
+that he held an important prize in my worthless valise.
+
+I was just in time to catch the steamer. As I crossed the gangway, a
+man dressed like a coal-trimmer turned on me a last careful scrutiny,
+and remarked,
+
+"Your cigarette has gone out, Mister."
+
+"Can you give me a light? Thank you!" I struck a match, drew a puff
+of smoke, and handed him back the box. Then I walked on board, the
+gangway was drawn in, and the Japanese steamer headed out to the open
+sea.
+
+On reaching Tokio I experienced some difficulty in obtaining an
+audience of the Japanese ruler.
+
+I was obliged to announce my name. It will hardly be believed, but
+the chamberlain whom I had entrusted with the important secret,
+brought back the answer that the Mikado had never heard of me!
+
+"Tell his imperial majesty that there is no monarch of Europe, and
+only two of Asia, who could say the same. I am here as the
+confidential plenipotentiary of the Czar, with an autograph letter
+addressed to the Mikado, and I respectfully ask leave to present it
+in person."
+
+Such a demand of course could not be refused. But even now the
+haughty Japanese did not receive me in the privacy of his own
+cabinet. On the contrary, I found myself introduced into the State
+Council-Room, in which his majesty was seated at a table surrounded
+by his chief advisers.
+
+In particular I remarked the venerable Yamagata, conqueror of China,
+and the round bullet-head of Oyama, the future overthrower of
+Kuropatkin.
+
+On the table was spread out a large map, or rather plan, of the
+entire theater of war, including Manchuria, Korea, Japan and the seas
+between. A man in naval uniform was standing beside the imperial
+chair, with an expectant look on his face.
+
+All eyes were turned upon me at my entrance. The Mikado beckoned to
+me to approach him.
+
+"Is it true that you bring me a letter from the Russian Emperor?" he
+asked abruptly. "We have received information that such a letter was
+on its way, but that the bearer was murdered on the Manchurian
+railway four days ago."
+
+"Your majesty's information is substantially correct," I answered.
+"The messenger, a Colonel Menken, was seduced into parting with his
+despatch, and committed suicide in consequence."
+
+"Well, and what about yourself?"
+
+"Foreseeing that the unscrupulous men who have been trying to force
+on a war between his Russian majesty and your majesty would leave no
+stone unturned to intercept this despatch, the Czar wrote a duplicate
+with his own hand, which he entrusted to me, in the hope that I might
+baffle the conspirators."
+
+"Where is it?"
+
+"I endeavored to conceal it by unstitching the front of the shirt I
+am wearing, and sewing it up between the folds.
+
+"Unfortunately I was drugged at a dinner party in Petersburg just
+before starting. I was unconscious for an hour and a half, and I fear
+that the opponents of peace have taken advantage of the opportunity
+to find and rob me of the letter. But I will see, with your majesty's
+permission."
+
+The Mikado made no answer. Amid a breathless silence, with all the
+room watching my movements, I tore open my shirt-front and extracted
+a paper.
+
+It was blank.
+
+"So," commented the Japanese Emperor, sternly, "you have no such
+credentials as you boasted of having."
+
+"Pardon me, sire. Anticipating that the War Party would suspect the
+object of my mission, and would resort to some such step to defeat
+it, I purposely provided them with a document to steal, believing
+that when they had robbed me of it they would allow me to proceed
+unmolested. My real credentials are here."
+
+I drew out my cigarette case, found the partially smoked cigarette I
+had had in my mouth when I ran the gauntlet of the spies at Dalny,
+and proceeded to cut off the paper. On the inner surface these words
+were written in the hand of the Czar:
+
+      The bearer of this, M. V----, has my full confidence, and
+      is authorized to settle conditions of peace.
+                         NICHOLAS.
+
+As I respectfully placed the scrap of paper, with its charred edges,
+in the Mikado's hand, I was conscious of a profound sensation in the
+room. Aged statesmen and brilliant commanders bent eagerly across
+the table to learn the character of the message thus strangely
+brought to its destination.
+
+His majesty read the brief note aloud. It was received with a murmur,
+not entirely of satisfaction I was surprised to note.
+
+Seeing that the Mikado made no remark, I ventured to say:
+
+"I hope that the extreme character of the measures adopted by the
+Czar to assure your majesty of his peaceful sentiments will have the
+effect of convincing you that they are genuine."
+
+The Emperor of Japan glanced around his council board as if to
+satisfy himself that he and his advisers were of one mind before
+replying:
+
+"I appreciate the zeal and the extraordinary skill with which you
+have carried out your mission. I regret that I cannot give you a
+favorable answer to take back to your nation."
+
+I was thunderstruck at this exordium. Slightly raising his voice, the
+Mikado went on:
+
+"Tell the Emperor of Russia that I do not distrust his sincerity, but
+I distrust his power. The monarch who cannot send a letter through
+his dominions in safety; who has to resort to stratagems and
+precautions like these to overcome the opposition of his own
+subjects, is not the ruler of his empire.
+
+"Why, sir, do you suppose that if I had a message to send to my
+brother in St. Petersburg I should have to stoop to arts like these?
+That any subject of mine would dare to plot against me, to seduce my
+messengers, to drug and rob them? Incredible! The tale you have told
+me completely confirms everything I and my advisers have already
+heard with regard to the Russian Government. It is a ship without a
+captain, on which the helm is fought for and seized by different
+hands in turn. To-day the real rulers of Russia are the men who are
+bent on war--and who, while we are talking, have actually begun the
+war!"
+
+I gazed around the Council-Room, unable to believe my ears.
+
+"Yes," the stern sovereign continued, "while you, sir, were entering
+the Inland Sea, charged with this offer of peace"--his majesty tossed
+the precious piece of paper on the table with a look of disdain--"a
+Russian gunboat, the _Korietz_, was firing the first shot of the war
+at one of my squadrons off Chemulpo."
+
+The glances directed by those present at the naval officer behind the
+imperial chair convinced me that he had just brought the fatal news
+to the Council.
+
+"And now," added the Mikado, "I will give my reply to the real
+masters of Russia--to the directors of the _Korietz_."
+
+He nodded to the naval officer, who walked across the floor to a box
+on the wall like a telephone receiver, and pressed a button.
+
+"That," his majesty explained, "is the signal for a flotilla of
+torpedo boats to enter the harbor of Port Arthur and blow up the
+Russian fleet."
+
+I think a faint cry of remonstrance or misgiving must have escaped
+me. The Japanese monarch frowned, and his voice took a still sterner
+ring.
+
+"Go back to your unfortunate master, and tell him that when he can
+send me a public envoy, in the light of day, to ask for peace, and to
+undertake the fulfilment of the pledges which his Ministers have
+broken, I will grant his request."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+WHO SMOKED THE GREGORIDES BRAND
+
+
+I left the presence of the Japanese Emperor deeply disheartened.
+
+It is true I had myself foretold this failure, and that his Japanese
+majesty and his advisers had been good enough to compliment me in
+almost extravagant terms on the energy and resourcefulness I had
+shown in baffling the enemies of peace.
+
+But I am unaccustomed to defeat, no matter what are the odds against
+me, and I felt that the first point in the game had been scored
+against by the formidable woman whose beauty and strangely composite
+character had fascinated me, even while I was countermining her.
+
+For my work was not yet over. Indeed, it had but just begun.
+
+I had not succeeded in averting war between the two great Powers of
+Asia. But I hoped to thwart the efforts which I feared would be made
+to extend the conflagration to Europe.
+
+As soon as I had found myself once more on civilized ground, I had
+despatched a cable to my Paris office, announcing my whereabouts and
+asking for information.
+
+The reader may be excused if he has forgotten a little episode which
+marked my stay in Petersburg. I had noticed something peculiar and at
+the same time familiar in the scent of the tobacco smoked by
+Petrovitch, the financial adventurer whose scheme to enrich himself
+and a corrupt clique of courtiers out of the spoils of Korea and
+China was the true cause of the war.
+
+By a ruse I had secured one of the cigarettes, smoked by this
+dangerous plotter, and having ascertained that it bore the mark
+_Gregorides, Crown Aa_, had instructed my staff to ascertain the
+history of this particular make of cigarettes.
+
+While I was resting in my hotel in Tokio, waiting for the reply to my
+cable, I was honored by a visit from no less a personage than Privy
+Councillor Katahashi, President of the Imperial Bank of Japan.
+
+"I have come," the Privy Councillor explained as soon as the door was
+closed, "to express the high sense of your ability and devotion which
+we all possess, and to ask if it is possible for Japan to secure your
+services."
+
+Deeply gratified by this proposal, I was obliged to explain that I
+was already retained in the interest of Russia.
+
+"But what interest?" Mr. Katahashi persisted. "It is clear that you
+are not acting on behalf of that group which has just succeeded in
+its purpose of forcing a war."
+
+"That is so," I admitted. "It is no breach of confidence--in fact, I
+serve my employers by assuring you that my efforts are directed
+toward peace."
+
+"In that case there can be no antagonism between us, surely. Is it
+not possible for you and me--I say nothing about our respective
+Governments--to co-operate for certain purposes?
+
+"I know enough of the conditions which prevail in the Russian Court
+to feel pretty sure that it was not Nicholas II. who originally
+sought you out, and entrusted you with this mission," the Japanese
+statesman added.
+
+"At the close of the last war in this part of the world," the Privy
+Councillor went on, "Japan was robbed of the fruit of her victories
+by an alliance of three Powers, Russia, Germany, and France. This
+time we know that England will support us against any such
+combination. Thanks to King Edward VII. we have nothing to fear. His
+diplomacy, moreover, has secured the powerful influence of France on
+the side of peace. Although nominally allied with the Czar, we know
+that the French Government is determined to limit the area of the
+war, and to take no part against us, except in one event."
+
+"You mean," I put in, "in the event of an attack by England on
+Russia."
+
+"Exactly. And therefore we know that King Edward is making it his
+particular care that no cause of conflict shall arise."
+
+He paused, and glanced at me as though he considered that he had
+sufficiently indicated the source from which my instructions were
+received.
+
+I contented myself with bowing.
+
+"We know, also, that the most restless and ambitious of living
+monarchs has been bending his whole thoughts and schemes, ever since
+he ascended the throne, to one supreme end--the overthrow of the
+British Empire by a grand combination of all the other Powers of the
+world. If that monarch can force on a general strife in which England
+will be involved on the side of Japan, while practically every other
+European Power is leagued against her, M. Petrovitch and his timber
+concessions will have done their work."
+
+I drew a deep breath as I looked at the Japanese statesman with a
+questioning gaze.
+
+As if in answer to my unspoken query, a waiter of the hotel knocked
+at the door in the same moment, and brought me the long-expected
+cable from my agent in Europe.
+
+I tore it open and read:
+
+      Cigarettes Gregorides Crown Aa special brand manufactured
+      to order of Marx, Berlin, tobacconist to German Emperor.
+
+I looked up from reading the telegram to see the eyes of the Japanese
+Privy Councillor fixed upon me with the inscrutable, penetrating gaze
+of the Oriental.
+
+"The message you have just received bears on the subject of our
+conversation, does it not?" he inquired, but in the tone of one who
+does not doubt what the answer will be.
+
+With the caution which has become a habit with me, I read the cable
+through carefully for the second time, and then placed it on the
+fire, where it was instantly consumed.
+
+The Japanese statesman smiled.
+
+"You forget, I think, M. V----, that you have come here as the
+emissary of a sovereign with whom we are at war, and that,
+consequently, we cannot afford to respect your privacy.
+
+"I have a copy in my pocket," he went on urbanely. "You have felt
+some curiosity about a particular brand of cigarettes, and your
+friends have just informed you that they are those supplied to the
+German Emperor."
+
+I looked at Mr. Katahashi with new respect.
+
+"Your secret service is well managed, sir," I observed.
+
+"Such a compliment from such a quarter is an ample reward for what
+little pains I may have taken."
+
+"Then it is you who are----?"
+
+"The organizer of our secret service during the war?--I am."
+
+"But you are a banker?" I turned my eyes to the card by which Mr.
+Katahashi had announced his visit.
+
+The Japanese gave another of his subtle smiles--those peculiar smiles
+of the Oriental which make the keenest-witted man of the West feel
+that he is little better than a blunderer.
+
+"I came here prepared to take you into my confidence," he said
+gravely. "I am well aware that it is the only safe course in dealing
+with the Bismarck of underground diplomacy.
+
+"I am equally well aware," the Privy Councillor added, "that a secret
+confided to Monsieur V---- is as safe as if it had been told in
+confidence to a priest of Buddha, for whom the penalty of betrayal is
+to be flayed alive."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE SECRET SERVICE OF JAPAN
+
+
+"Three years ago," Mr. Katahashi proceeded, "when we first recognized
+that Japan would be obliged to fight Russia for her existence as a
+free and independent country, his imperial majesty the Mikado
+appointed me head of the intelligence department.
+
+"I perceived that it would be necessary for me to establish centers
+in the chief European capitals, and to have at my command a corps of
+agents whose comings and goings would not attract the attention that
+is usually given to the movements of persons connected with the staff
+of an embassy.
+
+"In our case precautions were necessary which would not have been
+recognized in the case of another country.
+
+"On the one hand, our Government has laid to heart the profound
+advice of Herbert Spencer, that whatever is done for Japan should be
+done by Japanese.
+
+"On the other hand, our people have characteristic racial features
+which make it practically impossible for a Japanese to disguise
+himself as a Western European, so as to deceive European eyes.
+
+"It was therefore necessary to provide an excuse for distributing
+Japanese agents over the West without the true reason of their
+presence being known.
+
+"I solved this problem by founding the Imperial Bank of Japan."
+
+"But, surely!" I exclaimed, "the Imperial Bank of Japan is a _bona
+fide_ concern? Its shares are regularly quoted on the stock
+exchanges. It negotiates loans, and carries on the ordinary business
+of a bank?"
+
+"Certainly. Why not? You forget that Japan is not a rich country.
+What we lack in gold, we are obliged to make up in ingenuity and
+devotion. Thanks to this idea of mine, the secret service of Japan
+pays for itself, and even earns a small profit."
+
+It gave me something like a cold shock to comprehend the character of
+this people whom the Russians had so recklessly provoked to draw the
+sword.
+
+I thought of the intelligence departments of some Western Powers, of
+the rank corruption that reigned on the Neva, where every secret had
+its price; of the insane conceit of Berlin, which had forgotten
+nothing and learned nothing since the days of Moltke; of the
+luxurious laziness of Pall Mall, where superannuated soldiers dozed
+in front of their dusty pigeon-holes after apoplectic lunches, and
+exercised their wits chiefly in framing evasive answers suited to the
+intelligence of the House of Commons.
+
+And beside these pictures I placed this of the prosperous commercial
+house, founded by the man before me, a man whose salary would
+probably be sniffed at by a deputy-assistant controller in the
+British War Office.
+
+A bank, paying its way, and adding to the revenues of Japan, and yet
+every member of its staff a tireless spy, ready to go anywhere and
+risk everything on behalf of his native country!
+
+Mr. Katahashi seemed to ignore the effect produced on my mind by his
+modest explanation.
+
+"I have told you this," he resumed, "because if I can succeed in
+satisfying you that we are both working for the same ends, or at
+least against the same enemy, I hope it will be agreeable to you to
+co-operate with me."
+
+I drew my brows together in anxious thought. In spite of the flattery
+and deference of the Privy Councillor I could not but feel that I
+should be the junior partner in any such combination as he proposed,
+or, rather, I should find myself an instrument in the hands of one
+whose methods were strange to me.
+
+"Although his imperial majesty was not familiar with your name, you
+must not suppose that your reputation is not known in the right
+quarters. I have a very full report on your work in my office. I had
+intended from the first to engage your services if we required any
+Western aid; and, as a matter of fact, I was on the eve of sending
+you a retainer, when I heard I had been anticipated by----"
+
+"By Lord Bedale," I put in swiftly.
+
+"By Lord Bedale, certainly," the Japanese acquiesced with a polite
+bow and smile.
+
+"After your interview with him, I lost sight of you," my
+extraordinary companion went on. "Your wonderful transformation into
+a Little Englander of the Peace-at-any-Price school threw my agents
+off the scent. But I heard of your interview with Nicholas II."
+
+"You did!"
+
+Mr. Katahashi nodded.
+
+"I recognized you in that transaction. I even guessed that you might
+make an attempt to carry through a message from the Czar. But,
+knowing the influences arrayed against you, I never expected you to
+succeed. Your appearance in our Council-Room was a triumph on which I
+congratulate you warmly.
+
+"And now," the Mikado's Privy Councillor continued, "there remain two
+questions:
+
+"Supposing you are satisfied that the real author of this war is not
+any one in Russia, but a certain monarch who smokes cigarettes made
+by the house of Gregorides--
+
+"And that the same ambitious ruler is now weaving his snares to
+entangle Great Britain, in short your own employer, the----"
+
+"Marquis of Bedale," I again slipped in.
+
+Again the same polite but incredulous bow and smile from the Japanese
+statesman.
+
+"Would you be willing to accept a retainer from us?"
+
+I sat upright, frowning.
+
+The somewhat haughty attitude of the Emperor of Japan still rankled
+within me.
+
+"I will accept a retainer from his majesty the Mikado," I announced
+stiffly. "From no one else."
+
+Mr. Katahashi looked thoughtful.
+
+"I will see what can be done," he murmured. "The second question----"
+
+There was a momentary hesitation in his manner.
+
+"I have just spoken to you of the precept of the great English
+philosopher."
+
+"It was, if I remember rightly, that you should employ only Japanese
+in the service of Japan?"
+
+The Privy Councillor bowed.
+
+"Therefore, you will see, we are obliged to make a proposal which may
+seem to you unusual--perhaps unreasonable."
+
+"And this proposal is?" I asked, with undisguised curiosity.
+
+"That you should become a Japanese."
+
+I threw myself back in my chair, amazed.
+
+"Your Excellency, I am an American citizen."
+
+"So I have understood."
+
+"An American citizen is on a level with royalty."
+
+"That is admitted."
+
+"Even the Dowager Empress of China, when engaging me in her service,
+though she raised my ancestors to the rank of marquises, did not ask
+me to forego my citizenship of the United States."
+
+"That is not necessary," the Privy Councillor protested.
+
+"Explain yourself, if you will be so good."
+
+"A man may be an American citizen, although by birth he is a
+Frenchman, a German, or even a negro. You yourself are a Pole, I
+believe."
+
+I could only bow.
+
+"Now I do not propose that you should relinquish your political
+allegiance, but only that you should exchange your Polish nationality
+for a Japanese one."
+
+"But how, sir?"
+
+"It is very simple. By being adopted into a Japanese family."
+
+I sat and stared at the Japanese statesman, with his mask-like face
+and impenetrable eyes. I seemed to be in some strange dream.
+
+Who shall judge the ways of the Asiatic! This daring organizer, a
+match for the most astute minds of the West, believed that he could
+only make sure of fidelity by persuading me to go through what
+seemed the comedy of a mock adoption, a ceremony like the blood
+brotherhood of an African tribe.
+
+"And suppose I consent, into what family do you purpose to introduce
+me?"
+
+The Privy Councillor's look became positively affectionate as he
+responded:
+
+"If you would honor me by becoming my kinsman?"
+
+I rose to my feet, shaking my head slowly.
+
+"I appreciate the compliment your Excellency pays me. But, as we have
+just now agreed, an American citizen has no equals except royalty.
+Let us return to the German Emperor and his designs. If I cannot
+serve you directly I may be able to do so indirectly."
+
+The Japanese made no attempt to press his proposal.
+
+Instead he plunged into a discussion of the intrigues which radiated
+from Berlin.
+
+"In nearly all the international difficulties and disagreements of
+the last twenty years," he said, "it is possible to trace the evil
+influence of Germany.
+
+"To German sympathy, a secret encouragement, was due the wanton
+invasion of Cape Colony by the Boers. To the Kaiser, and his promises
+of support, was due the hopeless defiance of the United States by
+Spain. The same Power tried to drag Great Britain into collision
+with your Republic over the miserable concerns of Venezuela. For
+years, Germany has been secretly egging on the French to raise
+troubles against the English in Egypt. In the same spirit, the Sultan
+has been abetted, first against England and next against Russia.
+
+"All these schemes have been spoiled by the action of King Edward
+VII. in establishing cordial relations with France, and even to a
+certain extent with Russia.
+
+"Now Wilhelm II. has taken advantage of the attraction of France to
+England, to draw nearer to Russia. He has secured in his interest
+some of the most influential personages at the Russian Court. The
+Anglophobe grand dukes, the fire-eaters of the Admiralty, are all his
+sworn allies.
+
+"But that is not the worst.
+
+"By some means which I have not yet been able to trace, the Kaiser
+seems to have acquired a peculiar hold over Nicholas II.
+
+"The whole policy of Russia seems to be tinged by this influence.
+Even where the instigation of Germany is not directly apparent, yet
+in a hundred ways it is clear that the Russian Government is playing
+the German game. The cause of all this is a riddle, a riddle which it
+is for you to solve."
+
+"For me?"
+
+The words escaped me involuntarily. I had listened with growing
+uneasiness to the Privy Councillor's revelations.
+
+"Undoubtedly. You have facilities which no one else possesses. You
+enjoy the confidence of the Czar. You cannot be suspected of any
+selfish designs, still less of any hostile feeling against Wilhelm
+II., who is understood to be almost your personal friend."
+
+"I never allow personal friendships to influence me in the discharge
+of my duty."
+
+"It is because I believe that, that I am talking to you like this,"
+Mr. Katahashi responded quickly.
+
+"Well!" he added after a short silence, "what do you say?"
+
+"I must have the night to decide."
+
+The Japanese Privy Councillor rose to say good-by.
+
+After he had gone I sat up late into the night considering how far I
+could serve my employer in England by entering into the projects of
+the secret service of Japan.
+
+In the morning, I was still undecided, but on the whole it seemed to
+me that it would be better to act independently.
+
+I was considering how to convey this decision to the Mikado's
+minister, when he again presented himself before me.
+
+His manner was deeply agitated. It was evident that he came to make a
+communication of the highest importance.
+
+Instead of taking the chair I offered him, he stood regarding me with
+an expression that seemed one of awe.
+
+"Monsieur V----," he said at length, "your conditions are accepted by
+his imperial majesty."
+
+"What conditions?" I asked, bewildered for the moment.
+
+"Last night you informed me that an American citizen occupied the
+same rank as royalty."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"The Mikado offers to make you a member of the imperial family by
+adoption, and one of his majesty's cousins has consented to make you
+his son!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS
+
+
+In these days, when princes resign their rank to marry commoners, and
+queens elope with tutors, it is probable that most Western minds will
+see nothing out of the way in the condescension of the Japanese ruler
+in admitting a diplomatic agent to the honor of the imperial
+cousinship.
+
+But the dynasty of Japan is the most illustrious in the world,
+excepting only that of Great Britain. Like Edward VII., the Mikado
+traces his lineage back to pagan gods. From the days of the famous
+Empress Jimmu, an unbroken line of sacred sovereigns has filled the
+throne of the Realm of the Rising Sun during more than two thousand
+years.
+
+Mr. Katahashi was evidently pleased to see that I appreciated to the
+full the tremendous honor accorded to me.
+
+"An imperial carriage is waiting to convey you to the Palace," he
+said. "But it will not be becoming for you to wear that uniform. I
+have brought you a Japanese dress."
+
+An attendant came into the room bearing a gorgeous robe of green silk
+embroidered with golden chrysanthemums.
+
+I put it on like one in a dream. The Privy Councillor with his own
+hands girt around my waist the two weapons, sacred from time
+immemorial to the use of the Japanese noble, the sword with which to
+behead his friend, and the dagger with which to disembowel himself.
+
+Needless to say, I had no expectation that I should ever have
+occasion to regard these magnificently embellished weapons in any
+other light than as ornamental badges of rank.
+
+As we rode to the Palace, I could not forbear contrasting this
+splendid treatment with that which I had been accustomed to receive
+from some of the European sovereigns to whom I had rendered important
+services.
+
+Even the German Kaiser, who trusted me more than the head of his own
+police, who talked to me almost on the footing of an intimate friend,
+had never offered me so much as the coveted "von" before my name--had
+not given me even the pretty Red Eagle which is lavished on
+second-rate generals and lords-in-waiting.
+
+I became well-nigh appalled as I contrasted the sluggish
+conversation, the hide-bound officialism, the stereotyped and sleepy
+methods of the Western Powers with the sleepless energy, the daring
+initiative, the desperate industry and courage of this rejuvenated
+Eastern race.
+
+What could any of these obsolete European Governments effect against
+a nation which was really a vast secret society of forty-five
+millions, directed by a sacred chief, and wielding all the mechanical
+resources of the West with the almost inhuman subtlety and
+ruthlessness of the Orient?
+
+"Anything can be done for money." This maxim, which is forever on the
+lips of Russian statesmen, no longer sounded true in the meridian of
+Tokio.
+
+The ruler of Japan had not offered me so much as a yen. Nay, it
+was clearly expected and intended that I should devote myself
+to the service of my new country without pay, and with the same
+single-hearted devotion as Mr. Katahashi himself. The Mikado was
+going to enroll in his services as an unpaid volunteer the most
+highly-paid, in other words, the most trusted and feared, secret
+service agent of two hemispheres.
+
+And it was to cost him? An embroidered garment and two sentences
+spoken in a private audience!
+
+Such are the methods of Japan!
+
+On our arrival at the Palace we were received by a chamberlain, who
+conducted us by the private staircase to the Hall of the Imperial
+Family.
+
+The Hall is an imposing room, hung with portraits of deceased
+mikados. A single chair, decorated with the emblem of the Rising Sun,
+stood at the upper end.
+
+Almost as soon as we had taken our places, a door behind the chair
+was thrown up, and a number of the officers of the household, all
+wearing the ancient national costume, filed in, and grouped
+themselves around the imperial chair.
+
+Then a silver bell sounded, and his imperial and sacred majesty,
+Mutsuhito CXXI., Mikado, walked slowly forward into the Hall,
+accompanied by his son and heir, the Crown Prince Yoshihito, and an
+elderly man, attired with great richness, who was, as my guide
+whispered to me, his imperial highness Prince Yorimo, second cousin
+to the Emperor, and the man who had consented to be my titular
+father.
+
+The ceremony was brief but impressive. I could not but be struck by
+the contrast between the two Mikados--the one whom I had seen
+yesterday, an alert statesman, wearing Western clothes, and speaking
+French with hardly a trace of accent, and the one before me now, a
+solemn, pontifical figure, in his immemorial robes, moving, speaking
+with the etiquette of a bygone age.
+
+Everything passed in the Japanese language, of which I did not then
+know a single word.
+
+Mr. Katahashi did his best to provide a running translation,
+whispering in my ear, and prompting me with the Japanese words which
+it was necessary for me to pronounce.
+
+As far as I could understand, Prince Yorimo asked permission of the
+Emperor to adopt a son, as he was childless and desired to have some
+one who would sacrifice to his own spirit and those of his father and
+grandfather after he was dead.
+
+The Mikado graciously consenting, I was brought forward, and made to
+renounce my own family and ancestors, and promise to sacrifice
+exclusively to those of my new father.
+
+Prince Yorimo next brought forward a robe embroidered with the
+imperial emblems, the most prominent of which was the Rising Sun. I
+was divested of the dress lent me by Katahashi, and my adoptive
+father flung the imperial garment over my shoulders.
+
+The girding on of the samurai weapon followed, and my father
+addressed me a short exhortation, bidding me hold myself ready at all
+times to obey the will of the Divine Emperor, even to the point of
+committing _seppuku_ at his command.
+
+_Seppuku_ is the correct name of the rite known in the West by the
+vulgar name of _hara-kiri_, or the "happy despatch." It is a form of
+voluntary execution permitted by the ancient laws of Japan to men of
+noble rank, much as European nobles were allowed to be beheaded
+instead of being hanged.
+
+I was then permitted to kiss the hand of Prince Yorimo, who formally
+presented me to the Mikado, whose hand also I had to kiss, kneeling.
+
+That was the whole of the ceremony, at the close of which Mr.
+Katahashi bade me a temporary farewell, and my princely father
+carried me off to a banquet in his own mansion.
+
+Tedious and uninteresting as I fear these details must seem to the
+reader, I have thought it right to record them as an illustration of
+the spirit of Japan, of that country of which I am proud to be an
+adopted son.
+
+The moment we had quitted the Hall of the Imperial Family, Prince
+Yorimo began to talk to me in French.
+
+He proved to be a most fascinating companion. Old enough to remember
+the feudal age, which was still in full vigor in Japan forty years
+ago, he had since mastered most of the knowledge of the West.
+
+I soon found that the Prince was by no means disposed to treat the
+adoption as a mere form. It was evident that the old gentleman had
+taken a strong fancy to me. He gave me a most affectionate welcome on
+the threshold of his house, and immediately calling his servants
+around him, introduced me to them as their future master, and bade
+them obey me as himself.
+
+I was more touched than I care to say by this kind treatment. My own
+parents have long been dead; I know nothing of any other relations,
+if I have any; I have long been a wanderer and an adventurer on the
+face of the earth, and now, at last, I felt as though I had found a
+home.
+
+Something of this I tried to convey to his imperial highness.
+
+"My son," he replied with deep tenderness, "I feel that to me you
+will be a son indeed. You shall learn the language of our beautiful
+country, you shall grow used to our national ways. Before long you
+will let me provide you with a daughter of the Chrysanthemum to be
+your wife, and my grandchildren shall be Japanese indeed."
+
+A sound of bells was heard outside.
+
+"My friends are coming to pay the customary congratulation," the aged
+prince explained. "As it is necessary that you should have a name
+suited to your new rank, I ask you to take that of my father,
+Matsukata."
+
+A few words of direction were spoken to the steward of the chambers,
+who went out. Immediately afterward he returned, throwing open the
+doors widely, and announced:
+
+"The Marquis Yamagata to congratulate his imperial highness Prince
+Matsukata!"
+
+And the Prime Minister of Japan came toward me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SUBMARINE MINE
+
+
+Having told the reader as much as was necessary to enable him to
+understand my subsequent proceedings, and the real forces at work in
+the underground struggle which produced the tragedy of the Dogger
+Bank, I will suppress the remainder of my adventures in Tokio.
+
+When I left the capital of my new country I wore around my neck,
+under the light shirt of chain mail without which I have never
+traveled for the last twenty years, a golden locket containing the
+miniature portrait of the loveliest maiden in the East or in the
+West.
+
+It was a pledge. When little, tender fingers had fastened it in its
+place, little moving lips had whispered in my ear, "Till peace is
+signed!"
+
+I had decided to return to the capital of what was now the country of
+my enemies, by much the same route as I had left it.
+
+To do so, it was necessary to run the blockade of Port Arthur, or
+rather to feign to do so, for the Japanese Minister of Marine had
+been asked by my friend Katahashi to give secret instructions to
+Admiral Togo on my behalf.
+
+In order to ensure a welcome from the Russian commander, and to
+dispel any suspicions, I planned to take in a cargo of Welsh steam
+coal.
+
+Through an agent at Yokohama I chartered a British collier lying at
+Chi-fu, with a cargo for disposal. Leaving the Japanese port on a
+steamer bound for Shanghai, I met the collier in mid-ocean, and
+transferred myself on board her.
+
+As soon as I had taken command, I ordered the skipper to head for
+Port Arthur.
+
+This was the first intimation to him that he was expected to run the
+blockade, and at first he refused.
+
+"I'm not afraid--myself," the sturdy Briton declared, "but I've got a
+mixed crew on board, Germans and Norwegians and Lascars, and all
+sorts, and I can't rely on them if we get in a tight place."
+
+I glanced around at the collection of foreign faces and drew the
+captain aside. He, at least, was an Englishman, and I therefore
+trusted him.
+
+"There is no danger, really," I said. "Admiral Togo has had secret
+orders to let me through. This cargo is merely a pretext."
+
+The rough sailor scratched his head.
+
+"Well, maybe you're telling the truth," he grunted. "But, dang me, if
+I can get the hang of it. You might belong to any country almost by
+the cut of your jib; you say you've fixed things up with the blessed
+Japs, and you're running a cargo of coal for the blessed Rooshians.
+It's queer, mortal queer, that's all I can say. Howsomdever----"
+
+I took out a flask of three-star brandy, and passed it to the
+doubting mariner.
+
+He put it first to his nose, then to his lips.
+
+"Ah! Nothing wrong about that, Mister," he pronounced, as he handed
+back the flask.
+
+"It's a fifty-pound job for yourself, no matter what becomes of the
+cargo," I insinuated.
+
+The worthy seaman's manner underwent a magic change.
+
+"Port your helm!" he yelled out suddenly and sharply to the man at
+the wheel. "Keep her steady nor'-east by nor', and a point nor'. Full
+steam ahead! All lights out! And if one of you lubbers so much as
+winks an eyelid, by George, I'll heave him overboard!"
+
+The crew, who had shown a good many signs of uneasiness since my
+coming over the side, seemed to think this last hint worth attending
+to. They slunk forward to their duties, leaving the captain and
+myself to pace the quarter-deck alone.
+
+We steamed swiftly through the darkness till we began to see the
+search-lights of the Japanese fleet like small white feathers
+fluttering on the horizon.
+
+"Come up on the bridge," the skipper advised. "Got a revolver handy?"
+
+I showed him my loaded weapon.
+
+"Right! I ain't much afraid of the Japs, but we may have trouble with
+some of that all-sorts crew I've got below."
+
+By and by the white plumes became bigger. All at once a ship lying
+dark on the water, scarcely a mile away on the weather-bow, spat out
+a long ribbon of light like an ant-eater's tongue, and we found
+ourselves standing in a glare of light as if we were actors in the
+middle of a stage.
+
+There was a howl from below, and a mixed body of Lascars, headed by
+one of the Germans, rushed toward the helm.
+
+"Back, you milk-drinking swabs!" the skipper roared. "As I'm a living
+man, the first one of you that lays a hand on the wheel, I'll fire
+into the crowd.
+
+"Hark ye here!" their commander said with rough eloquence. "In the
+first place, it don't follow that because you can see a flashlight
+the chap at t'other end can see you. Second place, no ship that does
+see us is going to sink us without giving us a round of blank first,
+by way of notice to heave to. Third place, if we do get a notice, I'm
+going to stop this ship. And, fourth place, you've got five seconds
+to decide whether you'd rather be taken into Yokohama by a prize crew
+of Japs, or be shot where you stand by me and this gentleman."
+
+The crew turned tail. Before five seconds had elapsed, not a head was
+to be seen above decks, except that of the man at the helm, who
+happened to be a Dane, to be first mate, and to be more than
+three-parts drunk.
+
+Needless to say the warning shot was not fired.
+
+We steamed steadily on through the fleet, every vessel of which was
+probably by this time aware of our presence. The search-lights
+flashed and fell all around us, but not once did we have to face
+again that blinking glare which tells the blockade runner that the
+game is up.
+
+But there was another peril in store on which we had not reckoned.
+The sea all around Port Arthur had been strewn with Russian mines!
+
+Unconscious of what was coming, we steamed gaily past the last
+outlying torpedo-boat of Admiral Togo's squadron.
+
+"Through!" cried my friend the skipper, pointing with a grin of
+delight at the Port Arthur lights as they came into view around the
+edge of a dark cliff.
+
+And even as he looked and pointed, there was a terrific wave, a rush,
+a flare and a report, and I felt myself lifted off my feet into
+mid-air.
+
+I fancy I must have been unconscious for a second or two while in the
+air, for the splash of the sea as I struck it in falling seemed to
+wake me up like a cold douche.
+
+My first movement, on coming to the surface again, was to put my hand
+to my neck to make sure of the safety of the precious locket which
+had been placed there by my dear little countrywoman.
+
+My second was to strike out for a big spar which I saw floating amid
+a mass of tangled cordage and splinters a few yards in front of me.
+
+Strange as it may seem, only when my arms were resting safely on the
+spar, and I had time to look about me and take stock of the
+situation, did I realize the extreme peril I had been in.
+
+Most dangers and disasters are worse to read about than to go
+through. Had any one warned me beforehand that I was going to be
+blown up by a mine, I should probably have felt the keenest dread,
+and conjured up all sorts of horrors. As it was, the whole adventure
+was over in a twinkling, and by the greatest good luck I had escaped
+without a scratch.
+
+By this time the forts at the entrance to Port Arthur, attracted, no
+doubt, by the noise of the explosion, were busily searching the spot
+with their lights.
+
+The effect was truly magnificent.
+
+From the blackness of the heights surrounding the famous basin, fiery
+sword after fiery sword seemed to leap forth and stab the sea. The
+wondrous blades of light met and crossed one another as if some
+great archangels were doing battle for the key of Asia.
+
+The whole sea was lit up with a brightness greater than that of the
+sun. Every floating piece of wreckage, every rope, every nail stood
+out with unnatural clearness. I was obliged to close my eyes, and
+protect them with my dripping hand.
+
+Presently I heard a hail from behind me. I turned my head, and to my
+delight saw the brave skipper of the lost ship swimming toward me.
+
+In another dozen strokes he was alongside and clinging with me to the
+same piece of wood, which he said was the main gaff.
+
+He was rather badly gashed about the head, but not enough to threaten
+serious consequences. So far as we could ascertain, the whole of the
+crew had perished.
+
+I confess that their fate did not cost me any very great pang, after
+the first natural shock of horror had passed. They owed their death
+to their own lack of courage, which had caused them to take refuge in
+the lowest part of the ship, where the full force of the explosion
+came. The captain and I, thanks to our position on the bridge, had
+escaped with a comparatively mild shaking.
+
+The steersman would have escaped also, in all probability, had he
+been sober.
+
+In a very short time after the captain had joined me, our eyes were
+gladdened by the sight of a launch issuing from the fort to our
+assistance.
+
+The officer in charge had thoughtfully provided blankets and a flask
+of wine. Thus comforted, I was not long in fully recovering my
+strength, and by the time the launch had set us on shore my comrade
+in misfortune was also able to walk without difficulty.
+
+The lieutenant who had picked us up showed the greatest consideration
+on learning that we had been blown up in an attempt to run a cargo of
+coal for the benefit of the Russian fleet. On landing we were taken
+before Admiral Makharoff, the brave man whom fate had marked out to
+perish two months later by a closely similar catastrophe.
+
+The story which I told to the Admiral was very nearly true, though of
+course I suppressed the incidents which had taken place in Tokio.
+
+I said that I had been charged to deliver a private communication
+from the Czar to the Mikado, sent in the hope of averting war, that I
+had arrived too late, and that, having to make my way back to
+Petersburg, I had meant to do a stroke of business on the way on
+behalf of his excellency.
+
+My inspector's uniform, which I had resumed on leaving Yokohama,
+confirmed my words, and Admiral Makharoff, after thanking me on
+behalf of the navy for my zeal, dismissed me with a present of a
+thousand rubles, and a permit to travel inland from Port Arthur.
+
+Needless to say I did not forget to say good-by to my brave
+Englishman, to whom I handed over the Russian Admiral's reward, thus
+doubling the amount I had promised him for his plucky stand against
+the mutineers.
+
+I have hurried over these transactions, interesting as they were, in
+order to come to the great struggle which lay before me in the
+capital of Russia.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE ADVISER OF NICHOLAS II
+
+
+By the second week in March I was back in Petersburg.
+
+On the long journey across Asia, I had had time to mature my plans,
+with the advantage of knowing that the real enemy I had to fight was
+neither M. Petrovitch nor the witching Princess Y----, but the Power
+which was using them both as its tools.
+
+It was a frightful thing to know that two mighty peoples, the
+Japanese and Russians, neither of which really wished to fight each
+other, had been locked in strife in order to promote the sinister and
+tortuous policy of Germany.
+
+So far, the German Kaiser had accomplished one-half of his program.
+The second, and more important, step would be to bring about a
+collision between the Russians and the English.
+
+Thus the situation resolved itself into an underground duel between
+Wilhelm II. and myself, a duel in which the whole future history of
+the world, and possibly the very existence of the British Empire,
+hung in the balance.
+
+And the arbiter was the melancholy young man who wandered through the
+vast apartments of his palace at Tsarskoe-Selo like some distracted
+ghost, wishing that any lot in life had been bestowed on him rather
+than that of autocrat of half Europe and Asia.
+
+It was to Nicholas that I first repaired, on my return, to report the
+result of my mission.
+
+I obtained a private audience without difficulty, and found his
+majesty busily engaged in going through some papers relating to the
+affairs of the Navy.
+
+"So they have not killed you, like poor Menken," he said with a
+mixture of sympathy and sadness.
+
+"Colonel Menken killed!" I could not forbear exclaiming.
+
+"Yes. Did you not hear of it? A Japanese spy succeeded in
+assassinating him, and stealing the despatch, just before Mukden. A
+lady-in-waiting attached to the Dowager Czaritza happened to be on
+the train, and brought me the whole story."
+
+I shook my head gravely.
+
+"I fear your majesty has been misinformed. Colonel Menken committed
+suicide. I saw him put the pistol to his head and shoot himself. His
+last words were a message to your majesty."
+
+The Czar raised his hand to his head with a despairing gesture.
+
+"Will these contradictions never end!" he exclaimed. "Really, sir, I
+hope you have made a mistake. Whom _can_ I trust!"
+
+I drew myself up.
+
+"I have no desire to press my version on you, sire," I said coldly.
+"It is sufficient that the Colonel was robbed, and that he is dead.
+Perhaps Princess Y---- has also given you an account of my own
+adventures?"
+
+Nicholas II. looked at me distrustfully.
+
+"Let us leave the name of the Princess on one side," he said in a
+tone of rebuke. "I have every reason to feel satisfied with her
+loyalty and zeal."
+
+I bowed, and remained silent.
+
+"You failed to get through, I suppose," the Czar continued, after
+waiting in vain for me to speak.
+
+"I beg pardon, sire, I safely delivered to the Emperor of Japan your
+majesty's autograph on the cigarette paper. I was robbed of the more
+formal letter in the house of M. Petrovitch, before starting."
+
+Nicholas frowned.
+
+"Petrovitch again! Another of the few men whom I know to be my real
+friends." He fidgeted impatiently.
+
+"Well, what did the Mikado say?"
+
+I had intended to soften the reply of the Japanese Emperor, but now,
+being irritated, I gave it bluntly:
+
+"His majesty professed to disbelieve in your power to control your
+people. He declared that he could not treat a letter from you
+seriously unless you were able to send it openly, without your
+messengers being robbed or murdered on the way across your own
+dominions."
+
+The young Emperor flushed darkly.
+
+"Insolent barbarian!" he cried hotly. "The next letter I send him
+shall be delivered by the commander of my army on the soil of Japan."
+
+I was secretly pleased by this flash of spirit, which raised my
+respect for the Russian monarch.
+
+A recollection seemed to strike him.
+
+"I hear that you were blown up in attempting to bring some coal into
+Port Arthur," he said in a more friendly tone. "I thank you, Monsieur
+V----."
+
+I bowed low.
+
+"Some of my admirals seem to have been caught napping," Nicholas II.
+added. "I have here a very serious report about Admiral Stark at
+Vladivostok."
+
+"You surprise me, sire," I observed incautiously. "Out in Manchuria I
+heard the Admiral praised on all hands for his carefulness and good
+conduct."
+
+"Carefulness! It is possible to be too careful," the Czar complained.
+"Admiral Stark is too much afraid of responsibility. We have
+information that the English are taking all kinds of contraband into
+the Japanese ports, and he does nothing to stop them, for fear of
+committing some breach of international law."
+
+I began to see what was coming. The Emperor, who seemed anxious to
+justify himself, proceeded:
+
+"The rights of neutrals have never been regarded by the British navy,
+when they were at war. However, I have not been satisfied with taking
+the opinion of our own jurists. I have here an opinion from Professor
+Heldenberg of Berlin, who of course represents a neutral Power, and
+he says distinctly that we are entitled to declare anything we
+please contraband, and to seize English ships--I mean, ships of
+neutrals--anywhere, even in the English Channel itself, and sink them
+if it is inconvenient to bring them into a Russian port."
+
+The insidious character of this advice was so glaring that I wondered
+how the unfortunate young monarch could be deceived by it.
+
+But I saw that comment would be useless just then. I must seek some
+other means of opening his eyes to the pitfalls which were being
+prepared for him.
+
+I came from the Palace with a heavy heart. The next day, Petersburg
+was startled by the publication of a ukase recalling Vice-Admiral
+Stark and Rear-Admiral Molas, his second in command, from the
+Pacific.
+
+Immediately on hearing this news I sent a telegram in cipher to Lord
+Bedale. For obvious reasons I never take copies of my secret
+correspondence, but to the best of my recollection the wire ran as
+follows:
+
+      Germany instigating Russian Navy to raid your shipping on
+      the pretext of contraband. Object to provoke reprisals
+      leading to war.
+
+As the reader is aware, this warning succeeded in defeating the
+Kaiser's main design, the British Government steadily refusing to be
+provoked.
+
+Unfortunately this attitude of theirs played into German hands in
+another way, as English shippers were practically obliged to refuse
+goods for the Far East, and this important and lucrative trade passed
+to Hamburg, to the serious injury of the British ports.
+
+But before this development had been reached, I found myself on the
+track of a far more deadly and dangerous intrigue, one which is
+destined to live in history as the most audacious plot ever devised
+by one great Power against another with which it proposed to be on
+terms of perfect friendship.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+A STRANGE CONFESSION
+
+
+I had last seen the strange, beautiful, wicked woman known as the
+Princess Y---- bending in a passion of hysterical remorse over the
+body of the man she had driven to death, on the snow-clad train
+outside Mukden.
+
+I have had some experience of women, and especially of the class
+which mixes in the secret politics of the European Courts. But Sophia
+Y---- was an enigma to me. There was nothing about her which
+suggested the adventuress. And there was much which tended to support
+the story which had won the belief of her august mistress--that she
+was an involuntary agent, who had been victimized by an unscrupulous
+minister of police, by means of a false charge, and who genuinely
+loathed the tasks she was too feeble to refuse.
+
+I had not been back in Petersburg very long when one afternoon the
+hotel waiter came to tell me that a lady desired to see me privately.
+The lady, he added, declined to give her name, but declared that she
+was well known to me.
+
+I had come back to the hotel, I should mention, in the character of
+Mr. Sterling, the self-appointed agent of the fraternity of British
+peace-makers. It was necessary for me to have some excuse for
+residing in Petersburg during the war, and under this convenient
+shelter I could from time to time prepare more effectual disguises.
+
+I was not altogether surprised when my mysterious visitor raised her
+veil and disclosed the features of the Princess herself.
+
+But I was both surprised and shocked by the frightened,
+grief-stricken look on the face of this woman whom I had come to
+dread as my most formidable opponent in the Russian Court.
+
+"Mr. Sterling!--Monsieur V----?" she cried in an agitated voice that
+seemed ready to break down into a sob. "Can you forgive me for
+intruding on you? I dare not speak to you freely in my own house. I
+am beset by spies."
+
+"Sit down, Princess," I said soothingly, as I rolled forward a
+comfortable chair. "Of course I am both charmed and flattered by your
+visit, whatever be its cause."
+
+With feminine intuition she marked the reserve in my response to her
+appeal.
+
+"Ah! You distrust me, and you are quite right!" she exclaimed,
+casting herself into the chair.
+
+She fixed her luminous eyes on me in a deep look, half-imploring,
+half-reproachful.
+
+"It is true, then, what they have been telling me? You were the man,
+dressed as an inspector of the Third Section who traveled on the
+train with me? And you saw the death"--her words were interrupted by
+a shudder--"of that unhappy man?"
+
+It was not very easy to preserve my composure in the face of her
+emotion. Nevertheless, at the risk of appearing callous, I replied:
+
+"I cannot pretend to understand your question. However, even if I did
+it would make no difference.
+
+"Since you know my name is A. V----, you must know also that I never
+allow myself to talk about my work."
+
+The Princess winced under these cold words almost as though she had
+been physically rebuffed. She clasped her delicately-gloved hands
+together, and murmured as though to herself:
+
+"He will not believe in me! He will not be convinced!"
+
+I felt myself in a very difficult position. Either this woman was
+thoroughly repentant, and sincerely anxious to make some genuine
+communication to me, or else she was an actress whose powers might
+have excited envy in the Bernhardt herself.
+
+I concluded that I could lose nothing by encouraging her to speak.
+
+"You must pardon me if I seem distrustful," I said with a wholly
+sympathetic expression. "I have my principles, and cannot depart from
+them. But I have every wish to convince you of my personal
+friendship."
+
+She interrupted me with a terrible glance.
+
+"Personal friendship! Monsieur, do you know what I have come here to
+tell you?"
+
+And rising wildly to her feet, she spread out her hands in a gesture
+of utter despair:
+
+"They have ordered me to take your life!"
+
+I am not a man who is easily surprised.
+
+The adventures I have passed through, some of them far more
+extraordinary than anything I have recorded in my public revelations,
+have accustomed me to meet almost any situation with diplomatic
+presence of mind.
+
+But on this occasion I am obliged to admit that I was fairly taken
+aback.
+
+As the lovely but dangerous woman whom I had cause to regard as the
+most formidable instrument in the hands of the conspirators, avowed
+to my face that she had been charged with the mission to assassinate
+me, I sprang from my chair and confronted her.
+
+She stood, swaying slightly, as though the intensity of her emotion
+was about to overpower her.
+
+"Do you mean what you say? Do you know what you have said?" I
+demanded.
+
+The Princess Y---- made no answer, but she lifted her violet eyes to
+mine, and I saw the big tears welling up and beginning to overflow.
+
+I was dismayed. My strength of mind seemed to desert me. I have
+looked on without a tear when men have fallen dead at my feet, but I
+have never been able to remain calm before a woman in tears.
+
+"Madame! Princess!" I was on the point of addressing her by a yet
+more familiar name. "At least, sit down and recover yourself."
+
+Like one dazed, I led her to a chair. Like one dazed, she sank into
+it in obedience to my authoritative pressure.
+
+"Come," I said in a tone which I strove to render at once firm and
+soothing, "it is clear that we must understand each other. You have
+come here to tell me this, I suppose?"
+
+"At the risk of my life," she breathed. "What must you think of me!"
+
+I recalled the fate of poor Menken, whom the woman before me had led
+to his doom, though she had not struck the blow.
+
+In spite of myself, a momentary shudder went through me.
+
+The sensitive woman saw or felt it, and shook in her turn.
+
+"Believe me or not, as you will," she exclaimed desperately. "I
+swear to you that I have never knowingly been guilty of taking life.
+
+"Never for one moment did I anticipate that that poor man would do
+what he did," the Princess went on with passionate earnestness. "I
+tempted him to give me the Czar's letter, and I destroyed it--I
+confess that. Are not such things done every day in secret politics?
+Have you never intercepted a despatch?"
+
+It was a suggestive question. I thought of more than one incident in
+my own career which might be harshly received by a strict moralist.
+It is true that I have always been engaged on what I believed was a
+lawful task; but the due execution of that task had sometimes
+involved actions which I should have shrunk from in private life.
+
+"I will not excuse myself, Madame," I answered slowly. "Neither have
+I accused you."
+
+"Your tone is an accusation," she returned with a touch of
+bitterness. "Oh, I know well that men are ready to pardon many things
+in one another which they will not pardon in us."
+
+"I am sorry if I have wounded you," I said with real compunction.
+"Let us say no more about the tragedy that is past. Am I right in
+thinking that you have come to me for aid?"
+
+"I do not know. I do not know why I am here. Perhaps it is because I
+am mad."
+
+I gazed at her flushed face and trembling hands, unable to resist the
+feeling of compassion which was creeping over me.
+
+What was I to think? What was this woman's real purpose in coming to
+me?
+
+Had her employers, had the unscrupulous Petrovitch, or the ruthless
+Minister of Police, indeed charged her to remove me from their path;
+and had her courage broken down under the hideous burden?
+
+Or was this merely a ruse to win my confidence; or, perhaps, to
+frighten me into resigning my task and leaving the Russian capital?
+
+Did she wish to save my life, or her own?
+
+I sat regarding her, bewildered by these conjectures.
+
+I saw that I must get her to say more.
+
+"At least you have come to aid me," I protested. "You have given me a
+warning for which I cannot be sufficiently grateful."
+
+"If you believe it is a genuine one," she retorted. Already she had
+divined my difficulties and doubts.
+
+"I do not doubt that you mean it genuinely," I hastened to respond.
+"There is, of course, the possibility that you yourself have been
+deceived."
+
+"Ah!"
+
+She looked up at me in what I could not think was other than real
+surprise.
+
+"You think so?" she cried eagerly. The next moment her head drooped
+again. "No, no. I have known them too long. They have never trifled
+with me before. Believe me, Monsieur, when they told me that you were
+to be murdered they were not joking with me."
+
+"But they might have meant to use you for the purpose of terrifying
+me."
+
+She stared at me in unaffected astonishment.
+
+"Terrify--_you_!" She pronounced the words with an emphasis not
+altogether unflattering. "You are better known in Russia than you
+imagine, M. V----."
+
+I passed over the remark.
+
+"Still they must have foreseen the possibility that you would shrink
+from such a task; that your womanly instincts would prove too much
+for you. At least they have never required such work of you before?"
+
+Against my will the last words became a question. I was anxious to be
+assured that the hands of the Princess were free from the stain of
+blood.
+
+"Never! They dared not! They _could_ not!" she cried indignantly.
+"You do not know my history. Perhaps you do not care to know it?"
+
+Whatever I knew or suspected, I could make only one answer to such an
+appeal. Indeed, I was desirous to understand the meaning of one word
+which the Princess Y---- had just used.
+
+"Listen," she said, speaking with an energy and dignity which I could
+not but respect, "while I tell you what I am. I am a condemned
+murderess!"
+
+"Impossible!"
+
+"Impossible in any other country, I grant you, but very possible in
+Russia. You have heard, I suppose, everybody has heard, of the deaths
+of my husband and his children. The first two deaths were natural, I
+swear it. I, at all events, had no more to do with them than if they
+had occurred in the planet Saturn. Prince Y---- committed suicide.
+And he did so because of me; I do not deny it. But it was not because
+he suspected me of any hand in the deaths of his children. It was
+because he knew I hated him!
+
+"The story is almost too terrible to be told. That old man had bought
+me. He bought me from my father, who was head over ears in debt, and
+on the brink of ruin. I was sold--the only portion of his property
+that remained to be sold. And from the first hour of the purchase I
+hated, oh, how I loathed and hated that old man!"
+
+There was a wild note in her voice that hinted at unutterable things.
+
+"And he," she continued with a shiver, "he loved me, loved me with a
+passion that was like madness. He could hardly bear me out of his
+sight.
+
+"I killed him, yes, morally, I have no doubt I killed him. He
+lavished everything on me, jewels, wealth, all the forms of luxury.
+He made a will leaving me the whole of his great fortune. But I could
+not endure him, and that killed him. I think," she hesitated and
+lowered her voice to a whisper, "I think he killed himself to please
+me."
+
+Hardened as I am, I felt a thrill of horror. The Princess was right;
+the story was too terrible to be told.
+
+"Then the police came on the scene. From the first they knew well
+enough that I was innocent. But they were determined to make me
+guilty. The head of the secret service at that time was Baron Kratz.
+He had had his eye on me for some time. The Czar, believing in my
+guilt, had ordered him not to spare me, and that fatal order gave him
+a free hand.
+
+"How he managed it all, I hardly know. The servants were bullied or
+bribed into giving false evidence against me. But one part of their
+evidence was true enough; even I could not deny that I had hated
+Prince Y----, and that his death came as a welcome relief.
+
+"There was a secret trial, and I was condemned. They read out my
+sentence. And then, when it was all over, Kratz came to me, and
+offered me life and liberty in return for my services as an agent of
+the Third Section."
+
+"And to save your life you consented. Well, I do not judge you," I
+said.
+
+The Princess glanced at me with a strange smile.
+
+"To save my life! I see you do not yet know our Holy Russia. Shall I
+tell you what my sentence was?"
+
+"Was it not death, then?"
+
+"Yes, death--by the knout!"
+
+"My God!"
+
+I gazed at her stupified. Her whole beauty seemed to be focussed in
+one passionate protest. Knouted to death! I saw the form before me
+stripped, and lashed to the triangles, while the knotted thong,
+wielded by the hangman's hands, buried itself in the soft flesh.
+
+I no longer disbelieved. I no longer even doubted. The very horror of
+the story had the strength of truth.
+
+For some time neither of us spoke.
+
+"But now, surely, you have made up your mind to break lose from this
+thraldom?" I demanded. "And, if so, and you will trust me, I will
+undertake to save you."
+
+"You forget, do you not, that you yourself are not free? You surely
+do not mean that you would lay aside your work for my sake?"
+
+It was a question which disconcerted me in more ways than one. In a
+secret service agent, suspicion becomes second nature. I caught
+myself asking whether all that had gone before was not merely
+intended to lead up to this one question, and I cursed myself for
+the doubt.
+
+"My duty to my present employer comes first, of course," I admitted.
+"But as soon as I am free again----"
+
+"If you are still alive," she put in significantly.
+
+"Ah! You mean?"
+
+"I mean that when they find out that I am not to be depended on, they
+will not have far to look for others."
+
+"It is strange that they should have chosen you in the first place,"
+I said thoughtfully. "You said they _could_ not ask you."
+
+"They did not offer me this mission. I volunteered."
+
+"You volunteered!"
+
+She shook herself impatiently.
+
+"Surely you understand? I heard them deciding on your death. And so I
+undertook the task."
+
+"Because?"
+
+"Because I wished to save you. I had great difficulty. At first they
+were inclined to refuse me--to suspect my motives. I had to convince
+them that I hated you for having outwitted me. And I persuaded them
+that none of their ordinary instruments were capable of dealing with
+you."
+
+"And you meant to give me this warning all along?"
+
+"I meant to save you from them. Do you not see, as long as we are
+together, as long as you are visiting me, and I am seen to be
+following you up, they will not interfere. If I manage the affair
+skilfully it may be weeks before they suspect that I am playing them
+false. I shall have my excuse ready. It is no disgrace to be foiled
+by A. V."
+
+Again there was an interval of silence. The Princess prepared to go.
+
+"Stay!" I protested. "I have not thanked you. Indeed, I do not seem
+to have heard all. You had some reason, surely, for wishing to
+preserve my life."
+
+"And what does my reason matter?"
+
+"It matters very much to me. Perhaps," I gave her a searching look,
+"perhaps the Dowager Czaritza has enlisted you on our side?"
+
+The beautiful woman rose to her feet, and turned her face from me.
+
+"Think so, if you will. I tell you it does not matter."
+
+"And I tell you it does matter. Princess!"
+
+"Don't! Don't speak to me, please! Let me go home. I am not well."
+
+Trembling violently in every limb, she was making her way toward the
+door, when it was suddenly flung open, and the voice of the hotel
+servant announced:
+
+"M. Petrovitch!"
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate walked in with a smile on his
+face, saw the Princess Y---- coming toward him, and stopped short,
+the smile changing to a dark frown.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+A SUPERNATURAL INCIDENT
+
+
+Whether because he saw that I was watching him, or because he placed
+his own interpretation on the circumstances, the war plotter changed
+his frown into a smile.
+
+"I am glad to see, Princess," he said to the trembling woman, "that
+you have so soon found our good friend Mr. Sterling again."
+
+The Princess Y---- gave him a glance which seemed to enjoin silence,
+bowed with grace, and left the room in charge of the servant who had
+announced M. Petrovitch.
+
+The latter now advanced to greet me with every appearance of
+cordiality.
+
+The last time I had met this well-dressed, delicate scamp, he had
+drugged and robbed me. Now I had just been told that he was setting
+assassins on my track.
+
+But it is my rule always to cultivate friendly intercourse with my
+opponents. Few men can talk for long without exposing something of
+their inner thoughts. I wanted M. Petrovitch to talk.
+
+Therefore I returned his greeting with equal cordiality, and made him
+sit down in the chair from which the Princess Y---- had just risen.
+
+"You will be surprised to hear, no doubt, Mr. Sterling, that I have
+brought you an invitation from the Emperor."
+
+"From what Emperor?" was the retort on the tip of my tongue.
+Fortunately I suppressed it; there is no accomplishment so fatal to
+success in life as wit, except kindness.
+
+I simply answered,
+
+"I am not readily surprised, M. Petrovitch. Neither, I imagine, are
+you."
+
+The financier smiled.
+
+"May I call you M. V----?" he asked. "His majesty has told me who you
+are."
+
+"Were you surprised by that?" I returned with sarcasm.
+
+Petrovitch fairly laughed.
+
+"I hear you have been denouncing me to Nicholas," he said lightly.
+"Can't I persuade you to let our poor little Czar alone. I assure you
+it is a waste of breath on your part, and you will only worry a
+well-meaning young man who has no head for business."
+
+This was plain speaking. It argued no ordinary confidence on the part
+of the intriguer to speak in such a fashion of the Autocrat of All
+the Russias.
+
+Already the interview was telling me something. Petrovitch must have
+some strong, secret hold on Nicholas II.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders as I answered in my friendliest manner,
+
+"I have no personal feeling against you, my dear Petrovitch. But to
+use drugs--come, you must admit that that was a strong measure!"
+
+"I apologize!" laughed the Russian. "All the more as I find you were
+too many for us after all. I would give something to know how you
+managed to hide the letter you got through."
+
+It was my turn to laugh. I had reason to feel satisfied. Weak as the
+Russian Emperor might be, it was evident that he had not betrayed my
+secret.
+
+"Well, now," the promoter resumed, "all that being over, is there any
+reason why we should not be friends? Be frank with me. What end have
+you in view that is likely to bring us into collision?"
+
+"There is no reason why I should not be frank with you," I answered,
+racking my brain for some story which the man before me might be
+likely to believe, "especially as I do not suppose that either of us
+is likely to report this conversation quite faithfully to his
+imperial majesty. I am a Japanese spy."
+
+Petrovitch gave me a glance in which I thought I detected a mingling
+of incredulity and admiration.
+
+"Really, you are a cool hand, my dear V----!"
+
+"Why, is there anything in that to make us enemies? You are not going
+to pose as the zealous patriot, I hope. I thought we had agreed to be
+frank."
+
+The financier bit his lip.
+
+"Well, I do not deny that I am before all things a man of business,"
+he returned. "If your friends the Japanese can make me any better
+offer than the one I have had from another quarter, I do not say."
+
+"I will see what I can arrange for you," I answered, not wholly
+insincerely. "In the meantime, I think you said something about an
+invitation?"
+
+"Oh, yes, from Nicholas. He wants to see you. He has some scheme or
+other in which he thinks that you and I can work together, and he
+wants us to be friends, accordingly."
+
+"But we are friends, after to-day, I understand?"
+
+"It is as you please, my dear V----," replied the conspirator with a
+slightly baffled air. "You have made a good beginning, apparently,
+with the Princess Y----."
+
+I put on the self-satisfied air of the man who is a favorite with
+women.
+
+"The Princess has been extremely kind," I said. "She has pressed me
+to visit her frequently. Oh, yes, I think I may say we are good
+friends."
+
+Petrovitch nodded. I had purposely prepared his mind for the story
+which I anticipated he would hear from my beautiful protector.
+Evidently it would be necessary for her to tell the Syndicate that
+she was feigning affection for me in order to draw me into a trap.
+
+"Then, as my carriage is outside, may I take you to the Winter
+Palace?"
+
+"That seems the best plan," I acquiesced. "It will convince the Czar
+that we are on good terms."
+
+We drove off together, sitting side by side like two sworn friends. I
+do not know what thoughts passed through his mind; but I know that
+all the way I kept my right hand on the stock of my revolver, and
+once, when one of the horses stumbled, M. Petrovitch was within an
+instant of death.
+
+At the Palace he put me down and drove off. I was admitted to the
+Czar's presence without difficulty, and found him, as usual,
+surrounded by piles of state papers.
+
+Nicholas II. looked up at my entrance with evident pleasure.
+
+"Ah, that is right, M. V----. I hope that, since you have come so
+promptly in response to the message I gave that worthy M. Petrovitch,
+you and he are now good friends."
+
+I could only bow silently. I was a Japanese, related to the sovereign
+with whom he was at war, and I was acting in the service of Great
+Britain. Petrovitch had just forced on the war which Nicholas had
+wished to avert, and he was still acting secretly in the interests
+of Germany. And the Czar was congratulating himself that we were
+friends. It was useless to try to undeceive him.
+
+"Sit down, if you please, M. V----. I have something of the greatest
+importance to tell you. Stay--Perhaps you will be good enough to see
+first that the doors are all secured. I dislike interruptions."
+
+I went to the various entrances of the room, of which there were
+three, and turned the keys in the doors.
+
+"Even M. Petrovitch does not know what I am going to tell you,"
+Nicholas said impressively as I returned to my seat.
+
+"Your majesty does not trust him entirely, then?" I exclaimed, much
+pleased.
+
+"You mistake me. I do not distrust M. Petrovitch; but this is a
+matter of foreign politics, with which he is not familiar. He admits
+frankly that he knows nothing about diplomacy."
+
+I gazed at the benevolent young monarch in consternation. It was the
+spy of Wilhelm II., the agent of the most active diplomatist in the
+world, of whom he had just spoken!
+
+There was no more to be said.
+
+The Emperor proceeded to put a most unexpected question.
+
+"Are you a believer in spirits, M. V----?"
+
+"I am a Roman Catholic, sire. Whatever my Church teaches on this
+subject, I believe. I am rather neglectful of my religious duties,
+however, and do not know its attitude on this subject."
+
+"I honor your loyalty to your communion, M. V----. But as long as you
+do not know what is the attitude of your Church on this subject, you
+cannot feel it wrong to listen to me."
+
+I perceived that if his majesty was no politician, he was at least
+something of a theologian.
+
+The Czar proceeded:
+
+"There is in Petersburg one of the most marvelous mediums and
+clairvoyants who has ever lived. He is a Frenchman named Auguste. He
+came here nearly a year ago--just when the difficulty with Japan was
+beginning, in fact; and he has given me the most valuable information
+about the progress of events. Everything he has foretold has come
+true, so far. He warned me from the first that the Japanese would
+force me into war, just as they have done. In short, I feel I can
+rely on him absolutely."
+
+This was not the first time I had heard of the spiritualist who had
+established such an extraordinary hold on the Russian ruler's mind.
+The common impression was that he was a mystic, a sort of Madame
+Kruedener. At the worst he was regarded as a charlatan of the ordinary
+spirit-rapping type, cultivating the occult as a means of making
+money.
+
+But now, as I listened to the credulous monarch, it suddenly struck
+me what an invaluable tool such a man might prove in the hands of a
+political faction, or even of a foreign Power astute enough to
+corrupt him and inspire the oracles delivered by the spirits.
+
+I listened anxiously for more.
+
+The Emperor, evidently pleased with the serious expression on my
+face, went on to enlighten me.
+
+"Last night M. Auguste was here, in this room, and we held a private
+_seance_. He succeeded in getting his favorite spirit to respond."
+
+"Is it permissible to ask the spirit's name?" I ventured
+respectfully.
+
+"It is Madame Blavatsky," he answered. "You must have heard of her,
+of course. She was practically the founder of rational psychical
+knowledge, though she died a victim to persecution."
+
+I nodded. I had heard of this celebrated woman, who still numbers
+many followers in different parts of the world.
+
+"Last night, as soon as we found that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky
+was present, I asked Auguste to question it about the Baltic fleet.
+
+"I had been holding a preliminary review of the fleet in the morning,
+as you may have seen from the papers. The officers and men seemed
+thoroughly nervous, and very doubtful whether it would ever be in a
+condition to sail. Even the Admiral, Rojestvensky, did not seem
+quite happy, and he found great fault with the stores and equipments.
+
+"I had to authorize a delay of another month, and the Marine
+Department would not promise to have the fleet ready even then.
+
+"Naturally, I wished to know what would become of the fleet when it
+did sail. Auguste questioned the spirit."
+
+His majesty broke off to feel in his pocket for a small slip of
+paper.
+
+"I took down the answer myself, as the spirit rapped it out." And he
+read aloud:
+
+      Baltic Fleet threatened. Japanese and English plotting to
+      destroy it on the way to Port Arthur.
+
+I started indignantly.
+
+"And you believe that, sire! You believe that the British Government,
+which has been straining every nerve to maintain peace, is capable of
+planning some secret outrage against your Navy?"
+
+"It does not say the Government," he announced with satisfaction.
+"The spirit only warns me against the English. Private Englishmen are
+capable of anything. At this very moment, two Englishmen are
+arranging to run a torpedo boat secretly out of the Thames, disguised
+as a yacht, and to bring her to Libau for us."
+
+This piece of information silenced me. It was no doubt possible that
+there might be Englishmen daring enough to assist the Japanese in
+some secret enterprise against a Russian fleet. But I felt I should
+like to have some better authority for the fact than the word of
+Madame Blavatsky's spirit.
+
+"The warning is a very vague one, sire," I hinted.
+
+"True. But I hope to receive a more definite message to-morrow night.
+I was going to ask you if you would have any objection to be present.
+You might then be able to put pressure on the British Government to
+prevent this crime."
+
+Needless to say I accepted the imperial invitation with eagerness.
+
+And I retired to send the following despatch to Lord Bedale:
+
+      When Baltic Fleet starts prepare for trouble. Have all
+      ports watched. It is believed here that attack on it is
+      preparing in England.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+THE MYSTERY OF A WOMAN
+
+
+Who was M. Auguste?
+
+This was the question that kept my mind busy after my singular
+interview with the Russian Emperor.
+
+In accordance with my rule to avoid as much as possible mentioning
+the names of the humbler actors in the international drama, I have
+given the notorious medium a name which conceals his true one.
+
+He appeared to be a foreigner, and the Czar's weakness in this
+direction was too well known for his patronage of the quack to excite
+much attention; apparently it had occurred to no one but myself that
+such a man might be capable of meddling in politics.
+
+In his more public performances, so far as I could learn, the
+revelations of the spirits were confined to more harmless topics,
+such as the nature of the future state, or the prospect of an heir
+being born to the Russian crown.
+
+In my quest for further light on this remarkable personage, my
+thoughts naturally turned to the Princess Y----.
+
+I have not concealed that at our first meeting the charming
+collaborator of M. Petrovitch had made a very strong impression on
+me. Her subsequent conduct had made me set a guard on myself, and the
+memory of the Japanese maiden whose portrait had become my cherished
+"mascot," of course insured that my regard for the Princess could
+never pass the bounds of platonic friendship.
+
+But the strange scene of the day before had moved me profoundly.
+Vanity is not a failing of which I am ever likely to be accused by my
+worst detractor, yet it was impossible for me to shut my eyes or ears
+to the confession which had been made with equal eloquence by the
+looks, the blushes and even the words of the beautiful Russian.
+
+Was ever situation more stupid in all the elements of tragedy! This
+unhappy woman, spurred to all kinds of desperate deeds by the awful
+fear of the knout, had been overcome by that fatal power which has
+wrecked so many careers.
+
+In the full tide of success, in the very midst of a life and death
+combat with the man it was her business to outwit and defeat, she had
+succumbed to love for him.
+
+And now, to render her painful situation tenfold more painful, she
+was holding the dagger at his breast as the only means of keeping it
+out of the clutch of some more murderous hand.
+
+Had I the pen of a romancer I might enlarge on this sensational
+theme. But I am a man of action, whose business it is to record
+facts, not to comment on them.
+
+I sought the mansion on the Nevsky Prospect, and asked to see its
+mistress.
+
+Evidently the visit was expected. The groom of the chambers--if that
+was his proper description--led me up-stairs, and into a charming
+boudoir.
+
+A fire replenished by logs of sandalwood was burning in a malachite
+stove, and diffusing a dream-like fragrance through the chamber. The
+walls of the room were panelled in ivory, and the curtains that hung
+across the window frames were of embroidered silk and gold. Each
+separate chair and toy-like table was a work of art--ebony, cinnamon,
+and other rare and curious woods having been employed.
+
+But the rarest treasure there was the mistress of all this luxury.
+The inmate of the sumptuous prison, for such it truly was, lay back
+on a leopard-skin couch, set in the frame of a great silver
+sea-shell.
+
+She had dressed for my coming in the quaint but gorgeous costume of
+ancient Russia, the costume worn by imperial usage at high State
+functions like coronations, weddings and christenings.
+
+The high coif above her forehead flamed with jewels, and big, sleepy
+pearls slid and fell over her neck and bosom.
+
+At my entrance she gave a soft cry, and raised herself on one white
+arm. I stepped forward as though I were a courtier saluting a queen,
+and pressed my lips to her extended hand.
+
+"I expected you, Andreas."
+
+Only two women in my life have I ever allowed to call me by my
+Christian name. One was the ill-starred lady who perished in the
+Konak in Belgrade. The other--but of her I may not speak.
+
+But it was not for me to stand on ceremony with the woman who had
+interposed herself as a shield between me and the enemies who sought
+my death.
+
+"You knew that I should come to thank you," I said.
+
+"I do not wish for thanks," she answered, with a look that was more
+expressive than words. "I wish only that you should regard me as a
+friend."
+
+"And in what other light is it possible for me to regard you, dear
+Princess?" I returned. "Only this friendship must not be all on one
+side. You, too, must consent to think of me as something more than a
+stranger whose life you have saved."
+
+"Can you doubt that I have done so for a long time?"
+
+It needed the pressure of the locket against my neck to keep me from
+replying to this tenderly-spoken sentiment in a way which might have
+led to consequences, for the Russian Empire as well as for the
+Princess and myself, very different to those which have actually
+flowed from our conjunction.
+
+Conquering my impulses as I best could, I sought for a reply which
+would not wear the appearance of a repulse.
+
+"You misunderstand me," I said, putting on an expression of pride.
+"You little know the character of Andreas V---- if you think he can
+accept the humiliating position of the man who is under obligation to
+a woman--an obligation which he has done nothing to discharge. Not
+until I can tell myself that I have done something to place me on a
+higher level in your eyes, can my thoughts concerning you be happy
+ones."
+
+A shade of disappointment passed over Sophia's face. She made a
+pettish gesture.
+
+"Does not--friendship do away with all sense of obligation?" she
+complained.
+
+"Not with me," I answered firmly. "No, Sophia, if you really care for
+me--for my friendship--you must let me do what I have sworn to do
+ever since I first saw you and heard some rumors of your tragic
+story."
+
+"You mean?"
+
+"You must let me break your odious bondage. I can deliver you, if you
+will only trust me, from the power of the Russian police, or any
+other power, and set you free to live the life of fascination and
+happiness which ought to be yours."
+
+The Princess seemed plunged in meditation. At length she looked
+up----
+
+"You would undertake a hopeless task, my dear Andreas. Not even you
+can fathom all the ramifications of the intrigues in which I find
+myself an indispensable puppet. Those who control my movements will
+never let go the strings by which they hold me, and least of all,
+just now."
+
+I was distressed to see that the Princess was disposed to evade my
+appeal for confidence. I answered with a slightly wounded air:
+
+"I may know more than you think, more even than you know yourself on
+certain points. But of course you are not willing to confide in me
+fully----"
+
+"There can be no perfect trust without perfect"--The Princess, who
+spoke this sentence in Russian, concluded it with a word which may
+mean either friendship or love according to circumstances. As she
+pronounced it, it seemed like love.
+
+"There can be no perfect love without perfect trust," I responded
+quickly, striving to assume the manner of an exacting lover.
+
+And then, a happy thought striking me, I added in an aggrieved voice,
+
+"Do you think it is nothing to me that you should be associated with
+other men in the most secret enterprises, holding private conferences
+with them, receiving them in your house, perhaps visiting them in
+theirs; that you should appear to be on intimate terms with the
+Grand Duke Staniolanus, with M. Petrovitch, with a man like this M.
+Auguste----"
+
+At the sound of this last name, to which I had artfully led up,
+Sophia sprang into a sitting posture and gave me a look of anger and
+fear.
+
+"Who told you anything about M. Auguste?" she demanded in hoarse
+tones. "What has he to do with me?"
+
+"Nay, it is not you who ought to ask me that," I returned. "You may
+be a believer in his conjuring tricks, for aught I know. He may be
+more to you than a comrade, or even a prophet--more to you than I."
+
+"Who told you that he was my comrade, as you call it?" the Princess
+insisted, refusing to be diverted from her point.
+
+"No one," I said quite truthfully. "I should be glad to know that he
+was only that. But it is natural for me to feel some jealousy of all
+your friends."
+
+The Princess appeared relieved by this admission. But this relief
+confirmed all my suspicions. I now felt certain that the medium was
+an important figure in the plot which I was trying to defeat. I saw,
+moreover, that however genuine my beautiful friend might be in her
+love for me and her desire to save my life, she had no intention of
+betraying the secrets of her fellow conspirators.
+
+Her character presented an enigma almost impossible to solve. Perhaps
+it is not the part of a wise man ever to try to understand a woman.
+Her motives must always be mysterious, even to herself. It is
+sufficient if one can learn to forecast her actions, and even that is
+seldom possible.
+
+"Then you refuse my help?" I asked reproachfully.
+
+"You cannot help me," was the answer. "At least, that is, unless you
+possess some power I have no idea of at present."
+
+It was an ingenious turning of the tables. Instead of my questioning
+the Princess, she was questioning me, in effect.
+
+I made what was perhaps a rash admission.
+
+"I am not wholly powerless, at all events. There are few sovereigns
+in Europe whom I have not obliged at some time or other. Even the
+German Emperor, though I have more than once crossed his path in
+public matters, is my personal friend. In spite of his occasional
+political errors, he is a stainless gentleman in private life, and I
+am sure he would hear with horror of your position and the means by
+which you had been forced into it."
+
+Sophia looked at me with an expression of innocent bewilderment which
+I could scarcely believe to be real.
+
+"The German Emperor! But what has he to do with me?"
+
+"He is said to have some influence with the Czar," I said drily.
+
+My companion bit her lip.
+
+"Oh, the Czar!" Her tone was scathing in its mixture of pity and
+indifference. "Every one has some influence with the Czar. But is
+there any one with whom Nicholas has influence?"
+
+It was the severest thing I had ever heard said of the man whom an
+ironical fate has made master of the Old World.
+
+Suddenly the manner of the Princess underwent a sudden change.
+
+She rose to her feet and gave me a penetrating glance, a glance which
+revealed for the first time something of that commanding personality
+which had made this slight, exquisite creature for years one of the
+most able and successful of secret negotiators, and a person to be
+reckoned with by every foreign minister.
+
+"You do not trust me, Andreas V----. It is natural. You do not love
+me. It is possible that it is my fault. But I have sworn to save your
+life, and I will do it in your own despite. In order that I may
+succeed, I will forget that I am a woman, and I will forget that you
+regard me as a criminal. Come here! I will show you into my oratory,
+into which not even my confidential maid is ever allowed to
+penetrate. Perhaps what you will see there may convince you that I
+am neither a traitor nor a Delilah."
+
+With the proud step of an empress, she led the way into the adjoining
+room, which was a bedroom sumptuously enriched with everything that
+could allure the senses. The very curtains of the bed seemed to
+breathe out languorous odors, the walls were hung with ravishing
+groups of figures that might have come from a Pompeiian temple, the
+dressing-table was rich with gold and gems.
+
+Without pausing for an instant the mistress of the chamber walked
+straight across it to a narrow door let into the farther wall, and
+secured by a tiny lock like that of a safe.
+
+Drawing a small key from her bosom, the Princess inserted it in the
+lock, leaving me to follow in a state of the most intense
+expectation.
+
+The apartment in which I found myself was a narrow, white-washed cell
+like a prison, lit only by the flames of two tall wax candles which
+stood on a table, or rather an altar, at the far end.
+
+Besides the altar, the sole object in the room was a wooden step in
+front of it. Over the altar, in accordance with the rule of the Greek
+Church, there hung a sacred picture. And below, between the two
+candlesticks, there rested two objects, the sight of which fairly
+took away my breath.
+
+One was a photograph frame containing a portrait of myself--how
+obtained I shall never know. The portrait was framed with
+immortelles, the emblems of death, and the artist had given my face
+the ghastly pallor and rigidity of the face of a corpse.
+
+The other object on the altar was a small whip of knotted leather
+thongs.
+
+Without uttering a word, without even turning her head to see if I
+had followed, the Princess Y---- knelt down on the step, stripped
+her shoulders with a singular determined gesture, and then, taking
+the knout in one hand, began to scourge the bare flesh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE SPIRIT OF MADAME BLAVATSKY
+
+
+At the hour appointed by the Czar I presented myself at the Winter
+Palace to assist at the spiritualist experiments of M. Auguste.
+
+I shall not attempt to describe the impression left by the weird
+scene in the Princess Y----'s oratory.
+
+To those who do not know the Slav temperament, with its strange
+mixture of sensuality and devotion, of barbarous cruelty and
+over-civilized cunning, seldom far removed from the brink of
+insanity, the incident I have recorded will appear incredible. I have
+narrated it, simply because I have undertaken to narrate everything
+bearing on the business in which I was engaged. I am well aware that
+truth is stranger than fiction, and I should have little difficulty,
+if I were so disposed, in framing a story, full of plausible,
+commonplace incidents, which no one could doubt or dispute.
+
+I have preferred to take a bolder course, knowing that although I may
+be discredited for a time, yet when historians in the future come to
+sift the secret records of the age, I shall be amply vindicated.
+
+I shall only add that I did not linger a moment after the unhappy
+woman had begun her penance, if such it was, but withdrew from her
+presence and from the house without speaking a word.
+
+The feelings with which I anticipated my encounter with the medium
+were very different. Whatever might be my doubts with regard to the
+unfortunate Sophia--and I honestly began to think that the suicide of
+Menken had affected her brain--I had no doubt whatever that M.
+Auguste was a thoroughly unscrupulous man.
+
+The imperial servant to whom I was handed over at the entrance to the
+Czar's private apartments conducted me to what I imagine to have been
+the boudoir of the Czaritza, or at all events the family sitting
+room.
+
+It was comfortably but plainly furnished in the English style, and
+was just such a room as one might find in the house of a London
+citizen, or a small country squire. I noticed that the wall-paper was
+faded, and the hearth-rug really worn out.
+
+The Emperor of All the Russias was not alone. Seated beside him in
+front of the English grate was the beautiful young Empress, in whose
+society he finds a refuge from his greedy courtiers and often
+unscrupulous ministers, and who, I may add, has skilfully and
+successfully kept out of any entanglement in politics.
+
+Rising at my entrance, Nicholas II. advanced and shook me by the
+hand.
+
+"In this room," he told me, "there are no emperors and no empresses,
+only Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas."
+
+He presented me to the Czaritza, who received me in the same style of
+simple friendliness, and then, pointing to a money-box which formed a
+conspicuous object on the mantel-shelf, he added:
+
+"For every time the word 'majesty' is used in this room there is a
+fine of one ruble, which goes to our sick and wounded. So be careful,
+M. V----."
+
+In spite of this warning I did not fail to make a good many
+contributions to the money-box in the course of the evening. In my
+intercourse with royalty I model myself on the British Premier
+Beaconsfield, and I regard my rubles as well spent.
+
+We all three spoke in English till the arrival of M. Auguste, who
+knew only French and a few words of Russian. I remarked afterward
+that the spirit of Madame Blavatsky, a Russian by birth, who had
+spent half her life in England, appeared to have lost the use of both
+languages in the other world, and communicated with us exclusively in
+French.
+
+The appearance of M. Auguste did not help to overcome my prejudice
+against him. He had too evidently made up for the part of the mystic.
+
+The hair of M. Auguste was black and long, his eyes rolled much in
+their sockets, and his costume was a compromise between the frock
+coat and the cassock.
+
+But it was above all his manner that impressed me disagreeably. He
+affected to be continually falling into fits of abstraction, as if
+his communings with the spirits were diverting his attention from the
+affairs of earth. Even on his entrance he went through the forms of
+greeting his host and hostess as though scarcely conscious of their
+presence. I caught a sly look turned on myself, however, and when I
+was presented to him as "Mr. Sterling" his reception of the name made
+me think that he had expected something else.
+
+The Czar having explained that I was a friend interested in
+spiritualism, in whose presence he wished to hear again from Madame
+Blavatsky, M. Auguste rolled his eyes formidably, and agreed to
+summon the departed theosophist.
+
+A small round table was cleared of the Czaritza's work-basket--she
+had been knitting a soldier's comforter--and we took our seats around
+it. The electric light was switched off, so that we were in perfect
+darkness, except for the red glow of the coal fire.
+
+A quarter of an hour or so passed in a solemn silence, broken only
+by occasional whispers from "Mr. Nicholas" or the medium.
+
+"It is a long time answering," the Czar whispered at last.
+
+"I fear there is a hostile influence," M. Auguste responded in the
+jargon of his craft.
+
+Hardly had the words left his lips when a perfect shower of raps
+seemed to descend on all parts of the table at once.
+
+Let me say here, once for all, that I am not prepared to offer any
+explanation of what happened on this occasion. I have read of some of
+the devices by which such illusions are produced, and I have no doubt
+a practised conjurer could have very easily fathomed the secrets of
+M. Auguste. But I had not come there with any intention of detecting
+or exposing him.
+
+The medium pretended to address the author of the raps.
+
+"If there is any hostile influence which prevents your communicating
+with us, rap twice."
+
+Two tremendous raps nearly drowned the last word. The spirit seemed
+to be quick-tempered.
+
+"If it is a woman, rap once----"
+
+No response. This was decidedly clever.
+
+"If it is myself, rap."
+
+This time, instead of silence, there was a faint scratching under the
+surface of the table.
+
+"The negative sign," M. Auguste explained blandly, for our benefit.
+
+Then, addressing himself once more to the invisible member of the
+party, he inquired:
+
+"If it is Mr. Nicholas, rap."
+
+Silence.
+
+"You must excuse me," the medium said, turning his face in my
+direction. "If it is Mr. Sterling----"
+
+A shower of raps. I really thought the table would have given way.
+
+This was discouraging. The Czar came to my rescue, however.
+
+"I particularly wish Mr. Sterling to be present," he observed with a
+touch of displeasure--whether intended for M. Auguste or the
+spiritual visitant I could not tell.
+
+The hierophant no doubt saw that he must submit. His retreat was
+executed with great skill.
+
+"If the obstacle is one that can be removed, rap once."
+
+A rap.
+
+"Can you spell it for us?"
+
+In the rather cumbrous alphabet in use among the shades, the visitor
+spelled out in French:
+
+"_Son nom._"
+
+"Is there something you object to about his name?"
+
+A rap.
+
+"Is it an assumed name?"
+
+A very loud rap. Decidedly the spirit was indignant.
+
+"Can you tell us his real name? His initials will do?"
+
+"A. V." spelled the unseen visitor.
+
+"Is that right?" M. Auguste inquired with well-assumed curiosity.
+
+"It is marvelous!" ejaculated the Emperor. "You will understand, of
+course, Auguste, that this must be kept a secret among ourselves."
+
+"Ask if it is Madame Blavatsky," said the Czar.
+
+We learned that the apostle of theosophy was indeed present.
+
+"Would you like to hear from any other spirits?" M. Auguste asked the
+company.
+
+"I should be glad of a word with Bismarck," I suggested.
+
+In five minutes the Iron Chancellor announced himself. His rap was
+sharp, quick and decided, quite a characteristic rap.
+
+"Ask if he approves of the present policy of the German Emperor?"
+
+A hearty rap. Evidently the spirit had greatly changed its views in
+the other world.
+
+"Ask if he remembers telling me, the last time I saw him, that Russia
+was smothering Germany in bed?"
+
+"Do you refuse to answer that question?" M. Auguste put in adroitly.
+
+An expressive rap.
+
+"Will you answer any other questions from this gentleman?"
+
+Then the spirit of Bismarck spoke out. It denounced me as a worker of
+evil, a source of strife, and particularly as one who was acting
+injuriously to the Russian Empire. I confess M. Auguste scored.
+
+"In his lifetime he would have said all that, if he had thought I was
+working in the interest of Russia and against Germany," I remarked in
+my own defence.
+
+The spirit of the Iron Chancellor was dismissed, and that of Madame
+Blavatsky recalled.
+
+It was evident that the Czar placed particular confidence in his late
+subject. Indeed, if the issues at stake had been less serious, I
+think I should have made an attempt to shake the Emperor's blind
+faith in the performances of M. Auguste.
+
+But my sole object was to read, if I could, the secret plans and
+intentions of a very different imperial character, whose agent I
+believed the spirit to be.
+
+M. Auguste, I quickly discovered, was distracted between fear of
+offending Nicholas by too much reserve, and dread of enabling me to
+see his game. In the end the Czar's persistence triumphed, and we
+obtained something like a revelation.
+
+"Tell us what you can see, that it concerns the Emperor to know," M.
+Auguste had adjured his familiar.
+
+"I see"--the reply was rapped out with irritating slowness--I quite
+longed for a slate--"an English dockyard. The workmen are secretly at
+work by night, with muffled hammers. They are building a torpedo
+boat. It is to the order of the Japanese Government. The English
+police have received secret instructions from the Minister of the
+Interior not to interfere."
+
+"Minister of the Interior" was a blunder. With my knowledge of
+English politics I am able to say that the correct title of this
+personage should be "Secretary of State for the Domestic Department."
+But few foreigners except myself have been able to master the
+intricacies of the British Constitution.
+
+"For what is this torpedo boat designed?" M. Auguste inquired.
+
+"It is for service against the Baltic Fleet. The Russian sailors are
+the bravest in the world, but they are too honest to be a match for
+the heathen Japanese," the spirit pursued, with some inconsistency.
+
+I could not help reflecting that Madame Blavatsky in her lifetime had
+professed the Buddhist faith, which is that of the majority in Japan.
+
+"Do you see anything else?"
+
+"I see other dockyards where the same work is being carried on. A
+whole fleet of warships is being prepared by the perfidious British
+for use against the fleet of Russia."
+
+"Ask her to cast her eye over the German dockyards," I put in.
+
+"Spirits have no sex," M. Auguste corrected severely. "I will ask
+it."
+
+A succession of raps conveyed the information that Germany was
+preserving a perfectly correct course, as usual. Her sole departure
+from the attitude of strict neutrality was to permit certain pilots,
+familiar with the North Sea navigation, to offer their services to
+the Russian fleet.
+
+"Glance into the future," said the Czar. "Tell us what you see about
+to happen."
+
+"I see the Baltic Fleet setting out. The Admiral has issued the
+strictest orders to neutral shipping to retire to their harbors and
+leave the sea clear for the warships of Russia. He has threatened to
+sink any neutral ship that comes within range of his guns.
+
+"As long as he is in the Baltic these orders are obeyed. The German,
+Swedish and Danish flags are lowered at his approach, as is right.
+
+"Now he passes out into the North Sea. The haughty and hostile
+English defy his commands. Their merchant ships go forth as usual.
+Presuming on their knowledge of international law, they annoy and
+vex the Russian warships by sailing past them. The blood of the brave
+Russian officers begins to boil. Ask me no more."
+
+M. Auguste, prompted by the deeply interested Czar, did ask more.
+
+"I see," the obedient seeress resumed, "torpedo boats secretly
+creeping out from the British ports. They do not openly fly the
+Japanese flag, but lurk among the English ships, with the connivance
+of the treacherous islanders.
+
+"The Baltic Fleet approaches. The torpedo boats, skulking behind the
+shelter of their friends, steal closer to the Russian ships. Then the
+brave Russian Admiral remembers his promise. Just in time to save his
+fleet from destruction, he signals to the British to retire.
+
+"They obstinately refuse. The Russian fleet opens fire.
+
+"I can see no more."
+
+The spirit of the seeress, it will be observed, broke off its
+revelations at the most interesting point, with the skill of a
+practised writer of serials.
+
+But the Czar, fairly carried away by excitement, insisted on knowing
+more.
+
+"Ask the spirit if there will be any foreign complications," he said.
+
+I had already remarked that our invisible companion showed a good
+deal of deference to the wishes of Nicholas II., perhaps in his
+character of Head of the Orthodox Church.
+
+After a little hesitation it rapped out:
+
+"The English are angry, but they are restrained by the fear of
+Germany. The German Michael casts his shield in front of Russia, and
+the islanders are cowed. I cannot see all that follows. But in the
+end I see that the Yellow Peril is averted by the joint action of
+Russia and Germany."
+
+This answer confirmed to the full my suspicions regarding the source
+of M. Auguste's inspiration. I believed firmly that there was a
+spirit present, but it was not the spirit of the deceased
+theosophist, rather of a monarch who is very much alive.
+
+The medium now professed to feel exhausted, and Madame Blavatsky was
+permitted to retire.
+
+I rose to accompany M. Auguste as soon as he made a move to retire.
+
+"If you will let me drive you as far as my hotel," I said to him, "I
+think I can show you something which will repay you for coming with
+me."
+
+The wizard looked me in the face for the first time, as he said
+deliberately:
+
+"I shall be very pleased to come."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE DEVIL'S AUCTION
+
+
+I said as little as possible during the drive homeward.
+
+My companion was equally silent. No doubt he, like myself, was
+bracing himself for a duel of wits.
+
+As soon as we were safe in my private room at the hotel, with a
+bottle of vodka and a box of cigars in front of us, I opened the
+discussion with my habitual directness.
+
+"I need not tell you, M. Auguste, that I have not invited you here to
+discuss questions of psychology. I am a politician, and it matters
+nothing to me whether I am dealing with a ghost or a man, provided I
+can make myself understood."
+
+M. Auguste bowed.
+
+"For instance, it is quite clear that the interesting revelations we
+have had to-night would not have been made without your good will. It
+is to be presumed, therefore, that if I can convince you that it is
+better to turn the Emperor's mind in another direction, you will
+refuse to make yourself the medium of further communications of that
+precise character."
+
+M. Auguste gave me an intelligent glance.
+
+"I am as you have just said, a _medium_," he replied with significant
+emphasis. "As such, I need not tell you, I have no personal interest
+in the communications which are made through me."
+
+I nodded, and took out my pocket-book, from which I extracted a
+hundred ruble-note (about $75).
+
+"I promised to show you something interesting," I remarked, as I laid
+it on the table.
+
+M. Auguste turned his head, and his lip curled slightly.
+
+"I am afraid my sight is not very good," he said negligently. "Is not
+that object rather small?"
+
+"It is merely a specimen," I responded, counting out nine others, and
+laying them beside the first.
+
+"Ah, now I fancy I can see what you are showing me," he admitted.
+
+"There is a history attached to these notes," I explained. "They
+represent the amount of a bet which I have just won."
+
+"Really! That is most interesting."
+
+"I now have another bet of similar nature pending, which I hope also
+to be able to win."
+
+"I am tempted to wish you success," put in the medium encouragingly.
+
+"The chances of success are so great that if you were a betting man I
+should be inclined to ask you to make a joint affair of it," I said.
+
+"My dear M. V----, I am not a bigot. I have no objection to a wager
+provided the stakes are made worth my while."
+
+"I think they should be. Well, I will tell you plainly, I stand to
+win this amount if the Baltic Fleet does not sail for another month."
+
+M. Auguste smiled pleasantly.
+
+"I congratulate you," he said. "From what I have heard the repairs
+will take at least that time."
+
+"But that is not all. This bet of mine is continuous. I win a similar
+stake for every month which passes without the fleet having left
+harbor."
+
+M. Auguste gazed at me steadily before speaking.
+
+"If your bet were renewable weekly instead of monthly, you might
+become quite a rich man."
+
+I saw that I was dealing with a cormorant. I made a hasty mental
+calculation. Half of one thousand rubles was about $375 a week, and
+the information I had led me to believe that Port Arthur was capable
+of holding out for another six months at least. To delay the sailing
+of the Baltic Fleet till then would cost roughly $10,000--say 15,000
+rubles.
+
+I decided that neither England nor Japan would grudge the price.
+
+"I think your suggestion is a good one," I answered M. Auguste. "In
+that case, should you be willing to share the bet?"
+
+"I should be willing to undertake it entirely," was the response.
+
+The scoundrel wanted $20,000!
+
+Had I been dealing with an honest man I should have let him have the
+money. But he had raised his terms so artfully that I felt sure that
+if I yielded this he would at once make some fresh demand.
+
+I therefore shook my head, and began picking up the notes on the
+table.
+
+"That would not suit me at all," I said decidedly. "I do not wish to
+be left out altogether."
+
+M. Auguste watched me with growing uneasiness as I restored the notes
+one by one to my pocket-book.
+
+"Look here!" he said abruptly, as the last note disappeared. "Tell me
+plainly what you expect me to do."
+
+"I expect you to have a communication from your friend Madame
+Blavatsky, or any other spirit you may prefer--Peter the Great would
+be most effective, I should think--every time the Baltic Fleet is
+ready to start, warning 'Mr. Nicholas' not to let it sail."
+
+M. Auguste appeared to turn this proposal over in his mind.
+
+"And is that all?" he asked.
+
+"I shall expect you to keep perfect secrecy about the arrangement. I
+have a friend at Potsdam, and I shall be pretty sure to hear if you
+try to give me away."
+
+"Potsdam!" M. Auguste seemed genuinely surprised, and even
+disconcerted.
+
+"Do you mean to say that you didn't know you were carrying out the
+instructions of Wilhelm II.?" I demanded, scarcely less surprised.
+
+It was difficult to believe that the vexation showed by the medium
+was feigned.
+
+"Of course! I see it now!" burst from him. "I wondered what she meant
+by all that stuff about Germany. And I--a Frenchman!"
+
+It is extraordinary what unexpected scruples will display themselves
+in the most unprincipled knaves. Low as they may descend, there seems
+always to be some one point on which they are as sensitive as a
+Bayard.
+
+M. Auguste, of all men in the world, was a French patriot! It turned
+out that he was a fanatical Nationalist and anti-Semite. He had
+howled in anti-Dreyfusite mobs, and flung stones at the windows of
+Masonic temples in Paris.
+
+I was delighted with this discovery, which gave me a stronger hold on
+him than any bribe could.
+
+But I had noted the feminine pronoun in his exclamation recorded
+above. I did not think it referred to the revealing spirit.
+
+"You have been deceived by the woman who has given you your
+instructions," I remarked to him, when his excitement had subsided a
+little. "I fancy I can guess her name."
+
+"Yes. It is the Princess Y----," he confessed.
+
+Bewildering personality! Again, as I heard her name connected with an
+intrigue of the basest kind, a criminal conspiracy to influence the
+ruler of Russia by feigned revelations from the spirits of the dead,
+I recalled the sight I had last had of her, kneeling in her oratory,
+scourging herself before--my portrait!
+
+There was no longer any fear that M. Auguste would prove obdurate on
+the question of terms. He pocketed his first five hundred rubles, and
+departed, vowing that the Baltic fleet should never get farther than
+Libau, if it was in the power of spirits to prevent it.
+
+Desirous to relieve Lord Bedale's mind as far as possible I
+despatched the following wire to him the next morning:
+
+      Sailing of Baltic Fleet postponed indefinitely. No danger
+      for the present. Watch Germany.
+
+I sent a fuller account of the situation to a son of Mr. Katahashi,
+who was in England, nominally attached to the staff of the Imperial
+Bank, but really on business of a confidential character which it
+would be indiscreet on my part to indicate.
+
+I may say that I particularly cautioned the young Japanese to avoid
+any action calculated to give the least color to the German legends
+about warships being secretly manufactured in British yards to the
+order of the Mikado's Government.
+
+Every reader who has followed the course of the war with any
+attention will recollect the history of the fleet thus detained by my
+contrivance.
+
+Week after week, and month after month, the Baltic Fleet was declared
+to be on the point of departure. Time after time the Czar went on
+board to review it in person, and speak words of encouragement to the
+officers and crew. And every time, after everything had been
+pronounced ready, some mysterious obstacle arose at the last moment
+to detain the fleet in Russian waters.
+
+Journalists, naval experts, politicians and other ill-informed
+persons invented or repeated all sorts of explanations to account for
+the series of delays.
+
+Only in the very innermost circles of the Russian Court it was
+whispered that the guardian spirit of the great Peter, the founder of
+Russia's naval power, had repeatedly come to warn his descendant of
+disasters in store for the fleet, should it be permitted to sail.
+
+M. Auguste was earning his reward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+MY FUNERAL
+
+
+The extreme privacy with which I had managed my negotiation with M.
+Auguste completely baffled the plotters who were relying on the
+voyage of the Baltic Fleet to furnish a _casus belli_ between Russia
+and Great Britain.
+
+They realized, of course, that some powerful hand was interfering
+with their designs, and they were sufficiently intelligent to guess
+that that hand must be mine.
+
+But they were far from suspecting the method of my operations. They
+firmly believed that M. Auguste was still carrying out their
+instructions, and sowing distrust of England in the mind of Nicholas
+II. Indeed, on one occasion he informed me that the Princess Y----
+had sent for him and ordered him not to frighten the Czar to such an
+extent as to make him afraid to let the fleet proceed to sea.
+
+Unable to detect and countermine me, it was natural that they should
+become impatient for my removal.
+
+Accordingly, I was not surprised to receive an urgent message from
+Sophia, late one evening, requesting me to come to her without delay.
+
+By this time our friendship, if such it could be called, had become
+so intimate that I visited her nearly every day on one pretext or
+another.
+
+Her greeting, as soon as I had obeyed the summons, showed me that a
+fresh development had taken place in the situation.
+
+"Andreas, the hour has come!"
+
+"The hour?"
+
+"For your removal. Petrovitch has been here. He suspects something.
+He has rebuked me severely for the delay."
+
+"Did you tell him I was not an easy man to kill?"
+
+"I told him anything and everything. He would not listen. He says
+they have lost confidence in me. He was brutal. He said----"
+
+"Well, what did he say?"
+
+"He said--" she spoke slowly and shamefacedly--"that he perceived it
+took a man to kill a man."
+
+I smiled grimly.
+
+"History tells us differently. But what then?"
+
+"To-morrow I shall no longer be able to answer for your life."
+
+"You think some one else will be appointed to dispose of me?"
+
+"I am sure that some one else has been appointed already. Most likely
+it is Petrovitch himself."
+
+"Well, I shall look out for him." I did not think it necessary to
+tell Sophia that I had been expecting something of this kind, and had
+made certain preparations.
+
+"It will be useless, Andreas. You do not know the man with whom you
+have to deal."
+
+"The ignorance may be mutual," I observed drily.
+
+The Princess became violently agitated.
+
+"You must let me save you," she exclaimed clasping her hands.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"You must let me kill you _here_, to-night.
+
+"Don't you understand?" she pursued breathlessly. "It is absolutely
+necessary for your safety, perhaps for the safety of both of us, that
+they should think I have carried out my instructions. You must appear
+to die. Then they will no longer concern themselves about you, and
+you will be able to assume some other personality without being
+suspected."
+
+The scheme appealed to me strongly, all the more that it seemed as
+though it could be made to fit in very well with my own plans.
+
+"You are a clever woman, Sophia," I said cautiously. "How do you
+purpose to carry out your scheme? They will want to see my corpse, I
+suppose."
+
+She drew out the little key I have already described.
+
+"Come this way."
+
+I followed her through the bedroom as before to the door of the
+locked oratory.
+
+She opened the door and admitted me.
+
+By the light of the wax candles I saw what was surely one of the
+strangest sights ever presented to mortal eyes.
+
+It was myself, lying in state!
+
+On a high bier draped in white and black cloth, I lay, or, rather, my
+counterpart presentment in wax lay, wrapped and shrouded like a dead
+body, a branch of palm in the closed hands, and a small Russian coin
+resting on the lips, in accordance with a quaint custom which
+formerly prevailed in many lands.
+
+In spite of my habitual self-command I was unable to repress a cold
+shiver at this truly appalling spectacle.
+
+"Your stage management is perfect," I observed after a pause. "But
+will they be satisfied with a look only?"
+
+"I do not think so. It will be necessary for you to put on the
+appearance of death for a short time, till I have satisfied them.
+Afterward I can conceal you in here, while this--" she pointed to the
+ghastly figure--"is buried under your name."
+
+"Let us get back to the other room, before we talk about it," I
+urged. "This is not altogether a pleasant sight."
+
+As we passed out of the oratory I stealthily took note of the
+fastening of the door. The lock was on the outside only; in other
+words, if I permitted myself to be immured in the cell-like chamber,
+I should be a prisoner at the mercy of my charming friend.
+
+"And now, by what means do you purpose that I shall assume the
+appearance of death?" I inquired as soon as we had returned to the
+boudoir.
+
+The Princess opened a small cabinet, and produced a tiny stoppered
+bottle.
+
+"By swallowing this medicine," she answered. "I have had it specially
+prepared from a recipe given me ten years ago at a time when I
+thought of resorting to the same contrivance to escape from my
+taskmaster."
+
+I took the bottle in my hand, and examined it carefully. It bore no
+label, and the contents appeared perfectly colorless.
+
+"In five minutes after you have swallowed the contents of the
+bottle," Sophia explained, "you will begin to turn cold, at first in
+the feet and hands. As the cold mounts to the brain you will
+gradually lose consciousness, and become rigid. You will look as pale
+as if you were actually dead, and your heart will cease to beat."
+
+"And how long will this stupor last?"
+
+"About twenty-four hours, more or less, according to your
+constitution."
+
+I looked carefully and steadily into her eyes. She flushed and
+trembled violently, but did not quail.
+
+"What does it taste like?" I asked.
+
+"It is a little bitter."
+
+"I will take it in water, then."
+
+"You can take it in wine, if you like. I have some here."
+
+She moved to a small cupboard in the wall.
+
+"I shall tell them that I gave it to you in wine, in any case," she
+added.
+
+"I prefer water, thank you. May I fetch some from the next room?"
+
+"I will fetch it," she said hastily, going to the bedroom.
+
+On an ebony stand beside me there was a large china bowl containing a
+flowering plant in its pot. In a second I had removed the stopper,
+emptied the bottle into the space between the flower-pot and the
+outer bowl, and put the stopper back again.
+
+"Tell me," I said to the Princess as she hurried back with a carafe
+and tumbler, "have you thought how I am to get away from this house
+without exciting attention?"
+
+"It will be easy for me to procure you a dozen disguises. I am always
+going to masked balls. But are you in such a hurry to leave me?"
+
+"I shall find the air of your oratory rather confined, I am afraid."
+
+She hung her head in evident chagrin.
+
+"But where will you go?" she demanded.
+
+"Oh, that is all arranged. I have taken a small house and furnished
+it, in another name."
+
+"Where?" she asked breathlessly.
+
+"Perhaps I had better not tell you till this excitement is over. I
+must not burden you with too many of my secrets."
+
+Sophia's eyes filled with tears.
+
+"You distrust me still!" she cried. "But, after all, what does it
+matter? I have only to ask Petrovitch."
+
+"That will be quite unnecessary as well as useless. I pledge myself
+to tell you before I leave this place, and I have not favored M.
+Petrovitch with my new address."
+
+She smiled scornfully.
+
+"And do you believe that you have succeeded in taking a house in
+Petersburg without his knowledge? You do not know him, I tell you
+again. He has had you watched every hour of the day while you have
+been here."
+
+"Please credit me with a little resource, as well as your friend," I
+answered with some slight irritation. "I have no doubt the spies of
+M. Petrovitch have watched me pretty closely, but they have not been
+able to watch every person who has come in and out of the hotel. Two
+of my most capable assistants have been in Petersburg for the last
+month--since the day you hinted that my life was not quite safe, in
+fact."
+
+The woman before me looked completely overwhelmed.
+
+"One of them," I proceeded with cutting severity, "has taken the
+house I speak of. The other is watching over my personal safety at
+this moment."
+
+The Princess fairly gave way. Sinking on the couch behind her, she
+exclaimed in a faint voice:
+
+"You are a demon, not a man!"
+
+It was the finest compliment she could have paid me.
+
+"And now," I said carelessly, "to carry out your admirable little
+idea."
+
+The unhappy woman put up her hands, and turned away her head in sheer
+terror.
+
+I splashed some water into the tumbler, and then trickled in a small
+quantity afterward, to imitate the sound of adding the poison. This
+done I respectfully handed the bottle to my companion.
+
+"To our next meeting!" I called out lightly, as I lifted the tumbler
+to my lips and drained it.
+
+It was the Princess who swooned.
+
+Although I had not foreseen this weakness on her part I took
+advantage of it to draw the tiny key of the oratory from her bosom,
+and hide it in my mouth.
+
+I then touched the bell twice, the signal for the Princess's maid to
+appear.
+
+"Fauchette," I said, when she entered--for this was the assistant I
+had alluded to as watching over my personal safety--"Madame has just
+given me the contents of that stoppered bottle. Do you know anything
+about them?"
+
+Fauchette had made good use of her time since obtaining her
+situation. These things are so easily managed that I am almost
+ashamed to explain that a bribe to the former maid had brought about
+a convenient illness, and the recommendation of Fauchette as a
+temporary substitute.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur," she said quietly. "I filled the bottle with water
+this afternoon, in case of accident. I have preserved the previous
+contents, in case you should care to have them analyzed."
+
+"You have done well, very well, my girl."
+
+Fauchette blushed with pleasure. I do not often say so much to my
+staff.
+
+"Madame does not know that I had just emptied the bottle into that
+china bowl," I added carelessly.
+
+"It is useless to try to serve Monsieur; he does everything himself,"
+murmured the poor girl, mortified.
+
+"Nonsense, Fauchette, I have just praised you. It is always possible
+that I may overlook something."
+
+Fauchette shook her head with an incredulous air.
+
+I have found it good policy to maintain this character for
+infallibility with my staff. It is true, perhaps, that I do not very
+often blunder.
+
+"And now," I went on, "it is time for the poison to take effect! As
+soon as I am dead, you will awake Madame."
+
+I lay down on another couch, and composed myself in a rigid attitude
+with my eyes closed. I did not believe, of course, that it would be
+possible to deceive a close observer, but I trusted to the wild
+emotions of the Princess to blind her to any signs of life.
+
+I heard Fauchette dart on her mistress with a well-acted scream, and
+sprinkle her face and neck with cold water.
+
+Sophia seemed to revive quickly.
+
+"Andreas!" I heard her gasp. "Where? What has become of him?"
+
+"M. Sterling has also fainted," the maid replied with assumed
+innocence.
+
+"Ha!"
+
+It was more like a shriek than a sob. I heard a hasty rustling of
+skirts, and then Sophia seemed to be kneeling beside me, and feeling
+for the beat of my heart.
+
+"Go, Fauchette! Send Gregory instantly to M. Petrovitch to inform him
+that M. Sterling has been taken ill in my house, and that I fear he
+is dead."
+
+The Princess began loosening my necktie.
+
+Had Fauchette been present I should have been able to point to this
+as a proof that I was not incapable of an occasional oversight.
+
+As a matter of fact, I had not anticipated this very natural action
+on Sophia's part. Yet it should have been evident that, were it only
+to keep up appearances before any one who might come to view my
+supposed corpse, she would be bound to free my neck.
+
+And I was wearing the locket which contained the portrait of my
+promised bride!
+
+I lay, really rigid with apprehension, while Sophia's caressing
+fingers tenderly removed the necktie, and began unfastening my collar
+and shirt.
+
+Suddenly I heard an ejaculation--at first striking the note of
+surprise and curiosity merely, but deepening to fear.
+
+In a moment the locket was lifted from my chest, and forced open with
+a metallic click.
+
+"Ah!--Ah!"
+
+She let the open locket drop from her fingers on my bare throat.
+
+Instantly it was clutched up again. I could picture the frenzied gaze
+of jealousy and hate in those burning eyes of deepest violet; I could
+actually feel the passionate breathing from between the clenched
+teeth of whitest ivory.
+
+"Miserable child!" she hissed, the hand that held the locket
+trembling so that I could feel it against my neck. "So _you_ have
+robbed me of him!"
+
+She paused, and then added, forcing out each word with a passion of
+distilled hate----
+
+"But you shall never have him! He shall be mine! Mine! Mine, in the
+grave!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A PERILOUS MOMENT
+
+
+I lay with every nerve strained to its utmost tension, listening for
+the least movement on the part of the maddened woman which might
+indicate she was about to stab me then and there.
+
+In the silence that followed, if she did not hear the beating of my
+heart it was only because her own stormy emotions had rendered her
+deaf and blind to everything else.
+
+For a time her rapid breathing continued to warm my uncovered neck.
+Then she snapped-to the locket and let it fall, and rose from my side
+to pace the floor of the room with swift, irregular steps.
+
+Fauchette, who must have been anxious to know how I was faring, now
+came back without waiting to be summoned.
+
+"Well?" the Princess demanded, halting in her promenade.
+
+"Gregory has gone for M. Petrovitch, Madame. Is there anything I can
+do?"
+
+"I have tried every restorative," came the answer. "See if you can
+detect any signs of life."
+
+The last command seemed to come as an afterthought. No doubt, Sophia
+wished to test her work before Petrovitch arrived.
+
+I was encouraged to think that she had no immediate intention of
+killing me; and as the maid bent over me I contrived to give her hand
+a reassuring squeeze.
+
+"He is quite dead, Madame," the girl said, turning away. "Would you
+like to have the body carried into another room?"
+
+"No. Wait till M. Petrovitch comes," her mistress replied. "You can
+go."
+
+As my assistant withdrew I again became on the alert for any
+dangerous move on the part of the Princess.
+
+It was not long before I was conscious that the room had grown
+darker.
+
+I gathered that Sophia had switched off some of the lights in order
+to make it more difficult for Petrovitch to detect her fraud, and
+again I took courage.
+
+Some muttered words helped me to understand the plan of the desperate
+woman.
+
+"I will give him one chance. He shall choose. Men do not die for love
+in these days."
+
+There was little doubt that she intended to lock me up in her oratory
+and hold me a prisoner till I consented to sacrifice my faith to her
+Japanese rival.
+
+Satisfied that there was little risk of any immediate violence, I
+waited calmly for the arrival of Sophia's colleague, or master.
+
+The head of the Manchurian Syndicate lost no time on the way. Very
+soon I heard the door open and the familiar voice, with its slightly
+affected accent, saying,
+
+"Permit me to offer you the expression of my sincere regrets, dear
+Princess!--And my sincere congratulations," he added in a more
+business-like tone, as the door closed again.
+
+A sigh was the only audible response.
+
+"It has cost you something, I can see," the man's voice resumed
+soothingly. "That fact gives you a still stronger claim on our
+gratitude. I confess I began to fear seriously that you were
+deceiving us, and that would have been very dangerous."
+
+Another obscure sound, between a sigh and a sob, from the woman.
+
+"Now we can proceed with light hearts. Within three months from now
+Russia and Great Britain will be at war. I do not mind answering for
+it. There was only one man in Europe who could have prevented it, and
+he lies there!"
+
+"You would have it so! I still say it would have been enough to
+imprison him somewhere."
+
+"You talk foolishly, believe me, Princess. A man like that is not to
+be imprisoned. There is no jailer in the world who would venture to
+undertake to keep the famous A. V. under lock and key."
+
+"I would have undertaken it," came the answer. "I would have locked
+him in my oratory, the key of which never leaves my bosom."
+
+"Nevertheless if it was important to that man to steal it from you,
+it would not remain in your bosom very long."
+
+A startled cry interrupted the speaker, and told me that Sophia had
+made the fatal discovery of the loss of her key.
+
+I held my breath in the most dreadful suspense. Everything now
+depended on this woman. If she allowed the least hint, I knew that
+Petrovitch would never leave the room without at least an attempt to
+change my supposed trance into death.
+
+Fortunately the Princess was equal to the emergency. I heard her give
+a slight laugh.
+
+"I am punished for my assurance," she confessed. "I am not quite
+hardened, as you know; and when I realized that M. V---- was actually
+dead, I was obliged to pray for him. I have left the key in the
+door."
+
+"Go and fetch it, then."
+
+The tone in which these words were spoken was harsh. I heard Sophia
+going out of the room, and in an instant, with a single bound, as it
+seemed, the man was leaning over me, feeling my pulse, listening for
+my heart, and testing whether I breathed.
+
+"If I had brought so much as a knife with me, I would have made
+sure," I heard him mutter to himself.
+
+Fortunately Sophia's absence did not last ten seconds. She must have
+snatched up the first key that came to hand, that of a jewel-box most
+likely, and hurried back with it.
+
+Petrovitch seemed to turn away from me with reluctance.
+
+"You doubt me, it appears," came in angry tones from the Princess.
+
+"I doubt everybody," was the cool rejoinder. "You were in love with
+this fellow."
+
+"You think so? Then look at this."
+
+I felt the locket being picked up, and heard the click of the tiny
+spring.
+
+A coarse laugh burst from the financier.
+
+"So that is it! Woman's jealousy is safer than her sworn word, after
+all. Now I believe he _is_ dead."
+
+The Princess made no reply.
+
+Presently the man spoke again.
+
+"This must be kept a secret among ourselves, you understand. The
+truth is, I have exceeded my instructions a little. A certain
+personage only authorized detention. It appears he is like you in
+having a certain tenderness for this fellow--why, I can't think. At
+any rate his manner was rather alarming when we hinted that a coffin
+made the safest straight-jacket."
+
+It was impossible for me to doubt that it was the Kaiser whom this
+villain had insulted by offering to have me assassinated. I thanked
+Wilhelm II. silently for his chivalrous behavior. M. Petrovitch could
+have known little of the proud Hohenzollern whom he tempted.
+
+At the same time, it was a source of serious concern for me to know
+that, just as I had learned that my real opponent was my friend the
+Kaiser, so he in turn had acquired the knowledge that he had me
+against him.
+
+It had become a struggle, no longer in the dark, between the most
+resourceful of Continental sovereigns and myself, and that being so,
+I realized that I could not afford to rest long on my oars.
+
+From the deep breathing of the Princess, I surmised that she was
+choking down the rage she must have felt at the other's cynical
+depravity. For Sophia, though capable of committing a murder out of
+jealousy perhaps, was yet incapable of killing for reward.
+
+"Well," I heard Petrovitch say in the tone of one who is taking his
+leave, "I must send some one 'round to remove our friend."
+
+"Do not trouble, if you please. I will see to the funeral," came in
+icy tones from the Princess.
+
+"What, still sentimental! Be careful, my good Sophia Y----, you will
+lose your value to us if you give way to such weaknesses."
+
+I heard his steps move across the carpeted floor, and then with
+startling suddenness, the words came out:
+
+"Curse me if I can believe he _is_ dead!"
+
+My blood ran cold. But it turned out to be only a passing
+exclamation. At the end of what seemed to me minutes--they can only
+have been seconds--the footsteps moved on, and the door opened and
+closed.
+
+"Thank God!" burst from Sophia.
+
+Her next words were plainly an apostrophe to myself.
+
+"So you did not trust me after all!"
+
+I was within an ace of opening my eyes on the supposition that she
+had found me out, when I was reassured by her adding, this time to
+herself,
+
+"He must have done it when I fainted!"
+
+I saw that she was referring to my theft of the key.
+
+There was a soft rustle of silk on the floor, and I felt her hands
+searching in my pockets for the stolen key.
+
+"Fool! To think that I could outwit him!" she murmured to herself at
+last.
+
+She had taken some time to learn the lesson, however.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A RESURRECTION AND A GHOST
+
+
+It was soon evident that the Princess Y---- had taken her new maid
+into her confidence to a certain extent.
+
+She must have rung for Fauchette without my hearing anything, for
+presently the door opened again, and I heard my assistant's voice.
+
+As the result of a hurried consultation between the two women, in
+which Fauchette played to perfection the part of a devoted maid who
+is only desirous to anticipate the wishes of her mistress, it was
+decided to wheel the sofa on which I lay into the oratory, and to
+bring the wax dummy into the Princess's bedroom, to lie in state till
+the next day.
+
+The arrangement did not take long to carry out.
+
+Partly from what I was able to overhear, and partly from the report
+afterward furnished to me by Fauchette, I am able to relate
+succinctly what took place.
+
+To begin with, I was left in the oratory, while the counterfeit
+corpse was duly arranged in the adjoining room.
+
+Unable to lock me in the smaller apartment, Sophia declared her
+intention of locking both the outer doors of the bedroom, one of
+which gave on a corridor, while the other, as the reader is aware,
+opened into the boudoir where the previous scene had taken place.
+
+The Princess retained one of these keys herself, entrusting the other
+to the maid, of course with the strictest injunctions as to its use.
+
+To keep up appearances before the household, the Princess arranged to
+pass the next few nights in another room on the same floor, which
+usually served as a guest chamber.
+
+It was explained to the servants that the death which had occurred
+had upset the nerves of their mistress, and rendered her own suite of
+rooms distasteful to her for the present.
+
+Fauchette, who thus became my jailer, brought me a supply of cold
+food and wine during the night. I had part of this provision under
+the altar of the oratory, to serve me during the following day.
+
+My cataleptic condition was supposed to endure for nearly twenty-four
+hours. The enforced seclusion was intensely irritating to a man of my
+temperament; but I could not evade it without revealing to Sophia
+that I had heard her confession, and thereby inflicting a deadly
+wound on a woman who loved me.
+
+Meanwhile the arrangements for my funeral had been pressed on.
+
+Already a telegram had appeared in the London papers announcing the
+sudden and unexpected death from heart-failure of the well-known
+English philanthropist, Mr. Melchisedak Sterling. One or two of the
+journals commented on the fact of Mr. Sterling's death having taken
+place while he was on a mission of peace to the Russian capital, and
+expressed a hope that his death would have a chastening effect on the
+War Party in Petersburg.
+
+My friend, the editor of the Peace Review, very generously sent a
+wreath, which arrived too late for the funeral but was laid on my
+grave.
+
+Unfortunately these newspaper announcements were taken seriously by
+my exalted employers, as well as by the enemies whom I wished to
+deceive, but this could not be helped.
+
+By noon the undertaker's men had arrived with my coffin. The Princess
+played upon their ignorance of English customs and burial rites to
+pretend that the work of coffining must be done by women's hands. In
+this way she and Fauchette were able to enclose the dummy in its
+wooden shell, leaving to the men only the task of screwing down the
+lid.
+
+The burial took place in the English cemetery. I am glad to say that
+the Princess contrived to avoid the mockery of a religious service by
+alleging that Mr. Sterling had belonged to a peculiar sect--the
+Quakers, I fancy--which holds such ceremonies to be worldly and
+unnecessary.
+
+I may add that I have since visited my grave, which is still to be
+seen in a corner of the cemetery. It is marked by a stone slab with
+an inscription in English.
+
+In the afternoon the faithful Fauchette persuaded her mistress to go
+out for a drive, to soothe her over-strained nerves.
+
+Before quitting the house, the Princess came in to take a last look
+at me.
+
+She lingered minute after minute, as though with some premonition
+that our next meeting would be under widely different circumstances.
+
+To herself, I heard her whisper, sighing softly:
+
+"Andreas! O Andreas! If I could sleep, or thou couldst never wake!"
+
+She crept away, and the better to secure me locked both the bedroom
+doors herself, and carried off the keys.
+
+On her return, two hours later, Sophia, with a look that told the
+watchful Fauchette of her uneasiness, hurried straight up-stairs,
+toward the door of the little oratory.
+
+She found it locked from the outside, with the key in the door.
+
+It had cost me something to break my pledge to the Princess Y----
+that I would give her my new address before leaving her.
+
+But her unfortunate discovery of the portrait I wore around my neck
+and her plainly-declared intention to hold me a prisoner till she
+could shake my fidelity, had rendered it necessary for me to meet
+treachery with treachery.
+
+The secret service, it must always be borne in mind, has its own code
+of honor, differing on many points from that obtaining in other
+careers, but perhaps stricter on the whole.
+
+For instance, I can lay my hand on my heart and declare that I have
+never done either of two things which are done every day by men
+holding high offices and high places in the world's esteem. I have
+never taken a secret commission. And I have never taken advantage of
+my political information to gamble in stocks.
+
+The manner of my escape was simplicity itself.
+
+My assistant had not come to live with the Princess without making
+some preparations for the part she was to play, and these included
+the bringing with her of a bunch of skeleton keys, fully equal to the
+work of opening any ordinary lock.
+
+As soon as her mistress was safely out of the way, Fauchette came to
+receive my instructions.
+
+I told her that I did not intend to wait for my jailer's return. We
+discussed the best way for me to slip out, without obstruction from
+the servants, and I decided to take advantage of the superstition of
+the Russian illiterate class, by enacting the part of my own ghost.
+
+The report that I had been buried without any funeral service had
+already reached the household, and had prepared them for any
+supernatural manifestation.
+
+Fauchette first brought me a little powdered chalk, with which I
+smeared my face. I then put on a long flowing cloak and a sombrero
+hat, part of the wardrobe accumulated by the Princess in the course
+of her gaieties.
+
+I slipped a damp sponge into my pocket and directed the girl to lead
+the way.
+
+She went down-stairs a few yards in front of me, turned into the
+servants' part of the house and threw open the back door, which led
+out into a courtyard giving on a street used only by tradesmen's
+carts. At this hour of the day it was deserted.
+
+I followed cautiously in Fauchette's wake, and got as far as the back
+door without meeting any interruption.
+
+But at that point, the porter, who must have been roused by an
+unfamiliar step--though I understand he swore afterward that the
+passage of the ghost had been absolutely noiseless--came out and
+stood in the doorway.
+
+Without hesitating for an instant I assumed an erect posture and
+advanced swiftly toward him with my whitened face well displayed.
+
+The fellow gave vent to a half-articulate call which died down in his
+throat, and bolted back into his room uttering yell after yell.
+
+Fifteen seconds later I was out in the street, sponging the chalk
+from my face.
+
+And five minutes after that I was comfortably seated in a hired
+droshky, on my way to a certain little house in the seafaring quarter
+of the city, which possessed, among other advantages, that of
+commanding an exceedingly fine view of the Admiralty Pier.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A SECRET EXECUTION
+
+
+I now come to a part of my chronicle which I plainly foresee must
+expose me to grave criticism.
+
+To that criticism it is no part of my purpose to attempt any reply.
+
+In the long run, I have found, men's minds are not much affected by
+argument and advocacy. Facts tell their own story, and men's
+judgments are usually the result of their personal prejudices.
+
+For that reason I shall confine myself to relating facts. I have
+already told the story of my murder--for such it was in the
+intent--by Petrovitch. I shall now tell the story of the justice
+meted out by me on the assassin.
+
+As soon as I was safely lodged in my house on the Alexander Quay, I
+despatched my assistant, a clever young Frenchman named Breuil, with
+a message to the promoter of the Manchurian Syndicate--the real
+moving spirit of that War clique in which even the bellicose grand
+dukes had only secondary parts.
+
+The wording of the message had been carefully calculated to arouse
+curiosity, but not apprehension.
+
+"The agent of a foreign Power," Breuil was instructed to say to this
+self-styled patriot, "with very large funds at his disposal, desires
+to see you in strict secrecy."
+
+The bait took. Petrovitch, naturally concluding that he was to be
+offered a heavy bribe for some act of treachery to Russia, greedily
+accepted the invitation.
+
+The infatuated man did not take even the ordinary precaution of
+asking for guarantees. He consented to accompany Breuil at once,
+merely asking how far he had to go. This recklessness was the result
+of his supposed triumphant crime. Believing that I was safely
+interred in the English cemetery, he thought there was no one left
+for him to fear.
+
+On the way he did his best to extract some information out of my
+assistant. But Breuil returned the same answer to all his questions
+and hints:
+
+"I am under orders not to converse with you, monsieur."
+
+The doomed man was in good spirits as the droshky put him down at the
+door of my house.
+
+"Decidedly an out-of-the-way retreat!" he commented gaily. "I should
+hardly be able to find my way here again without your assistance!"
+
+The silent Breuil merely bowed, as he proceeded to open the street
+door with a latch key.
+
+Perhaps Petrovitch had been a little more nervous than he allowed to
+appear. When he noticed that his escort simply closed the door on the
+latch, without locking or bolting it further, he said in a tone of
+relief:
+
+"You are not much afraid of being visited by the police, I see."
+
+Breuil, as silent as ever, led the way into a back parlor,
+overlooking the Neva, where I was waiting to receive my visitor.
+
+The room was plainly furnished as a study, and I had placed myself in
+an arm-chair facing the window, so that my back was turned to the
+door as Petrovitch entered.
+
+I pretended to be writing furiously, as a pretext for not turning my
+head till the visitor had seated himself.
+
+Breuil said quietly, "M. Petrovitch is here," and went out of the
+room.
+
+As the door closed I tossed away my pen and turned around, facing my
+assassin.
+
+"I am pleased to see you, M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Monsieur V----!"
+
+I thought he would have lost his senses. His whole countenance
+changed. He clung to his chair, and his eyes were fixed on me with an
+expression of panic.
+
+So complete was his collapse that he did not attempt to speak or
+excuse himself. I saw that he was hardly in a condition to listen to
+anything I had to say.
+
+"I fear you are unwell, M. Petrovitch. Allow me to offer you a little
+brandy."
+
+The wretched man watched me with bewildered looks, as I took a bottle
+and glasses from a cupboard and helped first him and then myself.
+
+"It is quite wholesome, I assure you."
+
+As I said the words I raised my own glass to my lips and sipped.
+
+A choking cry escaped from the author of the war. He seized the glass
+I had set before him and feverishly drained it.
+
+I saw that he was burning to know by what means I had escaped the
+fate prepared for me. But I had no object in gratifying his
+curiosity, and mere boasting is not a weakness of mine.
+
+Steadfastly preserving the tone of a business interview between men
+who understand each other, I went on to say:
+
+"I am here, as you know, in the joint interests of England and
+Japan."
+
+My murderer nodded faintly. I could see him making a tremendous
+effort to control his nerves, and enter into conversation with me on
+my own terms.
+
+"I think I should be glad of a little more brandy. Thank you!--I am
+not at all myself."
+
+I shook my head compassionately.
+
+"You should be careful to avoid too much excitement," I said. "Any
+sudden shock is bad for a man with your nerves."
+
+The promoter gasped. The situation was clearly beyond him.
+
+"You," I went on in my most matter-of-fact tone, "on the contrary,
+are acting on behalf of Germany."
+
+"Who says so!" He was beginning to speak fiercely; but his eye met
+mine, and the words died on his lips.
+
+"We will say I dreamed it, if you like," I responded drily. "I have
+very remarkable dreams sometimes, and learn a great deal from them.
+
+"To confine ourselves to business. I have caused the sailing of this
+Baltic Fleet to be put off, because----"
+
+"You--have caused it!"
+
+The interruption burst from him in spite of himself.
+
+I affected to shrug my shoulders with a certain annoyance.
+
+"Your opinion of my powers does not seem to be a very high one,
+unfortunately," I remarked with irony. "It would be better if you
+accepted me as a serious antagonist, believe me."
+
+Petrovitch lowered his eyes in confusion, as he muttered,
+
+"I apologize, Monsieur V----. I have blundered, as I now perceive."
+
+"Let us resume. I was about to say that I had prevented the sailing
+of this fleet, because I feared that its voyage might be marked by
+some incident likely to bring Great Britain and Russia into
+collision."
+
+The financier raised his head and watched me keenly.
+
+"You, yourself, M. Petrovitch, have been active, I believe, in
+preparing the mind of the Czar and the Russian public for something
+of the sort. Doubtless you have not done so without very good
+grounds."
+
+"My information leads me to think that a flotilla of torpedo boats is
+being kept ready in the English ports for a night attack on our fleet
+during its progress through the North Sea."
+
+I smiled disdainfully.
+
+"That is a false report. I have asked you to call here in the hope
+that I might find you ready to assist me in discrediting it."
+
+The Russian continued to watch me out of his narrow eyes.
+
+"And, also," I added, "to assist me in preventing any attempt to give
+color to it."
+
+"I am not sure that I understand you, Monsieur V----."
+
+"That is quite possible. I will speak more plainly. There are some
+prophets who take a little trouble to make their prophesies come
+true. I wish to know whether you and your friends have determined
+that this particular prophesy shall come true--perhaps to fulfill it
+yourselves?"
+
+Petrovitch frowned and compressed his lips.
+
+"So that is why you got me here?"
+
+"I wished to see," I said blandly, "if it was possible for me to
+offer you terms which might induce you to alter your views
+altogether--in short, to stop the war."
+
+The financier looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Monsieur V----, you don't know what you ask! But you--would a
+million rubles tempt you to come over, to be neutral, even?"
+
+"I am a member, by adoption, of the imperial family of Japan," I
+replied laconically.
+
+Petrovitch was past surprise. If I had informed him that I was the
+Mikado in disguise, I think he would have taken it as a matter of
+course.
+
+"This war is worth ten millions to me," he confessed hoarsely.
+
+I shook my head with resignation.
+
+"The price is too high. We must be enemies, not friends, I perceive."
+
+The author of the war, who had regained his self-possession, did not
+blanch at these words.
+
+"I regret it," he said with a courteous inclination.
+
+"You have reason to."
+
+He gave me a questioning glance.
+
+"Up to the present I have been on the defensive," I explained. "I
+dislike violent measures. But from this moment I shall hold myself at
+liberty to use them."
+
+"I am afraid I have gone rather too far," the promoter hesitated.
+
+"You have drugged me. You have robbed me. You have murdered me."
+
+"You are alive, however," he ventured to retort with an impudent
+smile.
+
+"Unfortunately," I went on sternly, "in murdering me you exceeded
+your instructions."
+
+"How----"
+
+"I dreamed that I heard you tell your accomplice so," I put in,
+without giving him a chance to speak.
+
+He ceased to meet my gaze.
+
+"You are therefore not even a political criminal. You are a common
+felon. As such I warn you that I shall execute you without notice,
+and without reprieve."
+
+The Russian scowled fiercely.
+
+"We will see about that," he blustered. "I have a loaded revolver in
+my pocket."
+
+I waved my hand scornfully.
+
+"Undeceive yourself, George Petrovitch. I am not proposing a duel. I
+cannot be expected to fight with a condemned murderer. I sentence you
+to death--and may the Lord have mercy on your soul."
+
+"By what right?" he demanded furiously.
+
+"I am accredited by the Emperor of Japan to the Emperor of Russia.
+This house is Japanese soil. Farewell!"
+
+Petrovitch rose from his chair, wavering between indignation and
+alarm.
+
+"I shall defend myself!" he exclaimed, edging slowly toward the door.
+
+"You will do better to confess yourself. Is there no prayer that you
+wish to say?"
+
+The Russian smiled incredulously.
+
+"You seem very confident," he sneered.
+
+I saw that it was useless to try to rouse him to a sense of his
+peril. I pointed to the door, and pressed a knob on the wall.
+
+The murderer made two steps from me, laid his fingers on the
+door-handle--and dropped dead instantly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+A CHANGE OF IDENTITY
+
+
+I now approach the crucial portion of my narrative.
+
+The incidents already dealt with, though not without a certain
+interest, perhaps, for those who value exact information about
+political events, are comparatively unimportant, and have been given
+here chiefly in order to inspire confidence in what follows.
+
+At all events, their truth is not likely to be disputed, and I have
+not thought it necessary, therefore, to insist on every corroborative
+detail.
+
+But I am now about to enter on what must be considered debatable
+ground.
+
+I had taken the little house on the Alexander Quay, as the reader
+will have guessed, as a post of observation from which to watch the
+proceedings of the Russian Ministry of Marine, more particularly with
+regard to the fleet under the command of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+It is my subsequent observations and discoveries which compel me,
+greatly to my regret, to give a direct contradiction to the gallant
+Admiral's version of what took place in the North Sea on the night
+of Trafalgar Day, 1904.
+
+It is for that reason that I desire to exercise particular care in
+this part of my statement.
+
+Such care is the more incumbent on me, inasmuch as I was requested by
+the British Government to furnish a confidential copy of my evidence
+in advance, for the use of the members of the international court
+which sat in Paris to inquire into this most mysterious affair.
+
+The following chapters should be read, therefore, as the sworn
+depositions of a witness, and not as the carelessly worded account of
+a journalist or popular historian.
+
+The electrocution of the murderer, Petrovitch, already described,
+furnished me with a valuable opportunity which I was quick to seize.
+
+I have not extenuated this act, and I will not defend it. I content
+myself with recording that this man had been the principal instrument
+in promoting the Russo-Japanese war, and the principal obstacle to
+peace. In this he was acting as the paid agent of a foreign Power,
+and was therefore guilty of high treason to his own country. On these
+grounds my execution of him, although irregular at the time, has
+since been formally ratified by the highest tribunal of the Russian
+Empire, the Imperial Council of State.
+
+A justification which I value still more, consists in the fact that
+the removal of this man proved the turning point in the history of
+the war.
+
+Within a month of his death I had the satisfaction to be made the
+medium of an informal overture for peace. The negotiations thus
+opened have proceeded with great secrecy, but before these lines meet
+the public eye, I have every hope that the calamitous struggle in
+Manchuria will have been suspended indefinitely.
+
+To return:
+
+Owing to the secret life led by the deceased man, it was some time
+before his absence from his usual haunts excited remark.
+
+When it became evident that something must have happened to him,
+people were still slow to suspect that he had come to a violent end.
+Many persons believed that he had been ruined by the ill-success of
+the war, and had gone into hiding from his creditors. Others supposed
+that he had been secretly arrested.
+
+Some of his fellow-plotters in the Russian capital imagined that he
+had fled to Germany to escape the penalty of his treason. In Germany,
+on the other hand, I afterward learned, he was supposed to have been
+sent to Siberia by order of the Czar.
+
+For weeks the "Disappearance of M. Petrovitch" was the general topic
+of discussion in the newspapers and in private circles; but no one
+came near guessing the truth.
+
+There was one person who must have divined from the first what had
+happened. But she held her tongue.
+
+So far as I could gather from the reports which continued to reach me
+from Fauchette, the Princess Y---- had sunk into a lethargy after my
+evasion. She seemed to wish only to be left alone to brood, perhaps
+to mourn.
+
+The only sign she gave was by depositing a wreath on the empty grave
+in the English cemetery, a wreath which bore the solitary word,
+"Remembrance."
+
+In the meanwhile I had gratifying evidence that the loss of the chief
+conspirator had completely disorganized the schemes of the plotters
+in the Ministry of Marine.
+
+My first proceeding, after disconnecting the powerful battery which I
+had installed in my house for the purpose of the execution, was to
+summon my assistant Breuil.
+
+With his aid, the corpse was stripped and sewn up in a sheet,
+together with some heavy weights. In the middle of the night it was
+committed to the waters of the Neva, almost within sight and sound of
+the fleet.
+
+The papers which we found in his clothes were not numerous or
+important. But there was one which I thought worth preserving.
+
+It was a passport, made out in the name of the deceased, issued by
+the Russian Foreign Office, and vised by the German Ambassador. This
+passport I still have in my possession.
+
+I now disclosed to my assistant a plan which had been in my own mind
+for some time, though, true to my principle of never making an
+unnecessary confidence, I had not previously mentioned it to him.
+
+"I have decided," I told him, "to assume the personality of
+Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil stared at me in consternation. It is only fair to say that he
+had not been with me very long.
+
+I could see that some objection was trembling on the tip of his
+tongue. He had learned, however, that I expect my staff not to
+criticize, but to obey.
+
+"You may speak," I said indulgently, "if you have anything to say."
+
+"I was about to remark, sir, that you are not in the least like
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Think again," I said mildly.
+
+He gave me an intelligent look.
+
+"You are much about the same height!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"But his friends, who see him every day--surely they cannot be
+deceived? And then his business--his correspondence--but perhaps you
+are able to feign handwriting?"
+
+I smiled. The good Breuil had passed from one extreme to the other.
+Instead of doubting me, he was crediting me too much.
+
+I proceeded to explain.
+
+"No, as you very properly suggest, I could not hope to deceive
+Petrovitch's friends, nor can I imitate his hand. But remember, that
+in a few days Petrovitch will have disappeared. What will have become
+of him, do you suppose?"
+
+Breuil was still puzzled. I had to make my meaning still plainer.
+
+"He will be in concealment--that is to say, in disguise."
+
+Breuil threw up his hands in a gesture of admiration.
+
+"As the disguised Petrovitch I may manage to pass very well, more
+particularly as I shall be meeting people who have never seen the
+real Petrovitch."
+
+Breuil did not quite understand this last observation.
+
+"I am going," I exclaimed, "on board the Baltic Fleet."
+
+"Sir, you are magnificent!"
+
+I frowned down his enthusiasm. Compliments are compliments only when
+they come from those who pay us, not from those whom we pay.
+
+"Go and procure me the uniform of a superintendent of naval stores.
+And ascertain for me where Captain Vassileffsky usually passes his
+evenings."
+
+Captain Vassileffsky was the naval officer who had been present on
+the occasion when I was drugged at Petrovitch's table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+TRAPPED
+
+
+The clock was striking eight as I entered the restaurant of the
+Two-Headed Eagle, in the seaport of Revel on the Gulf of Finland,
+about a week after the mysterious disappearance of Petrovitch had
+become the talk of Petersburg.
+
+Picking out a table at which an officer in the uniform of a Russian
+naval captain was already seated, I went up to it, and sat down in
+front of him with the formal bow prescribed by etiquette in the
+circumstances.
+
+The ships intended to sail to the relief of Port Arthur were lying at
+this time some at Revel and others at Libau on the Baltic. From time
+to time their departure was officially announced for a certain date,
+reviews were held, and one or two preliminary trips had been
+undertaken.
+
+But each time some unseen obstacle was interposed, and M. Auguste
+continued to draw his weekly stipend.
+
+Nevertheless it was beginning to be evident that the game of see-saw
+could not go on forever. Autumn was approaching, the nation was
+becoming impatient, and the scoffs of the foreign press were severely
+galling the naval pride of Russia.
+
+I had picked up a certain amount of information in the capital
+itself, where a great number of the officers were on leave. But I
+wished to get in direct touch with the one man who, I believed, was
+most likely to be in the confidence of Petrovitch, and, finding there
+was no chance of his coming to Petersburg, I had been obliged to make
+the journey to Revel.
+
+Vassileffsky acknowledged my bow with cordiality, at the same time
+fixing his dark, wicked eyes on me with a look which I well
+understood.
+
+I was wearing the uniform which I had ordered my assistant to provide
+me with, and the Captain had been quick to take note of it.
+
+It may be said that the most valuable part of a naval officer's
+income in Russia is derived from the peculation of government stores.
+To carry on this lucrative system of plunder there is always a good
+understanding between officials of the Stores Department and the
+combatant officers.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky now studied my face like a man expecting to
+receive some proposal of the kind. I, on my side, made it my business
+to say as little as possible to him till dinner was over.
+
+Then I called for a magnum of champagne, and invited my companion to
+fill a tumbler.
+
+He did so readily enough, and I gave him the toast,
+
+"To the Emperor who wishes us well!"
+
+Vassileffsky started, and gave me a penetrating look.
+
+He did not venture to put a question to me, however, and contented
+himself with drinking the toast in silence.
+
+Determined not to say anything as long as the Captain remained sober,
+I plied him with champagne in increasing quantities, while taking as
+little as possible myself.
+
+On his side Vassileffsky was equally reserved. He saw, of course,
+that I had a special object in courting his friendship, and was
+cunning enough to let me make the first advance.
+
+As soon as I thought the wine had had time to confuse his faculties,
+I leaned forward and whispered,
+
+"I've got something to say to you about Petrovitch."
+
+The Captain looked at me eagerly.
+
+"Do you know where he is?"
+
+"Not so loud. Yes. He has had to disguise himself."
+
+I spoke in a muffled tone, which Vassileffsky imitated in his
+response.
+
+"Where is he? I want to see him very badly."
+
+"I know. He wants to see you. He is here in Revel."
+
+"In Revel! Isn't that dangerous?"
+
+"It would be if he weren't so well disguised. You, yourself, wouldn't
+know him."
+
+Vassileffsky looked incredulous.
+
+"I bet I should."
+
+"Done with you! What in?"
+
+"A dozen magnums."
+
+"Pay for them, then. _I'm Petrovitch._"
+
+The Captain started, shook himself, and peered drunkenly into my
+face.
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"Read that then."
+
+I drew out the passport, and spread it before him. The Russian
+spelled his way through it, and nodded solemnly at the end.
+
+"Yes, that's all right. You must be Petrovitch, I suppose. But you
+don't look like him."
+
+"Didn't I tell you I was disguised. I had to clear out in a hurry.
+Some one's been denouncing me to Nicholas."
+
+Vassileffsky looked frightened. His eye sought the door, as though he
+no longer felt at ease in my company.
+
+"You needn't be afraid," I assured him. "No one suspects you."
+
+"Well, what do you want?" he asked sullenly.
+
+"I want you to take me on board your ship."
+
+An angry frown crossed his face.
+
+"You want me to hide you from the police!"
+
+"Nonsense. The police are all right. They want me to get away. They
+could have put their hands on me long ago if they had wanted to."
+
+"Then why have you come here?"
+
+"I told you. I want to have a talk with you about our plans."
+
+"The plan is all right. But I want to know when we're to sail."
+
+"I'm doing all I can. It's only a question of weeks now."
+
+Vassileffsky looked hard at me again, bent across the table, and
+whispered a word which I failed to understand.
+
+Something in his face warned me that it was a password. I recovered
+myself from my momentary confusion and smiled.
+
+"The word's changed," I said with an air of authority. "It's _North
+Sea_ and _Canal_."
+
+The Russian seemed satisfied.
+
+"Well," he said, stumbling to his feet, "if we're going on board we'd
+better go."
+
+"Don't forget the magnums," I put in, as I rose in my turn.
+
+The reckoning was settled, and the champagne ordered to follow us
+down to the boat.
+
+Vassileffsky nearly lost his footing as we got out into the fresh
+air, and caught hold of my arm.
+
+"You'll have to lead me," he said, speaking thickly. "Straight along
+the street, and down the first turning on the quay."
+
+We walked along, arm-in-arm, my companion appearing to become more
+helpless every minute.
+
+As we emerged from the narrow lane which conducted us to the
+waterside, the lights of the harbor burst into view. There on the
+tide lay a long line of stately battleships, cruisers and dark,
+low-lying torpedo boats, their riding lights flashing and twinkling
+in a thousand reflections on the waves.
+
+A drunken hail from the Captain was responded to by a respectful hail
+from a Russian petty officer, who was lounging at the head of some
+stone steps.
+
+He came forward and assisted his commanding officer down and into the
+launch which waited below. I followed, and the bottles of champagne
+were handed in afterward.
+
+Vassileffsky seized the tiller with more energy than he had seemed
+capable of, and headed the launch for a great battleship, the
+_Beresina_.
+
+In a few minutes we were alongside. A smart landing stage and ladder
+brought us up on to the deck, and as soon as our feet touched it,
+Captain Vassileffsky, suddenly drawing himself up, said in distinct
+and sober tones,
+
+"Consider yourself under arrest, if you please----"
+
+I was a prisoner on board a Russian man-of-war!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+THE BALTIC FLEET
+
+
+Fortunately I am accustomed to face emergencies without losing my
+presence of mind.
+
+The manner of Vassileffsky had prepared me for some display of
+suspicion on his part, though I hardly anticipated his procedure
+would be so theatrical.
+
+Fixing him with my sternest look, I responded,
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky, I do not think you quite understand what you
+are doing. I will talk to you in the morning, when you are more
+yourself."
+
+He drew back, considerably disconcerted.
+
+"Very well, I will listen to what you have to say in the morning. In
+the meantime you will be under a guard."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders with a disdainful smile.
+
+"Be good enough to let me see my quarters," I said.
+
+More and more abashed, the Captain summoned one of his officers, and
+gave him some instructions.
+
+"Follow me, sir," said the lieutenant. I walked after him with
+perfect self-possession.
+
+"I do not wish to make a fuss to-night, as Captain Vassileffsky is
+not himself," I said haughtily, as we drew out of hearing. "But you
+will understand that unless I receive an apology in the morning, I
+shall complain to his majesty the Czar, by whose orders I am here."
+
+The lieutenant looked badly frightened.
+
+"It is not my fault, as you can see, sir. I am only obeying orders.
+Will you accept my own berth for the night, sir?"
+
+I thanked him and entered a small, comfortably-fitted state-room.
+With profuse apologies, he turned the key and left me to my own
+reflections.
+
+I slept soundly, rocked by the tide of the Finland Gulf.
+
+In the morning my jailer came to wake me.
+
+"Captain Vassileffsky presents his compliments, and asks you to
+breakfast with him in his cabin, in half an hour."
+
+This message was a welcome proof to me that my bluff had produced the
+desired effect. I accepted the invitation as if it was a matter of
+course.
+
+I dressed, and went to the cabin where Vassileffsky awaited me.
+
+"Are we friends or foes this morning?" I called out with a
+good-humored laugh, as I greeted him.
+
+The Russian looked dull and nervous.
+
+"I hope all will be well," he muttered. "Let us have something to eat
+before we talk."
+
+He might have said, something to drink, for his own breakfast was
+mainly of champagne. I, myself, made a point of eating heartily, and
+drank only coffee.
+
+"Now, Vassileffsky," I said in authoritative tones, "to business.
+First of all, you want some money."
+
+It was a guess, but a fairly safe one. Without waiting for the
+astonished man to reply, I took out my pocket-book.
+
+"How much can you do with till the fleet sails?" I asked, still in
+the same matter-of-fact tone.
+
+Fairly nonplussed, the Captain blurted out,
+
+"I should like two thousand."
+
+I shook my head.
+
+"I can let you have only a thousand now, but you shall have the
+balance this day week." I counted the thousand rubles, and handed
+them to him. "They are grumbling, rather, in Berlin over the
+expense."
+
+It was, of course, my object to give Vassileffsky no opening for a
+cross-examination, but to take it for granted that we were on
+confidential terms.
+
+At the word "Berlin" he opened his eyes pretty wide.
+
+"Does this money come from Germany?" he exclaimed, half-withdrawing
+his hand.
+
+I affected surprise in my turn.
+
+"You have not received any information at all, apparently! My message
+must have miscarried. Didn't the Princess see you?"
+
+Vassileffsky looked still more surprised. His demeanor taught me a
+good deal. I saw that Petrovitch had not trusted him very far. The
+financier had evidently kept all the threads of the intrigue in his
+own hands, as far as possible.
+
+So much the better, I reflected. His removal would disorganize
+matters even more thoroughly than I had ventured to hope.
+
+"What Princess?" the Captain asked.
+
+"The Princess Y----, of course."
+
+He brightened up a little, as though this name, at all events, was
+familiar.
+
+"No, she has not been here."
+
+"One can never trust these women," I muttered aloud. "She has not
+been at all the same since the death of her Englishman."
+
+"Of Sterling, do you mean?"
+
+"Yes. You heard of it, I suppose?"
+
+Vassileffsky grinned.
+
+"Rather sudden, wasn't it?"
+
+I smiled meaningly, as I retorted,
+
+"You remember he fainted rather unexpectedly that night he dined with
+me."
+
+A look of relief broke out on Vassileffsky's face, as I thus
+referred to an incident which he naturally supposed could be known
+only to Petrovitch.
+
+"My dear fellow, I beg a thousand pardons for my stupid conduct last
+night," he burst out. "But you must admit that your disguise is
+extraordinary."
+
+"Not a word!" I returned. "It is always better to err on the side of
+distrust. Besides, I wished to spend a night on your ship in any
+case. Your crew can be thoroughly depended on, if I am any judge."
+
+"They would bombard the Tower of London, if I gave the word," boasted
+Vassileffsky.
+
+It is extraordinary how widely the belief prevails on the Continent
+of Europe that the London Tower is still a fortress, charged with the
+protection of the British capital.
+
+"At all events, they will not be frightened by the sight of the Union
+Jack?" I returned.
+
+The Russian officer gave me an alarmed glance.
+
+"You do not mean--you are not asking us to fire on the British
+fleet?"
+
+"No, no," I reassured him.
+
+"Ah, that is all right. For the moment I confess you frightened me.
+They say we shall have to pass Admiral Beresford!"
+
+"What are you prepared to do?" I asked, concealing my deep interest
+in the reply.
+
+Vassileffsky's manner became slightly reproachful.
+
+"You did not bargain with me to attack an armed ship," he said in
+the tone of one who reminds another of his agreement. "It was
+understood that we were to attack merchantmen, like the
+Vladivostockers."
+
+At last I had a direct confirmation of my suspicions.
+
+"And what is the tone of the fleet generally?" I inquired.
+
+"I have done my best to make them all of the same mind. They will do
+their best, depend on it. I think there will be a few English vessels
+mysteriously lost at sea during the next two or three months! The
+prize courts cannot always be depended on."
+
+By an effort I restrained my indignation at these atrocious hints.
+The Baltic Fleet was about to seek the open sea, secretly intending
+to miss no chance of sinking a British merchantman that should be
+unlucky enough to cross its path.
+
+It was with a feeling of chagrin that I perceived it would be useless
+to send any message to Lord Bedale of what was in preparation. On
+certain subjects the British people are deaf and blind. They believe
+that all foreign statesmen are as high-minded as a Gladstone, and all
+foreign officials as scrupulous and truthful as the Chevalier Bayard
+himself.
+
+Captain Vassileffsky continued,
+
+"Our men are badly scared by reports of the Japanese plans. It is
+supposed that they have torpedo boats lurking in the English ports.
+Hull is said to be full of them."
+
+"Why, Hull?"
+
+Vassileffsky gave me a wink.
+
+"Hull is the great fishing center. Whole fleets of traders come out
+from there to the fishing banks in the North Sea. We are going to
+stir them up a bit."
+
+The outlines of the plot became every moment more clear.
+
+"On what pretext?" I asked.
+
+The Russian answered me without noticing that I was not so well
+informed as himself.
+
+"Oh, we shall find pretexts enough, you bet. For one thing, we shall
+signal them to clear out of the way, and when they have their trawl
+nets down and can't move! That will be lively. There will be a
+collision or two, I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"But isn't that against the rule of the road?"
+
+Though not a seaman, I had always heard that a vessel in motion is
+bound to avoid one that is at rest. I knew, moreover, that a
+steamship was bound to make way for a sailing vessel.
+
+Vassileffsky cursed the rule of the road.
+
+"It will be a question of evidence," he exclaimed. "My word against a
+dirty fisherman's. What do you say?"
+
+I pretended to be thoroughly satisfied. Still, knowing what I did of
+the Russian character, I had some hope that the Captain was boasting
+in order to impress me, and that he would not really dare to run down
+a British vessel within reach of the shores of England.
+
+Our conversation was interrupted by a gun.
+
+As the report died away, a junior officer ran down the companionway,
+helter-skelter, and burst into the cabin.
+
+"Something's up, sir," he cried to his commander. "They are signaling
+from the Admiral's ship."
+
+Vassileffsky darted up the steps and on to the bridge, and I
+followed.
+
+The Baltic fleet presented a striking spectacle. Every vessel was
+busily reporting the signals from the flag ship, the launches were
+dashing to and fro, and there was every sign of bustle and activity.
+
+The signal officer read out Admiral Rojestvensky's order:
+
+"The fleet will proceed to Libau to-day _en route_ to the East.
+Anchors will be weighed at noon. By order of the Czar."
+
+M. Auguste had failed me at last!
+
+With the frightful boasts of Vassileffsky still ringing in my ears, I
+felt that I must make one effort to stay its departure.
+
+"This news compels me to return to Petersburg immediately," I told
+the Captain. "Have the goodness to put me ashore at once."
+
+For a moment or two the Russian made no answer. I glanced at him
+curiously.
+
+His face had gone suddenly livid. His limbs were trembling. He gave
+me the dull look of a man stupefied by fear.
+
+"The Japanese!" he ejaculated in a thick voice.
+
+I seized him by the arm.
+
+"Are you pretending?" I whispered.
+
+He gave me a savage glance.
+
+"It's true!" he said. "Those devils will be up to something. It's all
+over with the fleet. No one believes we shall ever see Port Arthur."
+
+Grave and pre-occupied, I went ashore and caught a fast train to
+Petersburg.
+
+It was late when I got to the little house on the Alexander Quay. The
+faithful Breuil received me with a serious face.
+
+"Fauchette is here," he announced.
+
+"Fauchette?"
+
+"Yes. She has some news for you."
+
+"Let me see her."
+
+I strode in front to my study, where I was immediately joined by the
+maid, who appeared not a little alarmed.
+
+I never like to see my assistants agitated.
+
+"Sit down, my good girl," I said soothingly. "Do not be afraid; I
+know what pains you take to serve me. Now, what is it?"
+
+"Madame has dismissed me."
+
+I had feared as much.
+
+"On what grounds?"
+
+"She gave none, except that she was leaving home."
+
+I pricked up my ears.
+
+"Did she tell you where she was going?"
+
+"Yes, to her estates in the country."
+
+"It was a lie, I suppose. She had come to suspect you, had she not?"
+
+"Since Monsieur's escape, I fear yes."
+
+"And have you ascertained----?"
+
+"The Princess has left Petersburg by the midday train for----"
+
+"For?" I broke in impatiently.
+
+"For Berlin."
+
+I rang the bell. Breuil appeared.
+
+"Have you got the tickets?" I asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And my dress as a pilot of the Kiel Canal?"
+
+"It is packed."
+
+"And what time does the next train leave?"
+
+"In two hours from now."
+
+"Good. And now, my children, we will have supper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+ON THE TRACK
+
+
+As the really exciting moment of the protracted struggle drew near, I
+summoned all my energies to meet it.
+
+I alighted in Berlin armed only with two weapons, the passport made
+out in the name of Petrovitch, and a fairly accurate knowledge of the
+schemes, or at all events the hopes, of the German Government.
+
+From the first beginning of my long investigation, all the clues I
+had picked up had led steadily in one direction.
+
+The great disorganized Empire of the Czar's, with its feeble-willed
+autocrat, its insubordinate grand dukes, its rival ministers pulling
+different ways, and its greedy officials whose country was their
+pocket, had been silently and steadily enfolded in the invisible web
+of German statecraft.
+
+The brilliant personality of Wilhelm II had magnetized the
+vacillating, timorous Nicholas. Count Buelow had courted the Russian
+Foreign Office with the assiduous arts of a lover, and his wooing had
+been crowned by complete success. Through Petrovitch the grand dukes
+had been indirectly bribed, and the smaller fry like M. Auguste had
+been bought outright. Even the Army and Navy had been cajoled, or
+bought, or terrorized by pretended revelations of Japanese designs.
+
+Russia had become a supple implement in the hands of the German
+Kaiser, the sovereign who for nearly twenty years had been striving
+toward one goal by a hundred different crooked paths.
+
+It was evident that the unexplained disappearance of Petrovitch must
+have struck consternation into his employers. I suspected that the
+Princess Y---- had been summoned to Berlin to throw light on the
+event, and possibly to be furnished with instructions which would
+enable her to take over the dead man's work.
+
+My position was now peculiarly difficult. I wished to get in touch
+with the principals for whom Petrovitch had acted, but to avoid, if
+possible, meeting any one who had known him personally.
+
+Above all, I was determined not to risk an encounter with Sophia. She
+knew that I was still alive, and I feared that her feminine
+intuition, quickened by love, would penetrate through whatever
+disguise I might adopt.
+
+Under these circumstances I decided to begin by approaching Herr
+Finkelstein, the head of the imperial Secret Service in Berlin.
+
+This man was an old crony of mine. While a magnificent organizer of
+espionage, he was a poor observer himself, and I had already
+succeeded on one occasion in imposing myself on him under a false
+identity.
+
+I had brought with me the papers which I had obtained by bribery from
+the police agent Rostoy, representing me as an inspector in the
+secret police of the Russian Empire.
+
+Wearing my pilot's dress, but carrying these and other papers in my
+pocket, I presented myself at Finkelstein's office, and asked to see
+him.
+
+I was shown in first, as I had expected, to Finkelstein's secretary,
+who asked me my business.
+
+"I can tell that only to the Herr Superintendent himself," I said.
+
+"If you will let him know that I have just come from Petersburg, I am
+sure he will receive me."
+
+The secretary seemed to think so too. He went straight into his
+chief's room and came out immediately to fetch me in.
+
+As soon as I found myself alone with the head of the German service,
+I said quietly,
+
+"I have brought you a message from M. Petrovitch."
+
+"Petrovitch!" exclaimed the Superintendent, surprised out of his
+usual caution. "But he is dead!"
+
+"You have been misinformed," I replied in an assured tone.
+
+Finkelstein looked at me searchingly.
+
+"My informant does not often make mistakes," he observed.
+
+"The Princess is deceived this time, however," was my retort.
+
+It was a fresh surprise for the Superintendent.
+
+"The Princess! Then you know?" He broke off short, conscious that he
+was making an admission.
+
+"The Princess Y---- having left Petersburg, it was natural to suppose
+that she had come here to consult you," I answered modestly, not
+wishing to appear too well informed.
+
+Finkelstein frowned.
+
+"You have not yet told me who you are," he reminded me.
+
+I produced the forged papers.
+
+"I am an inspector attached to the Third Section, as you will see. I
+must inform you, however, that I am not here with the knowledge of my
+superiors."
+
+The German gave a glance at the papers, which were similar to others
+which he must have had presented to him from time to time.
+
+"That is all satisfactory," he said, as he returned them to me. "But
+you say that you have a message from M. Petrovitch?"
+
+"He had no opportunity of giving me any but this," I responded,
+producing the passport.
+
+This time Finkelstein seemed really satisfied.
+
+"It is clear that you know something about him, at least," he
+remarked. "I will listen to what you have to say."
+
+"M. Petrovitch is confined in Schluesselburg."
+
+The name of the dreaded fortress, the last home of so many political
+prisoners, caused Finkelstein a shock.
+
+"_Gott im Himmel!_ You don't say so! How did he get there? Tell me
+everything."
+
+"He does not know from what quarter the blow came. The only person he
+can think of who might have denounced him is the Princess herself."
+
+"The Princess Y----?"
+
+"Exactly."
+
+The German looked incredulous.
+
+"But they were hand in glove. The Princess was his best agent."
+
+"True. Unfortunately there is always one source of danger where a
+woman is concerned--she cannot control her affections. It appears
+that M. Petrovitch ordered her to remove a certain Englishman, a spy
+of some kind, who was giving trouble, and Madame Y---- was attached
+to the fellow. She carried out her orders, but M. Petrovitch fears
+that she has taken revenge on him."
+
+Finkelstein gave a superior smile.
+
+"I can dispose of that suspicion," he said confidently. "The
+Princess did _not_ carry out her orders. The man you speak of--who is
+the most dangerous and unprincipled scoundrel in the world--has
+escaped, and we have lost all trace of him."
+
+It was my turn to show surprise and alarm.
+
+"What you tell me is appalling! I ought to see the Princess as soon
+as possible. If what she says is true, it must be the Englishman who
+has brought about Petrovitch's arrest."
+
+"He is no Englishman," the Superintendent returned. "He is an
+American, a Pole, a Frenchman, whatever you please. That man has been
+at the bottom of all the troubles in Europe for the last twenty
+years. I have employed him myself, sometimes, so I ought to know
+something about him."
+
+I listened with an interest that was not feigned to this character of
+myself. It was, all the same, a lie that Finkelstein had ever
+employed me; on the contrary, I had been called in by his imperial
+master to check his work.
+
+"Then what is to be done?" I asked, as the German finished speaking.
+"M. Petrovitch sent me here to warn you against the Princess, and to
+demand your influence to secure his release."
+
+"That will be a difficult matter. I shall have to consult the
+Minister. In the meantime, where can I find you?"
+
+I mentioned the name of a hotel.
+
+"And the Princess Y----? Where can I see her?"
+
+"I expect that she has left for Kiel," said the Superintendent. "She
+has volunteered to carry out the plan originally proposed by
+Petrovitch."
+
+"Then in that case you will not require my services?" I said, with an
+air of being disappointed. "M. Petrovitch thought you might find me
+useful in his place."
+
+"I must consult others before I can say anything as to that," was the
+cautious reply.
+
+He added rather grudgingly,
+
+"I did not know M. Petrovitch myself, you see. It was thought better
+that he should not come to Berlin."
+
+This statement relieved me of a great anxiety. I now saw my way to
+take a bolder line.
+
+"So I understood, sir. But I did not venture to approach his majesty
+except through you."
+
+Finkelstein started again, and gave me a new look of curiosity.
+
+"Who authorized you to mention the Emperor?"
+
+I tried to play the part of a man who has made an unintentional slip.
+
+"I spoke too quickly. Petrovitch informed me--that is to say, I
+supposed--" I broke down in feigned confusion.
+
+I knew inquisitiveness to be the Superintendent's besetting sin,
+and, up to a certain point, I had an interest in tempting him on.
+
+"You appear to be more in the confidence of M. Petrovitch than you
+are willing to admit," he said sagely. "Up to the present you have
+not explained how he came to make you his messenger."
+
+I leaned back with a faint smile.
+
+"I imagine you are quite astute enough to guess my secret, if you
+choose, Herr Finkelstein. But you must excuse me if I am a little
+careful whom I trust, especially after the behavior of Princess
+Y----."
+
+"You are M. Petrovitch himself! Of course! I thought as much all
+along," Finkelstein said with a smile of triumph. "Well, you are
+certainly right to be cautious; but, as you see, it is not easy to
+deceive an old hand like myself."
+
+"At all events you will be at least equally cautious, I hope. What
+you tell me about this international spy being still at large has
+disturbed me a good deal, I confess."
+
+"Make your mind easy," the German returned with a patronizing air.
+"We are in Berlin here, not in Petersburg. This gentleman will not
+venture within my reach, I assure you."
+
+I professed every satisfaction with this guarantee, and took my
+leave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+AN IMPERIAL FANATIC
+
+
+I was now to face Wilhelm II.
+
+It was solely for this purpose that I had come to Berlin. But I knew
+the great advantage of getting myself vouched for in advance by a
+third party, and therefore I had been anxious to convince Finkelstein
+of my identity in the first place, so that his master might accept me
+without inquiry as to whether I was the man I claimed to be.
+
+I dined quietly in my hotel, a small tavern in a back street. It was
+getting late, and I was on the point of going to bed, when I heard
+the noise of a motor rushing up and stopping suddenly outside the
+little inn.
+
+An aide-de-camp burst in upon me.
+
+"Your name, sir?" he demanded in a whisper.
+
+"Petrovitch," I replied in the same tone.
+
+"Come this way, if you please."
+
+In less than a minute I was seated in the car, which was dashing at a
+really dangerous pace through the nearly deserted streets.
+
+"I am taking you to Potsdam," was all the explanation my companion
+thought necessary.
+
+It did not take us long to reach the famous palace of Frederick the
+Great, which the growth of Berlin has almost turned into a suburban
+residence.
+
+My conductor brought me past all the sentries and servants, and led
+me down some steps into what seemed to be a subterranean hall. It was
+decorated with statues and paintings of the ancestors of Wilhelm II.,
+together with weapons, suits of armor, and banners of the successive
+periods in which they lived.
+
+But the most striking object in the hall or crypt--for it might have
+been either--was a trophy erected on a species of altar at one end,
+exhibiting a variety of crowns.
+
+At the foot were a number of small coronets, representing those worn
+by the former Margraves of Brandenburg, in whom the Hohenzollern
+family took its rise. Above were ranged the crowns of the Kings of
+Prussia, that of Frederick the Great being in the center. Still
+higher rose the three imperial crowns of Germany, those of William
+I., Frederick III., and the present Emperor. And then, right on the
+summit, came a still more gorgeous object, whose like I had never
+seen before.
+
+It was a colossal miter, somewhat after the fashion of the Papal
+tiara, wrought out of pure gold, thickly studded with great pearls,
+and surmounted by a cross.
+
+But I had barely time to notice this singular display. As my guide
+left me on the threshold of the hall, I was aware that I stood in the
+presence of the German Emperor.
+
+This extraordinary monarch, whose great and far-reaching views are
+combined with a type of extravagance which has long made him looked
+upon as the _enfant terrible_ of Europe, was about to teach me a new
+side of his character.
+
+He received me seated in a small ivory chair like a throne, and
+attired in a garment of pontifical design.
+
+"Advance, M. Petrovitch," he commanded in a loud voice.
+
+As I stood in front of him, he said theatrically,
+
+"I receive you in the Hall of the Hohenzollerns. You see around you
+the sacred memorials of the family which Providence has raised up to
+be the saviors of Europe, and the future rulers of the world."
+
+In response to this invitation I took a longer and more comprehensive
+view of the various objects already described. The Kaiser
+condescended to point some of them out to me with a long two-handed
+sword which he held.
+
+I began to suspect seriously that the megalomania which has always
+formed one of Wilhelm's characteristic traits, was overpowering his
+good sense.
+
+"M. Petrovitch," my august cicerone proceeded, "you see there the
+crowns which have been won and worn by my illustrious and
+never-to-be-forgotten ancestors. Can you guess the meaning of the
+diadem above--which I have designed myself?
+
+"That," declared the last and most remarkable of the Hohenzollerns,
+"is intended to be worn by that member of my Family who shall be
+called by the united voice of the other sovereigns to the supreme
+world monarchy. It is destined to be our Planetary Crown."
+
+I bowed in stupefaction. The Kaiser seemed pleased with the
+impression he had made.
+
+"And now," he said, "since it is necessary that I should be sure of
+you before I trust you with my plans, kneel down."
+
+I knelt, feeling as if I were in a dream. Wilhelm II. solemnly held
+out the hilt of his two-handed sword:--
+
+"You swear to yield faith, loyalty and utter obedience now and
+henceforth to Almighty God, and the Head of the Hohenzollerns!"
+
+It being impossible to refuse the oath in the circumstances, I kissed
+the sword, with a mental reservation.
+
+Wilhelm II. surprised me by thereupon laying it across my shoulders.
+
+"I dub thee knight of the Sacred Order of the Hohenzollerns! Arise."
+
+I got up, thoroughly confused. The Emperor invited me to be seated,
+and proceeded to deliver a harangue--for it was nothing less.
+
+"Bismarck had not sufficient genius to see the destiny of the
+Hohenzollerns. With the vision of a mere German Junker, he looked on
+Russia as the enemy.
+
+"It is I who have changed all that. I have taught the Czar to look to
+me for guidance and protection. Should the present revolutionary
+movement become dangerous, I shall march at the head of my army to
+the rescue, and reinstate the Romanoffs as my vassals.
+
+"The only obstacle in the path of the Hohenzollerns is an island
+which two of my Army Corps could subdue in a fortnight. But in order
+to invade it with safety, I must have France on my side.
+
+"It is for this end that I have been working. France cherishes a
+grudge against me because of the glorious exploits of my immortal
+grandfather. Moreover, my uncle, Edward VII., has contrived to win
+the friendship of the Republicans.
+
+"But France is the ally of Russia, and if Russia is attacked, France
+must draw the sword on her behalf.
+
+"You understand?--with the first shot which is fired by a British
+warship on the Russian flag, I shall be able to invade England."
+
+I understood indeed. Briefly and plainly Wilhelm II. had summed up
+the result of my own inquiries and reasonings.
+
+"It is you," the Emperor proceeded, "who have undertaken to secure
+this result."
+
+I bowed, intensely desirous to know exactly what it was that
+Petrovitch had pledged himself to do.
+
+"I have just rewarded you for the services you have already rendered,
+by admitting you to my Family Order, an order which I intend shall
+take precedence of the Golden Fleece, and even the Garter. Should you
+carry out your present task to my satisfaction I shall consider no
+reward too great for you."
+
+I trembled as I listened to this wild vaporing. If such were the
+private thoughts of the Kaiser, no wonder some of his public
+utterances smacked of the visionary.
+
+I could not doubt that he was thoroughly in earnest. Long brooding on
+the greatness of his ancestors, and his own importance as the sole
+European ruler who has kings for his satellites, had filled him with
+the fanatical spirit of a Mohammed or a Hildebrand. He believed,
+firmly and sincerely believed, that Providence had called him to the
+sovereignty of the globe, and authorized him to sweep every rival out
+of his path.
+
+"Your majesty overwhelms me," I murmured. "Consider, sire, that to be
+your servant is in itself an honor so great that no other reward is
+necessary."
+
+The Kaiser smiled graciously.
+
+"Well, now, M. _de_ Petrovitch----" his majesty emphasized the
+particle by way of reminding me that I was now a knight of the
+important Order of Hohenzollern--"let us discuss your next step."
+
+I seized the opportunity to obtain the information I was so anxious
+to secure.
+
+"I should feel it presumptuous to enter into anything like a
+discussion with you, sire. If your majesty will be gracious enough to
+impart your criticism on my proposal?"
+
+Wilhelm II. looked at me as though he found me to be a person of much
+good sense.
+
+"Your idea, my dear de Petrovitch, as I understand it, is to provoke
+the British to reprisals by some outrage on the part of the Baltic
+Fleet during its passage to the Far East.
+
+"Unfortunately, as you must see, the British are determined not to be
+provoked. Remember what has been done already. You have captured and
+sunk their ships, in violation of international law; you have sent
+out volunteer cruisers from the Black Sea in defiance of treaties,
+and turned back their mail steamers with government stores on board.
+
+"What has been the result? The English Government has complained to
+yours; the Czar has ordered explanations to be given, and the thing
+has blown over.
+
+"This time there must be something more than that. There must be
+something which cannot be explained away. We must if possible place
+Nicholas II., as well as Great Britain, in a position from which
+neither can retreat without loss of honor.
+
+"To this end it is necessary that the Baltic Fleet should commit an
+act of war, and that the Czar should be convinced that the
+provocation has come from the English side. Do you understand?"
+
+I recalled the hints dropped by Captain Vassileffsky at Revel.
+
+"Your majesty has been informed perhaps that I have caused the
+officers and men of the Fleet to believe that they will find Japanese
+torpedo boats lying in wait for them among the English fishing
+vessels in the North Sea. In consequence, they will be ready to fire
+without waiting to see if the torpedo boats are really there,
+especially if the fishermen fail to retire as the Fleet approaches."
+
+The Kaiser shook his head.
+
+"All that is leaving too much to chance, my good de Petrovitch. What
+is required is something more positive. In short, the torpedo boats
+must really be there."
+
+I lifted my eyes to his.
+
+"There is not a Japanese torpedo boat within ten thousand miles of
+the North Sea, unfortunately."
+
+Wilhelm II. smiled a meaning smile.
+
+"If that is all, we must so far forget the duties of neutrality as to
+allow the friends of Japan to procure a craft suitable for the
+purpose from our dockyard at Kiel."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+THE STOLEN SUBMARINE
+
+
+As the full extent of this audacious plot was laid bare before my
+eyes I had a difficulty in believing in its reality.
+
+I was obliged to remind myself of some of the maneuvres which have
+marked German statecraft in the recent past, of the forgeries and
+"reinsurance" treaties of Bismarck, of the patronage extended to
+Abdul Hamid, of the secret intrigue that brought about the disasters
+of Greece.
+
+If I had had any scepticism left, the Emperor would have dispelled it
+by the clear and business-like explanations which followed.
+
+His majesty produced a chart of the North Sea, showing the coasts of
+Great Britain and Germany, with the Kiel Canal and so forth. Half-way
+between the opposite shores a dotted outline marked the situation of
+the great shoals which attract the fish, and from which the harvests
+of the sea are gathered by the brave and industrious toilers of
+Grimsby, Hull, and many another port.
+
+From the northern point of Denmark, two lines in red ink were drawn
+right down the map to where the North Sea narrows into the Straits of
+Dover.
+
+The first of these lines was fairly direct, passing about thirty
+miles to the eastward of the great fishing grounds.
+
+The second line took a wide curve to the west, and crossed right over
+the center of a shoal marked "Dogger Bank."
+
+The Kaiser proceeded to explain.
+
+"This is a duplicate of the charts used by the pilots of the North
+Sea. I have offered my brother Nicholas as a special favor the
+services of German pilots, and they will board the vessels of the
+Baltic Fleet as soon as it leaves Danish waters.
+
+"As you see, the right course would take the fleet a long way off the
+English fishing-boats. But the pilots who go on board will receive
+secret orders at the last moment to take the Russian ships over the
+Dogger Bank, and, if possible, into the very midst of any fishing
+fleet that may be there.
+
+"Then all that is required is that you should be on the spot, and
+should fire the first shot from the midst of the fishing-boats."
+
+I endeavored to preserve a calm demeanor.
+
+"May I suggest to your majesty that the presence of a torpedo boat
+among them is likely to arouse suspicion beforehand. The English
+sailors have keen eyes."
+
+"I have thought of that. It will be necessary for you to have a
+submarine."
+
+"A submarine, sire!"
+
+"Certainly. I have had six submarine torpedo boats built by my own
+designs at Kiel since this war broke out, for use in defending the
+approaches to the Canal.
+
+"These boats are now lying in the inner harbor, all fitted out and
+ready for sea.
+
+"You will take one, with a crew of your own, whom you must enlist
+secretly, and slip out through the Canal into the North Sea.
+
+"You will proceed, keeping under the surface, till you reach the
+Dogger Bank, and find yourself among the trawl nets of the English
+fishermen.
+
+"There you will wait till such time as the Russian ships come up.
+
+"As soon as the right moment has arrived, you will rise to the
+surface and discharge a torpedo. As soon as you have drawn the fire
+of the Russians, and have seen an English fishing-boat struck, you
+can go beneath the surface again, and make the best of your way back
+to Kiel."
+
+"Your plan is perfection itself, sire!" I exclaimed with an
+admiration which was not wholly pretended, since the idea really was
+not lacking in cleverness.
+
+The Kaiser nodded good-humoredly.
+
+"The Russians will never be persuaded they were not attacked first,
+and the English will never pass over such an outrage in their own
+waters," his majesty remarked complacently. "Lord Charles Beresford
+will do the rest."
+
+"I am ready to carry out your orders, sire. All I require is an
+authority to take the submarine from Kiel."
+
+The Kaiser frowned.
+
+"Have you had any authority from me for anything you have done up to
+the present, sir?" he demanded harshly.
+
+As an answer in the negative was clearly expected, I gave it.
+
+"Understand me, M. de Petrovitch, I repose every confidence in you;
+but I should not have held this conversation with any man, even my
+Chancellor, if I thought it could ever be used against me. If I gave
+you the authority you ask for, I should not be able to deny that I
+had ever employed you, in case of trouble."
+
+"Then you propose, sire----?"
+
+"I intend you to take this vessel secretly, without authority from me
+or from any one else."
+
+"And if I am caught in the act of taking it? If any of the naval
+authorities question my movements?"
+
+"You will not be caught. Your movements will not be questioned. I can
+assure you of so much."
+
+"I thank you, sire. That is quite sufficient."
+
+I retired from the imperial presence, though not, as I have had some
+reason to suspect, from the imperial observation. In other words, I
+felt pretty well convinced that there would be a watch on my
+movements till my task was over.
+
+The same aide-de-camp awaited me outside the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, and carried me back to my obscure hotel with the same
+speed and silence as he had brought me.
+
+The next morning I arose to find the papers filled with the news of
+the departure of the Baltic Fleet from Libau.
+
+The Russian Admiral, as if in obedience to the secret promptings of
+Berlin, was reported as having issued a preposterous and illegal
+warning that he should fire on any ship of any nation that presumed
+to venture within reach of his guns. I could not help wondering what
+would be thought of this proclamation in the British Admiralty.
+
+There being no more for me to do in Berlin, I took the first train to
+Kiel, the Portsmouth of Germany. Kiel itself, it will be remembered,
+stands at the Baltic end of the famous canal which the present Kaiser
+has had constructed for his warships to pass out to the North Sea
+without going around Denmark.
+
+It was late when I arrived, but I determined to lose no time in
+seeing how far the secret orders of the Kaiser extended.
+
+Accordingly, as soon as I had dined, I went out and took my way
+toward the government dockyard.
+
+The entrance to the dockyard was guarded by a sentry with fixed
+bayonet. Behind him I saw a large iron gate which appeared to be
+heavily barred, with a small postern at one side, which was also
+closed.
+
+I advanced toward the sentry, expecting every moment to hear a
+challenge ring out. To my genuine astonishment, nothing of the kind
+occurred. The sentry did not pay the slightest attention to me, but
+went on pacing to and fro as though I had been wearing a cap of
+invisibility.
+
+I went up to the postern door, and tried the handle. It opened at a
+touch, and I found myself alone in the deserted dockyard.
+
+For some time I groped my way forward by the light of the few
+scattered electric lights, till I reached the edge of a large basin
+which appeared to communicate with the outer harbor of Kiel.
+
+Turning the opposite way, I went along the edge of the wharf, picking
+my way among timber balks, stacks of iron sheeting, chains, ropes,
+and all the other things that are found scattered about a naval
+dockyard.
+
+At the head of the great basin I found a lock giving access to a
+small inner dock, in which a number of vessels were moored.
+
+I made my way around, searching everywhere for the vessels I had been
+told I should find.
+
+At last, in the farthest and most secluded corner, I perceived a row
+of small craft, shaped much like a shark, with a long narrow tube or
+funnel rising up from the center of each.
+
+They lay low in the water, without being submerged. Alone among the
+shipping they carried no riding-lights. They appeared dark, silent,
+and deserted.
+
+Almost unconsciously I ran my eye along them, counting them as they
+lay. Suddenly I was aroused to keen attention.
+
+One--two--three--four--five. The Kaiser had assured me that I should
+find six submarines to choose from!
+
+I counted once more with straining eyes.
+
+_One_--_two_--_three_--_four_--_five_.
+
+One of the mysterious craft had been taken away!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+THE KIEL CANAL
+
+
+It was impossible to resist the conclusion suggested by the absence
+of the sixth submarine.
+
+I was not the only person who had been authorized, or rather
+instructed, to carry out the design against the Baltic Fleet. My
+august employer had thought it better to have two strings to his bow.
+
+Who, then, was the person by whom I had been anticipated?
+
+To this question an answer suggested itself which I was tempted to
+reject, but which haunted me, and would not be dismissed.
+
+The Princess Y---- had arrived in Berlin twelve hours before me. She
+had come, fully believing that Petrovitch was dead, and prepared to
+take his place.
+
+She had interviewed Finkelstein, as I knew. Was it not possible that
+she, also, had been received in the crypt at Potsdam, had been shown
+the chart of the North Sea, with its ominous red lines, and had
+accepted the task of launching one of the submarines on its fatal
+errand?
+
+In spite of all the stories which had been told me of Sophia's daring
+and resource, in spite of my own experiences of her adventures and
+reckless proceedings, I did not go so far as to credit her with
+having proceeded to sea in the missing craft.
+
+But it struck me as altogether in keeping with her character that she
+should have arranged for the withdrawal of the boat, provided it with
+a crew, and despatched it fully instructed as to the work to be done.
+
+But whether these suspicions were well founded or otherwise, of one
+thing there could be no doubt. A submarine had been taken by some
+one, and was now on its way to the North Sea, to lie in wait for the
+ships of Admiral Rojestvensky.
+
+This discovery entirely changed the position for me.
+
+I had come down to Kiel intending to take a submarine out to sea, to
+watch for the approach of the Russian fleet, and to take whatever
+steps proved practicable to avert any collision between it and the
+fishing-boats on the Dogger Bank.
+
+I now saw that the chance of my preventing a catastrophe depended
+entirely on the movements of the boat which had left already. This
+boat had become my objective, to use a strategical phrase.
+
+Somewhere in the North Sea was a submarine boat, charged with the
+mission of provoking a world-wide war. And that boat I had to find.
+
+There was no time to be lost. I hastened back by the most direct way
+I could find, to the dockyard gates. The little postern was still
+unlocked, and I passed out, the sentry again taking no notice of my
+passage.
+
+But at the first street corner I saw a man in seafaring dress who
+fixed a very keen gaze on me as I came up, and saluted me by touching
+his cap.
+
+"Good-night," I said in a friendly voice, slowing down in my walk.
+
+"Good-night, sir. Beg pardon, Captain,"--he came and moved along
+beside me--"but you don't happen to know of a job for a seafaring
+man, I suppose?"
+
+I stopped dead, and looked him straight in the eyes.
+
+"How many men do you estimate are required to navigate a submarine?"
+I asked.
+
+"Fifteen," was the prompt answer.
+
+"How soon can you have them here?" was my next question.
+
+The fellow glanced at his watch.
+
+"It's half-past eleven now, Captain. I could collect them and bring
+them here by half-past one."
+
+"Do it, then," I returned and walked swiftly away.
+
+The whole thing, it was evident, had been prearranged, and I did not
+choose to waste time in mock negotiations.
+
+I went back to my inn to wait, but there was nothing for me to do,
+except examine the cartridges in my revolver. I was not quite sure
+how much my crew had been told, and I thought it just possible that I
+might have some trouble with them when they found out the nature of
+my proceedings.
+
+Punctually at the hour fixed I returned to the street outside the
+dockyard, where I found fifteen men assembled.
+
+Glancing over them, I formed the opinion that they were picked men,
+on whom I could have relied thoroughly for the work I had been
+ordered to do, but who might be all the more likely to mutiny if they
+suspected that I was playing false.
+
+I stood in front of them in the silence of the street.
+
+"Now, my men, if there is any one of you who is not prepared to obey
+me, even if I order him to scuttle the ship, let him fall out before
+we start."
+
+Not a man stirred. Not an eyelash quivered. The German discipline had
+done its work.
+
+"I give you notice that the first man who hesitates to carry out my
+orders will be shot."
+
+The threat was received with perfect resignation.
+
+"Follow me."
+
+I turned on my heel, and led the way to the dockyard gates, the men
+marching after me with a regular tramp which could only have been
+acquired on the deck of a man-of-war.
+
+The sentry was, if possible, more indifferent to our approach than
+he had been when I had been alone. I threw open the wicket, and bade
+the last man close it.
+
+Then we marched in the same order to the place where the five
+submarines were moored.
+
+"I am going on board one of these boats," I announced. "Find
+something to take us off."
+
+The man whom I had engaged originally, taking on himself the part of
+mate, repeated my directions. A large whale-boat was found tied up in
+a convenient spot beside the wharf.
+
+We all got in, and I took the tiller. The mate, who answered to the
+Russian name of Orloff, though the only language I heard him speak
+was German, said nothing till I brought the whale-boat alongside of
+the nearest submarine.
+
+"I beg pardon, Captain, but I have a fancy that the boat at the far
+end is in better trim, if you have no choice."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me so at once?" I returned sharply, not too well
+pleased to find him so well informed.
+
+We boarded the submarine pointed out, and found it, of course,
+provided with everything necessary for an immediate departure,
+including provisions for a week.
+
+"You understand the navigation of the Canal, I suppose?" I inquired
+of Orloff.
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"Very good. Take the boat through. And ascertain all that you can
+about another submarine which must have passed through yesterday.
+Wake me if you hear or see anything."
+
+I lay down in the captain's berth and tried to sleep. But the
+excitement and, I may say, the romantic interest of the adventure
+proved too strong for me.
+
+I rose again, and came to where my deputy was seated, carefully
+conning the boat out of the dockyard basin into the Baltic end of the
+great Canal.
+
+We were already submerged, only the tip of our conning staff being
+out of the water. But by an ingenious system of tiny mirrors the
+steersman was able to see his way as plainly as if he had been on
+deck above the surface.
+
+On approaching the lock by which the basin opened into the Canal, no
+signal appeared to be given. Silently, as if of their own accord, the
+huge sluices opened and shut, and we glided out into the great
+waterway which has made the German Navy independent of Danish
+good-will.
+
+The voyage along the Kiel Canal in the silence of the night was
+deeply interesting, and were I not obliged to restrict myself
+severely to the naked outline of such facts as bear directly on the
+catastrophe, I should like to attempt a description of the weird and
+picturesque scene.
+
+Keeping steadily just under the surface, we proceeded swiftly past
+ports and villages and lonely wharves, till the stars paled and
+disappeared and a faint flush overspreading the sky in front warned
+us that day was breaking behind us.
+
+I searched the banks for anything resembling the craft of which I was
+in search, but in vain. We passed many other ships, chiefly
+merchantmen bound for Lubeck and Dantzig and other Baltic ports, but
+of course without being perceived ourselves.
+
+When we reached the mouth of the Canal, I ordered Orloff to stop.
+
+"I must go ashore here, and inquire about the other boat," I
+explained.
+
+I saw from the expression of his face that this step was not quite to
+his liking, but he did not venture on any remonstrance.
+
+He brought the boat alongside the bank, and raised her gently to the
+surface, to enable me to step on shore.
+
+But my quest proved useless, as perhaps I ought to have foreseen.
+
+The harbor-master, or port captain, to whom I addressed myself,
+affected the most entire ignorance of the exit of any submarine
+within the last week or more.
+
+"What you suggest is impossible," he assured me. "Every submarine is
+well known and carefully guarded, and if one had been permitted to
+leave Kiel by way of the Canal, I should have been notified in
+advance. No such notification has reached me, and therefore, as you
+will see, no such boat can possibly have left."
+
+I suspected that he was lying, but I thought it unsafe to persist.
+
+It occurred to me too late that I had been guilty of some imprudence
+in showing so much anxiety on the subject. It was only too probable
+that my inquiries would be reported to the Kaiser, who would draw his
+own inferences in the event of anything going wrong.
+
+I returned on board my own boat, saying nothing to Orloff, and gave
+the order to proceed.
+
+Orloff had handed over the wheel to one of his subordinates, who
+steered the submarine out into the blue waters of the North Sea.
+
+As soon as we were well out of reach of the Slesvig shore, I said to
+the steersman,
+
+"Now I will take the helm."
+
+Instead of promptly relinquishing it to me, the man turned his head
+in search of Orloff, saying at the same time,
+
+"Do you understand the course, sir?"
+
+I saw that if I meant to be master of the vessel, I must prove that
+my words of the night before were spoken in earnest. I drew my
+revolver, and put a bullet through the mutineer's head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+THE DOGGER BANK
+
+
+The sound of the explosion reverberated through the little craft like
+thunder. Orloff and half a dozen more men came rushing up.
+
+"This man disobeyed me," I said, quietly, slipping a fresh cartridge
+into the smoking chamber of my revolver. "Throw the body overboard,
+and return to your duties."
+
+What instructions Orloff and his men had received it was impossible
+for me to guess. But they clearly did not authorize any breach of
+discipline at this stage of the voyage.
+
+Without the slightest demur they lifted up the body, and carried it
+off. I had learned the way to manage the submarine by watching Orloff
+during the night, and I now pressed a lever which brought us swiftly
+to the surface. There was a sound of trampling feet overhead,
+followed by a splash, and I saw the mutineer's body drift past.
+
+It would be idle to seek for words in which to describe the
+overpowering anxiety which racked my nerves as we tore through the
+water. The peace of Europe, the safety of Japan and Great Britain,
+perhaps the future of the world, might be at stake.
+
+Everything depended on my finding the other submarine before it had
+launched its bolt against the great war fleet which was even now
+steaming through the Danish Belts, officered by men, some of whom I
+knew to be ready to take advantage of any pretext for outraging the
+peace of the seas.
+
+It did not take me long to decide that the neighborhood of the Dogger
+Bank was the most likely place, in fact the only place, for my
+search.
+
+I am not wholly unskilled in navigation, having given up a good deal
+of my spare time to yachting. With the aid of a chart which was on
+board, I had little difficulty in keeping a fairly straight course
+for the famous fishing ground.
+
+On the way I did not neglect the opportunity of acquiring a complete
+command over the movements of the submarine.
+
+It was driven by electricity, and so designed that by means of
+various knobs, one man could control it entirely, steering it,
+raising or lowering it in the water, increasing or slackening speed,
+stopping, backing, and even discharging the torpedo which was its
+only weapon of attack--with the exception of a small sharp ram at the
+bow.
+
+Having asserted my authority, and acquired the practical knowledge I
+needed, I at last called Orloff to me, and gave him the wheel.
+
+"Take me to the Dogger Bank. Warn me as soon as we get near any
+fishing-boats, and above all keep a careful lookout for our consort."
+
+It was by this name that I thought it most prudent to refer to the
+object of my search.
+
+Orloff took the wheel, and said immediately with an air of great
+respect,
+
+"You have laid a marvelously straight course, Captain. I was not
+aware that you were familiar with these waters. The Dogger Bank is
+right ahead, and we shall reach it in less than an hour."
+
+An hour later I was conscious of a light shock as the submarine
+stopped.
+
+We had grounded on the sandy shoal of the Dogger, in twenty fathoms
+of water, and overhead I could see great black shadows sweeping
+slowly past.
+
+They were cast by the trawlers of the Gamecock fleet.
+
+It being still daylight I did not venture to let the submarine show
+itself on the surface of the sea.
+
+Hugging the bottom, I steered in and out among the great trailing
+nets of the fisher fleet.
+
+At the same time I ordered my crew to keep a sharp watch for the
+first submarine, promising fifty marks[B] to the man who sighted her.
+
+[Footnote B: A silver mark is about twenty cents of our money.]
+
+The rest of that day passed without anything happening.
+
+As soon as darkness fell I brought my boat up to the surface, partly
+in order to renew the air supply, and partly to scan the horizon in
+search of the oncoming Russian fleet.
+
+But thanks to the promptness with which I had gone out to sea I had
+anticipated Rojestvensky by twenty-four hours. The Baltic Fleet was
+still in Danish waters, waiting to pick up the German pilots who were
+to lure it from its course.
+
+Finding there were no signs of the Russians, I submerged the
+submarine, all except the little conning tube, which was invisible in
+the darkness, and ran in among the English smacks.
+
+As I heard the brave, hardy fishermen talking to one another, the
+temptation was a strong one to disclose myself, and warn them of the
+coming peril.
+
+Only my experience of the uselessness of such warnings restrained me.
+I knew that these simple, law-abiding citizens would laugh me in the
+face if I told them that they were in danger from the warships of a
+foreign Power.
+
+As my unseen vessel glided softly past the side of one fishing-boat,
+whose name I could just make as the _Crane_, I overheard a few scraps
+of conversation, which threw a pathetic light on the situation.
+
+"We shall have the Rooshians coming along presently," said one voice.
+
+"No," answered another, "they won't come anywhere near us. 'Tis out
+of their course."
+
+"They do say the Rooshians don't know much about seamanship," a third
+voice spoke out. "Like as not we'll see their search-lights going
+by."
+
+"Well, if they come near enough, we'll give the beggars a cheer; what
+d'ye say?"
+
+"Aye, let's. Fair play's what I wishes 'em, and let the best man
+win."
+
+The words died away along the water, as I drew off and let my craft
+sink under once again.
+
+That night I slept soundly, making up for the vigil of the night
+before. The submarine rested on the sea floor, in a hollow of the
+undulating Bank, and one of the crew kept watch in case a "trawl"
+should come too close.
+
+But there was no sign of the mysterious companion which had come out
+of Kiel Harbor in front of me, and was even now prowling somewhere in
+the dark depths around.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+TRAFALGAR DAY
+
+
+In the morning I was conscious of a certain stir and display on board
+some of the fishing boats among which I continued to lurk.
+
+At first I supposed that the Baltic Fleet must have been sighted. But
+in the course of the day I gathered from various cries and shouts
+which were borne across the water, that the fishermen were keeping
+the anniversary of the most glorious day in the history of England,
+the day on which the immortal Nelson annihilated the united fleets of
+France and Spain, and shattered the dream of the great Napoleon that
+he could tame the haughty Island Power.
+
+As long as daylight lasted I scoured the sea for a distance of five
+miles all around the devoted fishing fleet, without coming on the
+slightest trace of the other submarine.
+
+A delusive hope assailed me that some accident might have overtaken
+it. But I did not relax my vigilance, and when night fell I took up a
+station about a mile in front of the English smacks, in the
+direction from which I had reason to expect the approach of
+Rojestvensky.
+
+A few hours elapsed, then my watchfulness was rewarded.
+
+Away down on the horizon toward the northeast, there glittered out a
+row of twinkling lights, one behind the other, as though a lamp-lit
+thoroughfare had got afloat and drifted out to sea.
+
+The sinuous streak of lights, shifting as they approached like the
+coils of some great water-snake, glided toward us at what seemed a
+fearful speed, and as they drew near the white lights were
+interspread with green and crimson points, like rubies and emeralds
+set between rows of diamonds. And ever and anon the swift electric
+tongues of the search-lights spat forth and licked the dark face of
+the waters like hungry things.
+
+Keeping my upper deck just awash, I lay still and beheld at last the
+great black sides of the battleships tower up, pierced with
+illuminated windows.
+
+My heart began to throb wildly. If only the other submarine failed to
+appear; if only the English fishermen would realize their danger and
+flee in time, disaster might be averted.
+
+The hope had scarcely formed itself in my mind when Orloff, who had
+come to repose confidence in me, respectfully touched my arm and
+pointed ahead.
+
+Not two hundred yards from me, stealing along about a mile in advance
+of the Russian fleet, I perceived a small dark object, showing hardly
+a foot above the surface of the waves.
+
+It was the rival submarine!
+
+Instead of proceeding direct to the Dogger Bank, as I had done, the
+other boat must have joined Admiral Rojestvensky's squadron, and come
+on before it like a jackal pointing out the lion's prey.
+
+"Go forward," I commanded the German mate. "Let no one disturb me
+till this business is over."
+
+Orloff gave me a wondering look, but obeyed without an instant's
+hesitation.
+
+As soon as his back was turned, I swung the wheel around, put on the
+full power of the engines, and went after the craft I had been
+searching for during the last forty-eight hours.
+
+Had the commander of the other submarine noticed mine, and did he
+suspect my intention to frustrate his design? It almost seemed so.
+His boat, scarcely visible in the gloom, fled in front of me to where
+the foremost fishing boats were riding lazily over the shoals,
+dragging their nets along the bottom.
+
+It was a weird chase. Neither of us showed a glint of light, or made
+the smallest sound. Like two great shadowing fish we darted through
+the depths of the sea, hunter and hunted.
+
+In between the sagging nets with their load of cod and flounders,
+shot the phantom boat I was pursuing, and I followed, obliged to
+slacken speed as we twisted in and out under the keels of the
+unconscious fishermen.
+
+And all this time the huge warships in two lines astern were plunging
+through the seas, heading straight for the unfortunate smacks.
+
+The chase seemed to be aware that it was a case of now or never. I
+was catching up with it fast; I was able to mark its course by the
+broken water churned up by its propeller; when, all at once, I saw it
+rise with the swift motion of a bird.
+
+I had no alternative but to do the same.
+
+As I emerged upon the surface I found my boat in the very center of
+the full glare of a search-light which lit up the whole scene with
+dazzling radiance.
+
+Fresh from the depths below, where all had been dark, my eyes fairly
+blinked in the sudden splendor of light.
+
+Then, for what might have been from three to five seconds, I saw
+everything that passed.
+
+The foremost vessels of the Russian fleet had already gone past the
+group of drifting trawlers. One large cruiser was passing within a
+stone's-throw of the nearest fishing-boat, and the English fishermen
+were playfully holding up some of their freshly-caught fish, as
+though offering it to the Russian sailors.
+
+Another line of warships was coming up behind, with its search-lights
+thrown out in front.
+
+And then, right across the range of lights, and in a straight line
+between the Russian battleships and the English smacks, I saw the
+phantom torpedo boat pass deliberately, as high out of the water as
+she could show.
+
+What happened next took place so swiftly, and with such confusion
+that I cannot pretend to describe it with accuracy.
+
+Shouts rang out on some of the Russian ships, the submarine headed
+around as though to seek refuge among the trawlers, and then a gun
+was fired, and a cannon-ball struck the water within a few feet of
+me.
+
+All at once, it seemed to me, and as though by some preconcerted
+plan, half the ships of the Baltic Fleet opened fire on the English
+fishermen, who seemed too surprised and horrified to do anything. I
+saw ball after ball crash into one luckless smack, which quickly
+began to fill and sink. But, generally speaking, the marksmanship of
+the Russians was too wild for the firing to have serious effect.
+
+As soon as I realized that I had become a mark for the Russian guns I
+sank beneath the surface. It is no doubt this voluntary move on my
+part which has given rise to the belief cherished by some of the
+officers of the Baltic Fleet, and indorsed by Admiral Rojestvensky,
+that a torpedo boat was sunk by their fire.
+
+But I knew that the massacre--for it was nothing less--would go on as
+long as the other submarine remained on the surface, mixing among the
+luckless fishing boats with the deliberate intention of drawing on
+them the Russian fire.
+
+I marked her course, put my engines to their fullest speed one more,
+and rushed after her.
+
+This time my coming was not watched by the hostile commander. Like
+Admiral Rojestvensky, he may have believed that my boat had been sunk
+by the ball which had come so close. Or else, perhaps, in his
+exultation at having brought about an event which seemed to make war
+inevitable, he had forgotten his former fears.
+
+But the truth will never be known.
+
+I brought my own boat right under the demon craft, and then, tilting
+her up at a sharp angle, rammed the other in the center of her keel.
+
+There was a concussion, a muffled sound of tearing iron, and as I
+backed away at full speed astern, I saw the waters of the North Sea
+pour through a long jagged rent in the bottom of the doomed
+submarine, and watched her go down staggering like a wounded vulture
+through the air.
+
+The shock of the collision had brought Orloff and the rest of my crew
+running aft.
+
+"An accident," I explained coolly. "I have sunk some boat or other in
+the dark."
+
+The men exchanged suspicious glances.
+
+"It was the other submarine, sir," said Orloff, still preserving his
+respectful tone. "Will you permit us to see whether it is possible to
+save any of the crew?"
+
+"Do as you please," I returned, leaving the helm. "My work here is
+done, and I am ready to go back."
+
+I intended them to think I referred to the attack on the
+fishing-boats. The cannonade died away as I spoke.
+
+We went down through the water to where the wrecked submarine was
+lying half over on her side. Some frightened faces peered at us out
+of the upper portholes, where a supply of air still lingered.
+
+It was impossible to do anything for them down there without being
+swamped ourselves. We could only invite them by signs to forsake
+their own craft and let us carry them up to the surface where it
+would be safe for us to take them inside.
+
+In order to receive them on our upper deck we circled slowly around
+to the opposite side of their vessel. And there I beheld a sight
+which will haunt me for years to come.
+
+The whole side of the submarine had been wrenched open, revealing the
+interior of the cabin. And on the floor, lying in the peaceful
+attitude of one who had just resigned herself to sleep, I beheld the
+drowned form of the beautiful, desperate, perhaps wicked, but
+unhappy, woman from whose mad love I had fled.
+
+So, in the midst of the wild North Sea, in their strange coffin, the
+bones of Sophia, Princess Yernoloff, lie and rock on the incessant
+tides that sweep across the Dogger Bank.
+
+_Requiescat in pace!_
+
+As our boat, laden with the rescued survivors, shot up again to the
+surface, I felt a noosed rope drawn tightly around my throat and
+heard the voice of Orloff hiss in my ear,
+
+"I arrest you in the name of the Kaiser!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+THE FAMILY STATUTE
+
+
+My task is done. At last the reader knows all that ever will be
+known--all there is to know, in short--concerning the tragedy of the
+North Sea.
+
+My personal adventures can possess little interest after the
+all-important transactions I have had to describe. But in case there
+should be a reader here and there who is good enough to feel any
+curiosity as to my fate, I will briefly tell what followed on my
+arrest.
+
+My revolver was taken from me and I was conducted under a strict
+guard back to Kiel.
+
+Off the mouth of the Canal we were boarded by a despatch-boat flying
+the German naval ensign, and a police officer with three men took me
+off the submarine.
+
+The first proceeding of my new captor was to handcuff me. He then
+warned me,
+
+"If you speak a single word to me or any one else till you are in the
+imperial presence, my orders are to shoot you through the head."
+
+I nodded. I had as little wish to speak as the Emperor could have to
+let me. My thoughts were busy with the memory of the woman of whose
+tragic death I had been the unwitting cause, and with the measures
+that remained to be taken to extenuate, so far as extenuation was
+possible, the fatal action of the Baltic fleet.
+
+As for myself, I can say truly that I had become almost indifferent
+to what was in store for me. My feeling toward the unfortunate
+Princess had not been such as that which makes a man desire a woman
+for his wife; it had not deserved the name of love, perhaps; and it
+was certainly free from any taint of a less noble passion.
+
+Nevertheless it had been a powerful sentiment, colored and
+strengthened by my knowledge of her love for me.
+
+Sophia had loved me. She had saved my life. And I had taken hers in
+return.
+
+Must I accuse myself of weakness for feeling as if happiness for me
+were over, and the best fate I could wish would be to lie there
+beside my victim on the lonely Dogger sands?
+
+When I came before Wilhelm II. he was not in the Hall of the
+Hohenzollerns, indulging his vein of extravagant romance, but in his
+private cabinet and in his most stern and business-like mood.
+
+"Give the prisoner a chair, and wait outside," his majesty commanded
+briefly.
+
+I sat down, still handcuffed, and the guards withdrew.
+
+"Now," said the Kaiser, fixing me with an eagle glance, "be good
+enough to explain your proceedings."
+
+I met his look with a steadfast one in return.
+
+"I have carried out your majesty's orders scrupulously. I have taken
+out the submarine torpedo boat, engaged a crew, proceeded to the
+Dogger Bank, and drawn the fire of the Baltic Fleet on the
+fishing-boats from Hull. I have not seen a newspaper since, but I
+assume that the British Navy has already arrested Admiral
+Rojestvensky and his squadron, and that the two Powers are at war."
+
+The Kaiser gnawed his moustache.
+
+"Things have not gone quite so well as you pretend, M. Petrovitch.
+
+"The Russian cannonade ceased after a few minutes," the Emperor
+resumed. "You did not remain on the surface after the first shot; you
+did not launch your torpedo, neither did you permit the other
+submarine to do so. In fact you sunk her."
+
+"I had no orders with respect to another submarine, sire. I was
+entitled to treat it as an enemy."
+
+"Nonsense, you know that it had left Kiel before you, on the same
+errand."
+
+"On the contrary, sire, I could not possibly know anything of the
+kind."
+
+"Why, you saw it had disappeared from the dock. You inquired after
+it along the Canal. When you got out to the Dogger you were searching
+for it the whole time."
+
+"And when I found it, sire, it was leading the Russian squadron, of
+which it appeared to form part. I had every right to assume that it
+was a Russian man-of-war."
+
+"A German boat!" thundered the Kaiser.
+
+"A boat not flying any flag must be presumed to belong to the country
+of those who are in control of it. I found this submarine under the
+control of a Russian subject."
+
+"The Princess was my agent."
+
+"Your majesty had not told me so. On the contrary, I understood that
+you wished my own boat to be considered a Russian vessel, in case of
+any question. I shipped a Russian crew therefore."
+
+Wilhelm II. frowned angrily.
+
+"Do not play with me, M. Petrovitch. I know all about your crew.
+Explain why you, a Russian subject, should have attacked what you are
+pleased to pretend was a Russian ship."
+
+"I regret to have to say that your majesty is laboring under a
+mistake. I am not a Russian subject."
+
+This time the Kaiser was fairly taken aback.
+
+"What subject are you?"
+
+"A Japanese."
+
+Wilhelm looked thunderstruck.
+
+"Japanese!" was all he could say.
+
+"If your majesty pleases. That being so, as soon as I took possession
+of the submarine, with your permission, of course it became a
+Japanese ship."
+
+"What you tell me is monstrous--ridiculous. Your name is Russian,
+your face is at least European."
+
+"My name, sire, is Matsukata. I received it in Tokio at the
+commencement of the war, on being adopted into a Japanese family.
+
+"If your majesty doubts my statement, I ask to be confronted with the
+Japanese Ambassador in Berlin."
+
+The Kaiser looked as if he would have liked to doubt it, but found
+himself unable to do so.
+
+"Then on your own showing you are a Japanese spy," he pronounced
+slowly. "As such I am entitled to have you shot."
+
+"Pardon me again, sire. In Petersburg I admit, that was my character.
+In Germany I have been your majesty's agent, and have literally
+fulfilled your commands."
+
+"You are a very acute quibbler, I see," was the retort, "but quibbles
+will not save you. You have stolen one of my ships to sink another
+with, and at the very least you deserve to be hanged as a pirate."
+
+"I demand to be tried," I said boldly, knowing that this was the one
+step to which the Emperor, for his own sake, could not consent.
+
+As I expected, he frowned uneasily.
+
+"In this case I must exercise my right of refusing a civil trial, in
+the interest of the State. I will give you a court-martial with
+closed doors."
+
+"That would be illegal, sire."
+
+"You dare to tell me so!"
+
+"Your majesty will find I am right. The case falls within the
+Hohenzollern Family Statute."
+
+The Kaiser appeared stupefied.
+
+"The Family Statute?" he repeated slowly, as if unable to believe his
+ears. "What has the Statute to do with you?"
+
+"It is provided in the Statute, if I recollect rightly, sire, that a
+member of the Imperial Family can be tried only by his peers, that is
+to say, by a court composed of members of your majesty's House."
+
+"Well, and what then?"
+
+"By another clause in the Statute--I regret that the number has
+escaped my memory--the privileges of a Hohenzollern in that respect
+are extended to members of other reigning Houses."
+
+"What are you going to tell me?" Wilhelm II. demanded in amazement.
+
+"Only that I have the honor to be the adopted son of his imperial
+highness Prince Yorimo, cousin to his majesty the Emperor of Japan."
+
+The German monarch sat still, unable to parry this unexpected blow.
+
+"The Japanese Ambassador--" he began to mutter.
+
+"Will confirm my statement, sire. I have already asked to be
+confronted with him. Before going to Kiel, I sent him information of
+my plans, so that he is already expecting to hear from me, I have no
+doubt."
+
+Wilhelm II. saw that he had come to the end of his tether. Lying back
+in his chair, he ejaculated----
+
+"I believed there was only one man in the two hemispheres who could
+do things like this!"
+
+"I am flattered to think you may be right, sire," I responded in my
+natural voice, with a smile.
+
+The Emperor bounded from his seat.
+
+"You--are--Monsieur V----!" he fairly gasped out.
+
+"I was, sire. Permit me to repeat that I am now called Prince
+Matsukata of Japan."
+
+Wilhelm II. made an effort, and came out of it with his best manner.
+
+"Then, in that case, you will stay and lunch with the Empress and
+myself, my dear Prince."
+
+As soon as the handcuffs had been removed, I told the whole story to
+the Kaiser, who was immensely interested, and decidedly touched by
+the part which related to the drowned Princess.
+
+Before leaving the Palace, I asked permission of my imperial host to
+make use of his private wire for a message to London, in the interest
+of peace.
+
+Wilhelm II., who began to see that he had been betrayed into going a
+little farther than was altogether desirable, consented in the
+friendliest spirit, merely stipulating that he should be allowed to
+see the message.
+
+He was rather surprised when he found it was addressed to Lord Bedale
+at Buckingham Palace, and comprised a single word, "Elsinore."
+
+And so, although some of the newspapers in the two capitals of
+England and Russia continued to breathe war for some days longer, I
+felt no more anxiety after reading the paragraph which stated that
+the British Prime Minister, at the close of the decisive Cabinet
+Council, had driven to the Palace to be received in private audience
+by her majesty Queen Alexandra.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE
+
+
+As I write these lines the war which has cost so many brave lives,
+and carried so much desolation through the fields and cities of
+Manchuria is still raging.
+
+The great fleet of Admiral Rojestvensky, from which the stains of the
+innocent fisherman's blood have not yet been washed, is plowing its
+way to meet a terrible retribution at the hands of the victorious
+Togo.[C] A curse is on that fleet, and it may be that the British
+Government foresaw that they could punish the crime of the Dogger
+Bank more terribly by letting it proceed, than by bringing it into
+Portsmouth to await the result of the international trial.
+
+[Footnote C: These words, which have been proven prophetic, were
+written last March, when Admiral Rojestvensky's fleet was still a
+very formidable fact to be reckoned with.--EDITOR.]
+
+In the great affairs of nations it is not always wise to exact strict
+justice, or to expose the actual truth.
+
+I, too, am a lover of peace. Not of that hysterical, sentimental
+horror of bloodshed which would place a great civilized nation at the
+mercy of more barbarous powers, which would stay the wheels of
+progress, and be indistinguishable from cowardice in the face of
+wrong.
+
+But I am a friend of the peace which is the natural result of a
+better understanding between peoples, of respect for one another's
+character and aims, of a wise recognition of facts, and an honorable
+determination not to play the part of the aggressor.
+
+It is in the hope of promoting such a peace on earth, and such
+good-will toward men, that I have allowed myself to publish the
+foregoing narrative.
+
+In order to soften the character of this revelation I have endeavored
+to impart to it a character of romance.
+
+So far as my abilities extend, I have sought to give the reader the
+impression that he has been reading an allegory rather than a dry,
+business record. I have tried to cover certain incidents with a
+discreet veil. I have as much as possible refrained from using real
+names.
+
+I trust that my narration will be accepted in the spirit in which it
+has been written and that no reader will allow his feelings of
+curiosity to lead him into going further, or raising questions which
+it might be indiscreet on my part to answer.
+
+But there is one part of the story to which the foregoing remarks do
+not apply.
+
+Whatever else be mythical, there is nothing mythical about the
+bright figure whose portrait has accompanied me through so many
+perils. There is a home for me in far-off Tokio, and when the
+blood-begrimed battalions of Asia sheathe their swords, I shall go
+thither to claim my reward.
+
+                         THE END
+
+
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+                                          Land of the Frozen Suns
+ =Harding, John W.=                       Raw Gold
+   The Chorus Lady
+                                        =Sutton, Margaret Doris=
+ =Heyn, Cutliffe=                         Goddess of The Dawn
+   Adventures of Captain Kettle
+                                        =Upward, Allen=
+ =Kent, Oliver=                           The International Spy
+   Her Heart's Gift
+                                        =Varnardy, Varick=
+ =Lewis, Alfred Henry=                    Return of The Night Wind
+   Apaches of New York
+                                        =Way, L. N.=
+ =Macvane, Edith=                         Call of The Heart
+   The Thoroughbred
+
+You have enjoyed this book--Read every title listed above--you may
+procure them at the store where this book was purchased at the same
+price per copy, or sent postpaid to any address for 75c per volume by
+the Publishers.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 701-733 S. DEARBORN STREET :: CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+FAMOUS BOOKS IN REBOUND EDITIONS
+
+
+HEIDI
+
+A Child's Story of Life in the Alps
+
+By Johanna Spyri
+
+395 pages--illustrated. Printed from new plates; neatly bound in
+cloth.
+
+
+PINOCCHIO
+
+A Tale of a Puppet--By C. Collodi
+
+Printed from new plates on a good grade of paper; neatly bound in
+cloth; illustrated.
+
+
+ELSIE DINSMORE
+
+By Martha Finley
+
+Beautiful edition of this popular book. Printed from new plates,
+covers stamped in four colors from original design.
+
+
+BROWNIES AND OTHER STORIES
+
+Illustrated by Palmer Cox
+
+320 pages and containing an illustration on nearly every page,
+printed from new plates from large, clear type, substantially bound
+in cloth.
+
+
+HELEN'S BABIES
+
+By John Habberton
+
+This amusing and entertaining book, printed from new plates, cloth
+binding.
+
+
+HANS BRINKER; or, The Silver Skates
+
+By Mary Mapes Dodge
+
+A popular edition of this well-known story of life in Holland.
+
+
+RAINY DAY DIVERSIONS
+
+By Carolyn Wells
+
+
+PLEASANT DAY DIVERSIONS
+
+By Carolyn Wells
+
+Printed on a good grade of paper from new plates, bound in a superior
+grade book binders' cloth. These volumes have never before been
+offered for less than $1.25; for sale now at the special price of 75
+cents each.
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,      Chicago
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+
+ _BOOKS BY_ MRS. E. D. E. N.
+ SOUTHWORTH
+
+ AN ATTRACTIVE LIST OF THE
+ WORKS OF THIS POPULAR AUTHOR
+
+The first eighteen titles with brackets are books with sequels,
+"Victor's Triumph," being a sequel to "Beautiful Fiend." etc. They
+are all printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of
+flexible paper and bound in English vellum cloth, assorted colors,
+containing charming female heads lithographed in twelve colors, as
+inlays; the titles being stamped in harmonizing colors of ink or
+foil. Cloth, 12mo size.
+
+  {1 Beautiful Fiend, A                 26 Discarded Daughter, The
+  {2 Victor's Triumph                   27 Doom of Deville, The
+  {3 Bride's Fate                       28 Eudora
+  {4 Changed Brides                     29 Fatal Secret, A
+  {5 Cruel as the Grave                 30 Fortune Seeker
+  {6 Tried for Her Life                 31 Gypsy's Prophecy
+  {7 Fair Play                          32 Haunted Homestead
+  {8 How He Won Her                     33 India; or, The Pearl on
+  {9 Family Doom                            Pearl River
+ {10 Maiden Widow                       34 Lady of the Isle, The
+ {11 Hidden Hand, The                   35 Lost Heiress, The
+ {12 Capitola's Peril                   36 Love's Labor Won
+ {13 Ishmael                            37 Missing Bride, The
+ {14 Self Raised                        38 Mother-in-Law
+ {15 Lost Heir of Linlithgow            39 Prince of Darkness, and
+ {16 Noble Lord, A                          Artist's Love
+ {17 Unknown                            40 Retribution
+ {18 Mystery of Raven Rocks             41 Three Beauties, The
+  19 Bridal Eve, The                    42 Three Sisters, The
+  20 Bride's Dowry, The                 43 Two Sisters, The
+  21 Bride of Llewellyn, The            44 Vivian
+  22 Broken Engagement, The             45 Widow's Son
+  23 Christmas Guest, The               46 Wife's Victory
+  24 Curse of Clifton
+  25 Deserted Wife, The
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postpaid at 75c each by the publishers.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 Dearborn Street CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+THE "HOW-TO-DO-IT" BOOKS
+
+By J. S. ZERBE
+
+
+Carpentry for Boys
+
+A book which treats, in a most practical and fascinating manner all
+subjects pertaining to the "King of Trades"; showing the care and
+use of tools; drawing; designing, and the laying out of work; the
+principles involved in the building of various kinds of structures,
+and the rudiments of architecture. It contains over two hundred and
+fifty illustrations made especially for this work, and includes also
+a complete glossary of the technical terms used in the art. The most
+comprehensive volume on this subject ever published for boys.
+
+
+Electricity for Boys
+
+The author has adopted the unique plan of setting forth the
+fundamental principles in each phase of the science, and practically
+applying the work in the successive stages. It shows how the
+knowledge has been developed, and the reasons for the various
+phenomena, without using technical words so as to bring it within the
+compass of every boy. It has a complete glossary of terms, and is
+illustrated with two hundred original drawings.
+
+
+Practical Mechanics for Boys
+
+This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series of
+practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the structure
+and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how they are utilized
+to perform the work, and the manner in which all dimensional work
+is carried out. Every subject is illustrated, and model building
+explained. It contains a glossary which comprises a new system of
+cross references, a feature that will prove a welcome departure in
+explaining subjects. Fully illustrated.
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price $1.00 each._
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00._
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET  ::  CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+GIRLS' LIBERTY SERIES
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls
+by standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+_12mo, clothene. Price 50c each._
+
+  1. Camp Fire Girls on a Long Hike, or,
+     Lost in the Great Northern Woods        Stella M. Francis
+  2. Daddy's Girl                            Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  3. Ethel Hollister's First Summer as
+     a Camp Fire Girl                        Irene Elliott Benson
+  4. Ethel Hollister's Second Summer         Irene Elliott Benson
+  5. Flat Iron for a Farthing                Mrs. Ewing
+  6. Four Little Mischiefs                   Rose Mulholland
+  7. Girls and I                             Mrs. Molesworth
+  8. Girl from America                       Mrs. L. T. Meade
+  9. Grandmother Dear                        Mrs. Molesworth
+ 10. Irvington Stories                       Mary Mapes Dodge
+ 11. Little Lame Prince                      Mrs. Muloch
+ 12. Little Susie Stories                    Mrs. H. Prentiss
+ 13. Mrs. Over the Way                       Julianna Horatio Ewing
+ 14. Naughty Miss Bunny                      Rose Mulholland
+ 15. Sweet Girl Graduate                     Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 16. School Queens                           Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 17. Sue, A Little Heroine                   Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ 18. Wild Kitty                              Mrs. L. T. Meade
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ COMPLETE EDITIONS--THE BEST FOR LEAST MONEY
+
+
+ Mrs. L. T. Meade
+ _SERIES_
+
+An excellent edition of the works of this very popular author of
+books for girls. Printed from large type on an extra quality of
+paper, cover design stamped in three colors, large side title
+letterings, each book in glazed paper printed wrapper. Each book with
+a beautiful colored frontispiece. Printed wrapper, 12 mo, cloth.
+
+  1 Bad Little Hannah                   18 Little Mother to
+  2 Bunch of Cherries, A                    Others
+  4 Children's Pilgrimage               20 Merry Girls of
+  5 Daddy's Girl                            England
+  6 Deb and the Duchess                 21 Miss Nonentity
+  7 Francis Kane's                      22 Modern Tomboy, A
+     Fortune                            23 Out of Fashion
+  8 Gay Charmer, A                      24 Palace Beautiful
+  9 Girl of the People, A               25 Polly, A New-Fashioned
+ 10 Girl in Ten                             Girl
+     Thousand, A                        26 Rebels of the School
+ 11 Girls of St. Wodes,                 27 School Favorite
+     The                                28 Sweet Girl Graduate,
+ 12 Girls of the True                       A
+     Blue                               29 Time of Roses, The
+ 13 Good Luck                           30 Very Naughty Girl, A
+ 14 Heart of Gold, The                  31 Wild Kitty
+ 15 Honorable Miss, The                 32 World of Girls
+ 17 Light of the Morning                33 Young Mutineer, The
+
+All of the above books may be had at the store where this book was
+bought, or will be sent postage prepaid to any address at 75c by the
+publishers
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 South Dearborn St., CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS' ELITE SERIES
+
+ _12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+Contains an attractive assortment of books for boys by standard and
+favorite authors. Printed from large, clear type on a superior
+quality of paper, bound in a superior quality of binders' cloth,
+ornamented with illustrated original designs on covers stamped in
+colors from unique and appropriate dies. Each book wrapped in
+attractive jacket.
+
+ 1. Cudjo's Cave                             Trowbridge
+ 2. Green Mountain Boys
+ 3. Life of Kit Carson                       Edward L. Ellis
+ 4. Tom Westlake's Golden Luck               Perry Newberry
+ 5. Tony Keating's Surprises                 Mrs. G. R. Alden (Pansy)
+ 6. Tour of the World in 80 Days             Jules Verne
+
+
+THE GIRLS' ELITE SERIES
+
+_12mo, cloth. Price 75c each._
+
+
+Contains an assortment of attractive and desirable books for girls by
+standard and favorite authors. The books are printed on a good
+quality of paper in large clear type. Each title is complete and
+unabridged. Bound in clothene, ornamented on the sides and back with
+attractive illustrative designs and the title stamped on front and
+back.
+
+ 1. Bee and the Butterfly                    Lucy Foster Madison
+ 2. Dixie School Girl                        Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 3. Girls of Mount Morris                    Amanda Douglas
+ 4. Hope's Messenger                         Gabrielle E. Jackson
+ 5. The Little Aunt                          Marion Ames Taggart
+ 6. A Modern Cinderella                      Amanda Douglas
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c_
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+
+ THERE IS MONEY
+ IN POULTRY
+
+ AMERICAN STANDARD PERFECTION
+ POULTRY BOOK, _By_ I. K. FELCH.
+
+Yet many old-fashion farmers are inclined to discredit the statement.
+Why? Because they are not up to the new and improved ideas in poultry
+management. A little trial of the rules laid down in these books will
+soon dispel all misgivings in this direction and tend to convince the
+most skeptical that there is money in poultry-keeping. It contains a
+complete description of all the varieties of fowls, including
+turkeys, ducks and geese.
+
+This book contains double the number of illustrations found in any
+similar work. It is the best and cheapest poultry book on the market
+Paper covers, 25c. Cloth, prepaid, =50c=
+
+
+ POULTRY CULTURE
+
+ _By_ I. K. FELCH
+
+How to raise, manage, mate and judge thoroughbred fowls, by I. K.
+Felch, the acknowledged authority on poultry matters. Thorough,
+comprehensive and complete treatise on all kinds of poultry. Cloth,
+438 pages, large 12mo, and over 70 full-page and other illustrations.
+Printed from clear type on good paper, stamped on side and back from
+ornate, appropriate designs.
+
+Price, prepaid, =$1.00=
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers, or will send to any address in
+the United States, Canada or Mexico, postage prepaid, on receipt of
+price, in currency, money order or stamps.
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-727 S. DEARBORN STREET : CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+OUR YOUNG FOLKS'
+
+ILLUSTRATED BOOKS
+
+
+This series contains those books for young folks that are without
+question conceded to be the most popular of this class. Each title
+has a distinctive cover design. Each volume contains twenty to sixty
+illustrations.
+
+_The following books are ready for delivery_:
+
+ Andersen's Fairy Tales
+ Alice in Wonderland
+ Arabian Nights
+ Black Beauty
+ Mother Goose
+ Pilgrim's Progress
+ Rip Van Winkle
+ Robinson Crusoe
+ Story of the Bible
+ Wood's Natural History
+ Through the Looking Glass
+
+_Sent postpaid at twenty cents each or six for one dollar._
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ 711 S. DEARBORN STREET   ::   CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+ ALWAYS _ASK FOR THE_ DONOHUE
+ Complete Editions and you will get the best for the least money
+
+ _SELECTED WORKS OF_
+ EUGENE FIELD
+
+A very attractive selection of popular books by this favorite and
+gifted author. Each book contains a carefully selected and classified
+list of poems that have endeared the author to millions and given him
+a place among the immortals. These books should be in every library,
+both public and private.
+
+ In Four Volumes. Boxed.
+ Cloth Binding.
+
+ Price, =$3.00= per set.
+
+ Single Volumes =75c= each,
+ postpaid.
+
+
+IN WINK-A-WAY LAND
+
+The contents of this volume is especially selected and arranged for
+the little folks. All are suitable for use in school exercises and on
+"Eugene Field Day."
+
+
+HOOSIER LYRICS
+
+This is a series of pathetic, amusing and entertaining poems rendered
+in Indiana dialect on notable Hoosier scenes with parodies on poems
+by James Whitcomb Riley.
+
+
+JOHN SMITH, U. S. A.
+
+The romantic story of John Smith, also includes many other poems, all
+of which afford suitable material for "Field Readings" and general
+school and church entertainments.
+
+
+THE CLINK OF THE ICE and other poems
+
+Edition containing portraits and autographs. Stories of inimitable
+wit and humor with lullabies and sketches of every day scenes that
+made Eugene Field famous. All worth while.
+
+Printed from new plates on good paper, uniformly and neatly bound in
+cloth; gold titles on front and back.
+
+For sale by all book and newsdealers or sent postpaid to any address
+upon receipt of price in stamps, currency, postal or express money
+order, by the publishers.
+
+
+ M. A. Donohue & Co.,
+ 701-727 S. Dearborn St. Chicago
+
+
+
+
+BOYS' COPYRIGHTED BOOKS
+
+
+Printed from large, clear type on a superior quality of paper,
+embellished with original illustrations by eminent artists, and bound
+in a superior quality of book binders' cloth, ornamented with
+illustrated covers, stamped in colors from unique and appropriate
+dies, each book wrapped in a glazed paper wrapper printed in colors.
+
+
+MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES
+
+By Louis Arundel
+
+ 1.--The Motor Club's Cruise Down the Mississippi; or, The Dash
+      for Dixie.
+ 2.--The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or, Adventures
+      Among the Thousand Islands.
+ 3.--The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or, Exploring the Mystic
+      Isle of Mackinac.
+ 4.--Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or, The Struggle for
+      the Leadership.
+ 5.--Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or, Through Storm and
+      Stress.
+ 6.--Motor Boat Boys' River Chase.
+
+
+THE BIRD BOYS SERIES
+
+By John Luther Langworthy
+
+ 1.--The Bird Boys; or, The Young Sky Pilots' First Air Voyage.
+ 2.--The Bird Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics.
+ 3.--The Bird Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a
+      Wreck.
+ 4.--Bird Boys' Flight; or, A Hydroplane Round-up.
+ 5.--Bird Boys' Aeroplane Wonder; or, Young Aviators on a Cattle
+      Ranch.
+
+
+CANOE AND CAMPFIRE SERIES
+
+By St. George Rathborne
+
+
+ 1.--Canoe Mates in Canada; or, Three Boys Afloat on the Saskatchewan.
+ 2.--Young Fur Takers; or, Traps and Trails in the Wilderness.
+ 3.--The House Boat Boys; or, Drifting Down to the Sunny South.
+ 4.--Chums in Dixie; or, The Strange Cruise in the Motor Boat.
+ 5.--Camp Mates in Michigan; or, With Pack and Paddle in the Pine
+      Woods.
+ 6.--Rocky Mountain Boys; or, Camping in the Big Game Country.
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+By
+
+Mrs. George Sheldon Downs
+
+
+=Katherine's Sheaves=
+
+A Great Novel With a Great Purpose
+
+Katherine's Sheaves is altogether delightful, a charming piece of
+fiction, a beautiful romance. One must admire the book for its
+characterization, its brilliant pictures of life, and its dramatic
+situations, but still more for its philosophy and wisdom.
+
+The story is a dramatic one, abounding in strong situations.
+
+The plot is well conceived and carried out, the style easy and the
+characters likable.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Step by Step=
+
+Judged as a story pure and simple, "STEP BY STEP" is altogether
+delightful. But it is not merely a charming piece of fiction. Ethical
+in its nature, the underlying thought shows throughout the lofty
+purpose and high ideals of the author, and exhales a wholesome
+atmosphere, while the element of romance pervading it is both
+elevated and enriched by its purity and simplicity.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Gertrude Elliot's Crucible=
+
+It is a readable story, clean, wholesome, and high in moral
+tone--optimistic and constructive.
+
+It has an alluring plot, and is well and skillfully worked out. The
+incidents are dramatic, and therefore always striking, and the entire
+romance will hold the attention of the reader.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+=Redeemed=
+
+Dealing with divorce--the most vital problem in the world
+to-day--this book tells how a pure-minded woman is divorced from her
+husband, upon a flimsy pretext, because he wishes to marry again. How
+he suffers when he learns that he has thrown away the true
+disinterested love of a noble woman, and how he craves that love
+again, makes a vivid, forceful story of an intensely modern
+significance.
+
+12mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Popular Edition,
+
+
+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of $1.00
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
+ 701-733 So. Dearborn Street,       Chicago
+
+
+
+
+The American Boy's Sports Series
+
+BY MARK OVERTON
+
+12 Mo, Cloth, Illustrated. Price 60c Each.
+
+
+These stories touch upon nearly every sport in which the active boy
+is interested. Baseball, rowing, football, hockey, skating,
+ice-boating, sailing, camping and fishing all serve to lend interest
+to an unusual series of books. There are the following four titles:
+
+ =1. Jack Winters' Baseball Team; or, The
+      Mystery of the Diamond.=
+ =2. Jack Winters' Campmates; or, Vacation
+      Days in the Woods.=
+ =3. Jack Winters' Gridiron Chums; or, When
+      the Half-back Saved the Day.=
+ =4. Jack Winters' Iceboat Wonder; or, Leading
+      the Hockey Team to Victory.=
+
+
+ M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+ CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+1. Minor changes have been made to correct typesetter errors;
+otherwise, every effort has been made to remain true to the author's
+words and intent.
+
+2. In the advertising pages at the end of this book, the = symbol has
+been used to note that the words enclosed were typeset in bold.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The International Spy, by Allen Upward
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE INTERNATIONAL SPY ***
+
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